Autumn-Spiced Pumpkin Muffins with Maple Cream Filling Recipe

Autumn’s crisp breeze whispers stories of warm pumpkin muffins with maple cream cheese filling dancing through cozy kitchens.

Golden leaves swirl outside while these delectable treats promise comfort in every bite.

The rich, velvety pumpkin batter hints at seasonal magic waiting to unfold.

Creamy maple-infused cream cheese nestles softly inside each tender muffin, creating a delightful surprise.

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg weave their aromatic spell, inviting you to savor the moment.

These muffins offer a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth that celebrates the season’s most beloved flavors.

One bite transports you to a world of pure autumnal bliss, making every morning feel like a special occasion.

Get ready to fill your home with irresistible aromas and create a breakfast memory that lingers long after the last crumb disappears.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20-24 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 13

Pumpkin Muffins with Maple Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moist, tender muffins with a soft crumb, choose a neutral-flavored oil for best results.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a rich, caramel-like depth of flavor.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, autumn warmth, and vibrant orange color; select pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure, room temperature eggs mix more evenly.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter consistency.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the muffin, providing structure and texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps muffins rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves: Bring warm, spicy autumn flavors that complement pumpkin perfectly.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a light, fluffy texture when whipped.
• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, tangy base for the filling.
• Maple Syrup: Adds deep, sweet flavor with distinct maple complexity.
• Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon, Melted Butter: Creates a crispy, sweet cinnamon topping that adds crunch and flavor contrast.

Tools for Making Filled Pumpkin Muffins Easily

• Large mixing bowl: For combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients without lumps.
• Muffin tin: Standard 12-cup pan for baking perfect muffins.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for accurate recipe.
• Piping bag or plastic bag: To neatly fill muffins with cream cheese.
• Small paring knife: For creating filling space in muffin centers.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows muffins to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Electric mixer or hand beaters: Helps whip cream and blend cream cheese.
• Small bowls: For preparing topping and filling separately.

How to Bake Pumpkin Muffins with Maple Cream Cheese Centers

• Pumpkin Base

Gather all your baking tools and create a cozy kitchen atmosphere. Mix wet ingredients like pumpkin puree, oil, and sugars until they form a smooth, inviting blend. The key is gentle stirring that keeps the mixture light and airy.

• Dry Ingredient Harmony

Combine flour, spices, and leavening agents in a separate bowl. Softly fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overwork the batter. This technique ensures tender, fluffy muffins with perfect texture.

• Cinnamon Sugar Magic

Craft a delightful topping by mixing cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle this sweet mixture generously over the muffin batter, creating a crispy, aromatic layer that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Oven Transformation

Bake the muffins in a preheated oven until they rise beautifully and develop a golden-brown crown. Let them cool completely, allowing the flavors to settle and intensify.

• Creamy Maple Filling

Whip cream cheese with maple syrup, creating a luxurious, silky filling. Carefully hollow out the center of each cooled muffin and pipe the maple cream cheese inside, creating a surprising and decadent center.

• Serving Delight

Serve these muffins at room temperature or chilled. Each bite promises a perfect balance of spicy pumpkin and sweet maple cream cheese, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Tips to Enhance Flavor in Pumpkin Muffins with Filling

• Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a rich, tropical twist that enhances the pumpkin's natural sweetness.
• Experiment with different flavored syrups like bourbon, caramel, or hazelnut instead of maple to create unique flavor profiles that surprise your taste buds.
• Prep the muffin batter and filling the night before, storing them separately in the refrigerator to save time during busy mornings. The batter and filling will stay fresh for up to 24 hours.
• Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. These muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months, providing a quick grab-and-go breakfast or dessert option when you need a delicious pick-me-up.
• Fold in chopped pecans or pumpkin seeds into the batter for added crunch, protein, and a nutritional upgrade that gives these muffins extra texture and wholesome goodness.

Serving Pumpkin Muffins with a Maple Twist

• Autumn Breakfast Companion: Pair these pumpkin muffins with a steaming cup of cinnamon coffee or warm apple cider for a cozy morning treat that celebrates seasonal flavors.
• Dessert Transformation: Elevate these muffins into an elegant dessert by adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top, creating a more sophisticated presentation.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the muffins on a rustic wooden board with fresh seasonal fruits like sliced pears or cranberries, making them a stunning centerpiece for weekend gatherings or holiday brunches.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Store these muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing busy families to enjoy a quick and delicious breakfast or snack throughout the week.

Storage Tips for Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep these delightful muffins in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The maple cream cheese filling requires cool temperatures to maintain its perfect texture and prevent spoilage.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the muffin batter and filling separately the night before. Store the batter in a sealed container in the refrigerator and the filling in a piping bag, allowing for quick morning assembly and fresh baking.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. These treats can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
• Room Temperature Quick Tip: If serving within 24 hours, muffins can rest in a sealed container on the kitchen counter. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their soft, moist texture and prevent the cream cheese filling from becoming too soft.

Fluffy Pumpkin Muffins with Maple Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Heartwarming spiced pumpkin muffins with maple cream cheese filling combine classic autumn flavors into a single delectable treat. Delicate crumb and rich filling create a perfect balance that will delight seasonal baking enthusiasts.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1.75 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 0.5 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1.5 tsps ground cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp ground cloves
• 0.75 tsp salt
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 0.75 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
• 0.5 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and arrange muffin liners in tin or lightly grease cavities.
2. Wet Mixture Creation: Whisk vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth, then integrate pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, eggs, and milk, blending gently until just combined.
3. Dry Ingredient Assembly: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt, then delicately fold into wet ingredients to maintain a tender texture.
4. Batter Deployment and Topping: Fill muffin cavities three-quarters full, then craft a cinnamon sugar mixture by mixing granulated sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until sandy, generously sprinkling over muffin surfaces.
5. Baking Process: Roast muffins for 20-24 minutes, verifying doneness by testing top resilience—they should spring back when lightly pressed.
6. Maple Cream Cheese Filling Preparation: Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, then cream softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese, incorporating maple syrup until achieving a uniform, silky consistency.
7. Filling and Finishing: Once muffins cool completely, carve a small cone from each center, pipe maple cream cheese filling into cavities, ensuring a luxurious layer is visible.
8. Service: Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled, presenting a delectable pumpkin muffin with decadent maple cream cheese filling.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir dry and wet ingredients minimally to maintain a soft, tender muffin texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Filling Technique: Use a paring knife to create a clean, precise cone-shaped cavity for even and abundant maple cream cheese filling distribution.
• Temperature Matters: Allow muffins to cool completely before filling to prevent cream cheese from melting and ensure structural integrity.
• Storage Tip: These muffins stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for extended freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-24 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg