Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect treat for any occasion, combining the rich flavors of pumpkin with a delightful cream cheese filling. Each muffin is soft and packed with warm spices, making them a great choice for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack. Their tall and fluffy texture is sure to impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a deliciously cozy flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these muffins can be whipped up in no time!
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these muffins fit seamlessly into any meal.
• Impressive Presentation: Baked tall and beautifully golden, they look as delightful as they taste!
• Creamy Surprise: The rich cream cheese filling adds an unexpected twist that elevates these muffins.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking process and help achieve perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tin: Ensures even cooking and gives the muffins their classic shape.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in delicate mixtures like cream cheese without deflating them.

Ingredients

To create 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 your muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking. This step is important for easy removal after baking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, sour cream, and buttermilk until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, white sugar, flour, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Tins

Spoon half of the pumpkin batter into each muffin cup. Then add a dollop of the cream cheese filling on top of each before covering with more pumpkin batter until each cup is about three-quarters full.

Step 8: Bake

Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for about 14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These delightful pumpkin cream cheese muffins are perfect for any occasion, whether as a sweet breakfast treat or an afternoon snack. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Pair with a Warm Beverage

• Coffee – The rich flavor of coffee complements the spices in the muffins beautifully.
• Tea – A soothing cup of chai or herbal tea can balance the sweetness of the muffins.

Enjoy with Fruit Spreads

• Apple Butter – The tartness of apple butter adds a nice contrast to the creamy filling.
• Cranberry Jam – A spoonful of cranberry jam introduces a burst of tangy flavor.

Add a Side of Yogurt

• Greek Yogurt – Creamy Greek yogurt provides a refreshing and protein-rich side.
• Flavored Yogurt – Try pumpkin spice or vanilla-flavored yogurt for added sweetness.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

To ensure your pumpkin cream cheese muffins turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps create a smooth batter and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mixing too much can lead to dense muffins; stir just until combined.
• Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when done.
• Cool Before Serving – Allow the muffins to cool slightly before enjoying for optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Serving pumpkin cream cheese muffins with a side dish can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent pairings.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to your plate.
2. Mixed Nuts – A handful of nuts provides crunch and healthy fats that complement the softness of the muffins.
3. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast.
4. Vegetable Sticks and Dip – Carrot and celery sticks with hummus add crunch and nutrition.
5. Granola Parfait – Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a wholesome addition.
6. Smoothie Bowl – A smoothie bowl topped with seeds or granola can provide a refreshing side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin cream cheese muffins can be a fun experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or cream cheese can lead to uneven mixing. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can create dense muffins instead of soft ones. Mix just until combined to keep your muffins fluffy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make your muffins dry. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Skipping the spice blend: The spices make these pumpkin cream cheese muffins shine. Don’t skip or substitute them, as they add depth of flavor.
• Using warm pumpkin puree: If your pumpkin puree is too warm, it can affect the texture of the batter. Allow it to cool if heated before adding.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep muffins at room temperature for short term; refrigerate for longer freshness.

Freezing Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• Muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat muffins for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on low heat in a skillet, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about pumpkin cream cheese muffins that may help you while baking.

How do I make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

To make pumpkin cream cheese muffins, mix dry ingredients separately, then combine with wet ingredients and fill muffin tins with cream cheese filling before baking.

Can I use other spices in my Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like ginger or allspice according to your taste preferences.

What can I substitute for sour cream in Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

Plain yogurt or buttermilk works well as substitutes for sour cream without changing the texture significantly.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are not only delicious but also versatile enough for breakfast or dessert. You can customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips, making them perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s an easy way to bring fall flavors into your kitchen!

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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 muffins 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, a perfect treat for any occasion. These muffins feature a moist pumpkin base infused with warm spices and a creamy surprise filling that elevates each bite. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast item, afternoon snack, or dessert, these muffins are sure to impress family and friends with their fluffy texture and irresistible taste. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, they are a must-try for fall baking!

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Ingredients

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• 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
• 15 oz pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 tbsp white granulated sugar
• 1 tsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line your muffin tin.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients 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 pumpkin batter, add a dollop of cream cheese filling on top, then cover with more batter until three-quarters full.
7. Bake for about 14 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cooling before serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin (approximately 95g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 185mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg