Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Pumpkin cream cheese muffins are the perfect balance of cozy fall flavours and creamy indulgence. Soft, spiced pumpkin muffin batter pairs beautifully with a sweet cream cheese swirl, making each bite rich and irresistible. These muffins are not only great for breakfast but also serve as a delightful snack or dessert.
What makes them so special is the combination of textures and flavours. The moist pumpkin base brings warmth from spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, while the cream cheese center adds a smooth, tangy sweetness. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or as a sweet afternoon pick me up, these muffins are bound to become one of your favourite seasonal bakes.
Why You Need This Recipe
This recipe is a must try if you love bakery style muffins that are both impressive and easy to make. Unlike plain muffins, the cream cheese filling makes them taste gourmet without requiring complicated techniques. They stay moist for days, are freezer friendly, and perfect for sharing at gatherings, bake sales, or family breakfasts. With simple ingredients and big flavour, this recipe will become a repeat favourite.
Ingredients
These carefully selected ingredients create moist pumpkin muffins with a luscious cream cheese swirl that feels bakery quality right from your own kitchen.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| All purpose flour | 1 ¾ cups | 640 |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | 2 |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | 0 |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | 6 |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ tsp | 3 |
| Pumpkin puree | 1 cup | 80 |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup | 310 |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup | 960 |
| Large eggs | 2 | 140 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | 24 |
| Cream cheese | 6 oz | 600 |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | 200 |
Calories are approximate for the entire recipe and will vary depending on serving size
How to Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. For the filling, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and remaining vanilla until creamy. Fill each muffin liner halfway with pumpkin batter, spoon a small dollop of cream cheese mixture in the center, and cover with more batter until about two-thirds full. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the cream cheese layer if desired. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips
For the creamiest swirl, make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. Do not overmix the batter as it can make the muffins dense. If you prefer a stronger spice flavour, add a pinch of cloves or allspice. You can also sprinkle coarse sugar or a light cinnamon streusel on top for extra crunch and bakery style presentation.
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
These muffins pair wonderfully with a warm latte, hot apple cider, or a simple cup of black tea. For added indulgence, drizzle them with caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar before serving. Fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped pecans also makes a lovely finishing touch.
Conclusion
Pumpkin cream cheese muffins combine the best of both worlds: moist, spiced pumpkin flavour and a creamy, sweet filling. They are easy enough for a weekday bake but impressive enough to serve at gatherings. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself baking these muffins again and again for a taste of comfort and sweetness in every bite.
