The Joy of Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe: Cozy Bites

Fall mornings come alive with these delectable pumpkin cream cheese muffins that blend warmth and sweetness perfectly.

Soft, tender spices dance through each bite of these irresistible autumn treats.

The cream cheese center adds a luxurious richness that makes these muffins absolutely magical.

Warm cinnamon and nutmeg weave through the pumpkin batter, creating a cozy flavor profile that feels like a hug from the season.

Every muffin emerges from the oven with a golden, slightly crisp top that gives way to a pillowy interior.

Bakers of all skill levels can whip up these delightful muffins in under an hour.

Your kitchen will fill with an aroma that beckons everyone to the table, eager to savor these delicious seasonal gems.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients Behind Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moistness and tender crumb, choose a neutral-flavored oil for clean taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization, select fine-grain for smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm depth and enhances other flavors, pure vanilla works best.
• Pumpkin Puree: Delivers rich autumn flavor and natural moisture, use 100% pure pumpkin.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and create structure, fresh large eggs recommended.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend ingredients smoothly, whole milk preferred for richness.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates muffin structure, sift to prevent lumps.
• Baking Soda: Helps muffins rise and become light, ensure freshness by checking expiration.
• Baking Powder: Provides additional leavening, check for recent date.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Delivers warm autumn notes, homemade blend works wonderfully.

• Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, rich filling, use room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens cream cheese layer, fine-grain dissolves easily.
• Egg: Helps stabilize and set cream cheese mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle aromatic sweetness.

Must-Have Items to Bake Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• Large Mixing Bowls: Three separate bowls for wet ingredients, dry ingredients, and cream cheese filling.
• Electric Hand Mixer: Perfect for beating cream cheese mixture smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for combining wet ingredients and incorporating dry ingredients.
• Muffin Pan: Standard 12-cup pan for baking muffins.
• Muffin Liners: Paper cups to prevent sticking and easy removal.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements for ingredients.
• Knife: For folding and marbling the cream cheese and pumpkin batters.
• Toothpicks: To test muffin doneness.
• Cooling Rack: Helps muffins cool evenly after baking.

Baking Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Made Simple

Autumn Spice Surprise

• Kitchen Prep Workspace

Gather all cooking tools and clear a clean counter area for smooth baking adventure. Organize mixing bowls, measuring tools, and muffin pan for easy access.

• Wet Mixture Magic

Combine pumpkin puree with oil, sugar, and aromatic vanilla in large mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients until smooth and beautifully blended with consistent texture.

• Dry Ingredient Dance

Sift flour, baking essentials, and warm spices together in separate container. Gently fold dry mixture into wet ingredients, creating soft batter without overmixing.

• Cream Cheese Cloud

Whip cream cheese with sweet granules until silky and light. Add delicate egg and vanilla, blending until perfectly creamy and dreamy.

• Muffin Assembly

Line pan with delicate paper cups. Carefully layer pumpkin batter, then crown each with generous cream cheese swirl. Use gentle knife movements to create elegant marbled pattern.

• Baking Transformation

Slide muffin pan into preheated oven. Watch magic happen as golden treats rise and develop rich autumn aroma. Remove when toothpick comes out with slight moisture.

• Cooling Moment

Allow muffins to rest and settle, letting flavors develop and texture become perfectly tender. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with cozy beverage.

Customize Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Your Way

• Prepare the muffin batter and cream cheese filling separately the night before, storing them in the refrigerator to save morning preparation time.
• These muffins freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.
• Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the pumpkin batter for extra crunch and nutty depth. Alternatively, sprinkle rolled oats on top before baking for a rustic, hearty finish.
• Customize the pumpkin pie spice blend by mixing your own combination of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to match your personal flavor preferences.

Plating Ideas for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• Fall Breakfast Companion: Pair these moist muffins with a steaming cup of cinnamon coffee or hot apple cider for a cozy morning treat that warms both hands and heart.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve these pumpkin cream cheese muffins on a beautiful ceramic plate alongside fresh whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an elegant mid-day indulgence.
• Dessert Presentation Magic: Dust the cooled muffins with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light maple glaze to transform them into a stunning dessert that looks as delightful as it tastes.
• Holiday Gift Inspiration: Package these muffins in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine and a small cinnamon stick for a homemade gift that shows love and culinary creativity during autumn gatherings.

Keeping Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Fresh and Tasty

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. These delightful treats can stay frozen up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cream cheese-filled muffins in the refrigerator for extended shelf life, lasting up to 5 days. Let them reach room temperature before enjoying for best taste and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare muffin batter and cream cheese filling separately one day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake fresh when ready to serve, maintaining peak flavor and moistness.

Cozy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Spiced pumpkin cream cheese muffins merge autumn’s warmth with creamy richness. Moist cake and smooth filling create a perfect seasonal breakfast treat you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¼ cups (305 g) pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg (for cream cheese filling)
• 8 oz (226 g) block cream cheese
• 1 ¾ cups (210 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for cream cheese filling)
• ½ cup (118 ml) oil (canola/vegetable)
• ½ cup (118 ml) milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for cream cheese filling)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 tsp pumpkin pie spice

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Gather measuring tools and mixing bowls to streamline ingredient combination process.
2. Liquid Base Creation: Blend vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until smooth and integrated.
3. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, and milk into the oil mixture, creating a uniform, silky emulsion with consistent texture.
4. Dry Ingredient Blending: Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, kosher salt, and pumpkin pie spice together in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
5. Batter Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a light, airy muffin texture, stopping when just combined.
6. Cream Cheese Filling Preparation: Whip cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until achieving a light, fluffy consistency with no lumps.
7. Filling Enhancement: Incorporate egg and vanilla into cream cheese mixture, stirring with smooth, consistent motions to create a silky filling.
8. Muffin Tin Setup: Line muffin tin with paper liners, creating an even surface for precise batter distribution.
9. Batter Layering: Fill each liner two-thirds full with pumpkin batter, then delicately add cream cheese mixture on top, creating artistic swirls with minimal blending.
10. Marbling Technique: Use a slim knife to create intricate patterns by gently swirling batters without overmixing.
11. Baking Process: Place muffin tin in oven preheated to 375°F, baking for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with minimal moisture.
12. Cooling and Finishing: Transfer muffins to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling to develop optimal texture and flavor profile.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir dry and wet ingredients gently to maintain a light, tender muffin texture, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
• Temperature Matters: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for smoother, more consistent filling and better ingredient integration.
• Marbling Technique: Use a slim knife to create delicate swirls, moving carefully to achieve beautiful pattern without disturbing batter structure.
• Cooling is Crucial: Let muffins rest completely on wire rack to develop full flavor profile and achieve perfect moisture balance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg