Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins [45 Minutes]

Pumpkin cream cheese muffins with streusel topping are a delightful fall treat. These muffins feature a moist and spiced pumpkin batter filled with a creamy cream cheese center and topped with a buttery streusel crumble. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, these muffins are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these pumpkin cream cheese muffins for their rich flavors and textures. The combination of spiced pumpkin, creamy filling, and crunchy streusel topping creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite. These muffins are easy to make and perfect for enjoying during the fall season or any time you crave a cozy treat.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Use pure pumpkin puree: Ensure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added spices and sugar.
  • Room temperature ingredients: Have your cream cheese and eggs at room temperature for a smoother filling and batter.
  • Do not overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the muffins soft and tender.
  • Fill evenly: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to evenly distribute the batter and filling.
  • Chill the filling: Chilling the cream cheese filling for a bit makes it easier to handle and spoon into the batter.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

  • Nut addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra crunch.
  • Spice variations: Adjust the spices to your taste or add a pinch of nutmeg and allspice for extra warmth.
  • Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
  • Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve pumpkin cream cheese muffins with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack any time of day. They also make a delightful addition to holiday brunches and gatherings.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Room temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week to extend freshness.
  • Freezing: Freeze the muffins in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
  • Reheating: Enjoy the muffins at room temperature or slightly warmed in the microwave for a few seconds.

Recipe FAQs

What if my streusel is too crumbly? Add a bit more melted butter if the streusel is too dry.

Can I use fresh pumpkin? Yes, but make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. You’ll need to drain excess moisture if necessary.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch.

How do I prevent the filling from sinking? Ensure the batter is thick enough to hold the filling and distribute it evenly.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Yield: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Savor the taste of fall with our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins – a blend of spice and creaminess!

Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ¾ cup canned pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1¼ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar

For the Cinnamon Crumb Topping

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, and salt until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat together all cream cheese filling ingredients until smooth.
  6. In a small bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture is crumbly.
  7. Fill each muffin liner halfway with the pumpkin batter.
  8. Add a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture to the center of each.
  9. Top off with more pumpkin batter, ensuring the cream cheese is covered.
  10. Sprinkle the cinnamon crumb topping generously over each muffin.
  11. Use a toothpick to swirl the batter slightly for a marbled effect.
  12. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  13. Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Notes

  • To enhance the flavor, add some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
  • Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother filling.
  • Don't overmix the batter to achieve the perfect muffin texture.
  • For a richer crumb topping, increase the amount of brown sugar for added moisture and flavor.
  • Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 414Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 277mgCarbohydrates: 53gFiber: 1gSugar: 33gProtein: 5g

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