Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert. The soft texture of pumpkin muffins combined with creamy cheese filling makes them irresistible. Ideal for fall gatherings, cozy brunches, or as a sweet snack, these muffins are sure to impress everyone. Their warm spices and fluffy texture will leave you craving more after just one bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and cream cheese creates a rich taste that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: This simple recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these muffins warm for breakfast or as a sweet snack throughout the day.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch for friends, family, or coworkers and watch them disappear in no time!
• Seasonal Delight: These muffins capture the essence of autumn with their cozy spices.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tin: Essential for shaping the muffins and ensuring they bake evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Helps in combining ingredients without mess, making it easier to mix wet and dry components separately.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing dry ingredients thoroughly, which ensures an even distribution of spices.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, gather the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

• 15 oz Pumpkin puree (1 can of puree)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 3/4 cup Brown sugar (packed light or dark)
• 1 Large egg (room temperature)
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup Sour cream (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup Buttermilk (room temperature)

Cream Cheese Filling

• 4 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
• 2 TBSP White granulated sugar
• 1 tsp All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Milk
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Grease the muffin tin with butter or line it with muffin liners. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients:
1. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg.
2. Whisk together until well mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix all wet ingredients:
1. Combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, sour cream, and buttermilk.
2. Use a whisk to blend until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula:
1. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl:
1. Beat together cream cheese, white sugar, all-purpose flour, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups

Spoon half the pumpkin batter into each muffin cup:
1. Add a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center.
2. Top with remaining pumpkin batter to cover the cream cheese.

Step 8: Sprinkle Topping

Sprinkle coarse sugar on top of each muffin for added crunch before baking.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring muffins to a wire rack. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins warm!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert, here are some creative serving ideas to elevate your muffin experience.

Pair with Coffee

• Enjoy your muffins alongside a hot cup of coffee. The warmth and richness of coffee complement the spices in the muffins beautifully.

Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream

• Top your muffins with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent touch. This adds creaminess that pairs well with the pumpkin flavor.

Serve with Cream Cheese Frosting

• For an extra indulgence, spread some cream cheese frosting on top. This will enhance the creamy texture and give them a sweet finish.

Create a Muffin Sandwich

• Slice the muffins in half and fill them with a layer of cream cheese or your favorite nut butter. This makes for a satisfying treat any time of day.

Enjoy with Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside sliced apples or pears. The freshness balances the rich flavors of the muffins and adds a healthy element to your meal.

Drizzle with Honey or Maple Syrup

• A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup can bring out the natural sweetness in the muffins. This is especially delightful if you enjoy sweeter treats.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Perfecting your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins is easy with these helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Bring all ingredients like egg, sour cream, and buttermilk to room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t Overmix – Mix until just combined to keep the muffins tender. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.

• Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

• Cool Properly – Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their shape.

• Store Correctly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement their flavors perfectly.

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing and healthy accompaniment.
2. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the muffins.
3. Chia Seed Pudding – This creamy pudding offers great texture and nutrition, making it perfect alongside muffins.
4. Savory Quiche – A slice of quiche can add heartiness to your breakfast table while contrasting nicely with sweet muffins.
5. Oatmeal – Serve warm oatmeal topped with nuts and fruits for a comforting side dish that pairs well with pumpkin flavors.
6. Smoothie Bowl – A thick smoothie bowl topped with seeds, nuts, and berries creates a nutritious pairing full of color and flavor.
7. Cheese Platter – Include assorted cheeses alongside crackers and nuts for a savory balance against sweet muffins.
8. Spiced Nuts – Roasted spiced nuts provide crunch and flavor that contrast nicely with soft muffins, making for an enjoyable snack plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your muffins turn out perfectly.

• Not using room temperature ingredients: Using cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and a denser muffin. Always let your egg, sour cream, and cream cheese reach room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in tough muffins. Mix until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Skimping on the spices: Pumpkin flavor shines with spices. Make sure to measure accurately and include all recommended spices for maximum flavor.
• Skipping the cream cheese filling: The cream cheese filling is what makes these muffins special. Don’t forget this step for that delightful surprise!
• Underbaking or overbaking: Baking time is crucial. Keep an eye on your muffins and test with a toothpick; they should come out clean but not dry.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per muffin, checking doneness.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet on low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.

How do I make pumpkin cream cheese muffins gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Adjust baking powder as necessary.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can use cooked and pureed fresh pumpkin. Ensure it is well-drained for the right consistency.

What are some variations of pumpkin cream cheese muffins?

Try adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture! You can also experiment with different spices like ginger or cloves.

How long do these pumpkin cream cheese muffins last?

In the refrigerator, they last up to 5 days, while frozen muffins can be stored for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful combination of soft pumpkin goodness and creamy filling. They’re perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day. Feel free to customize them by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Enjoy deliciously soft Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins filled with creamy goodness – perfect for breakfast or dessert! Try this recipe today!

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 15 oz pumpkin puree (1 can of puree)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed light or dark)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 2 tbsp white granulated sugar
• 1 tsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
4. Fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Prepare the cream cheese filling by mixing cream cheese with sugar, flour, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
6. Fill muffin cups halfway with batter; add a dollop of cream cheese filling and top off with remaining batter.
7. Bake for about 14 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg