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As the leaves start to turn golden and the crisp air carries the scent of autumn, there’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin. Our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect way to embrace the season. These muffins are soft, spiced, and filled with a luscious cream cheese center that elevates every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, they’re sure to become a fall favorite. Plus, they’re easy to make, bursting with seasonal spices, and absolutely delightful.
The History Behind Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Pumpkin has long been a staple in fall recipes, dating back to the early days of American settlers who utilized the native squash in everything from soups to pies. Today, it’s a beloved ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes, but perhaps the most popular way to enjoy pumpkin is in baked goods. Adding a cream cheese filling to these muffins gives them a rich and tangy surprise that balances out the sweetness of the pumpkin and the warmth of the spices. This combination has become a classic in modern baking, and for good reason.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
To create these delightful muffins, you’ll need a mixture of pantry staples, seasonal spices, and of course, pumpkin! Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the muffin batter.
Step 2: Make the Muffin Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. These spices will give your muffins that quintessential fall flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.
Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Muffins
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the muffin batter into each muffin cup, just enough to cover the bottom. Then, add about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling to the center of each cup. Top with the remaining muffin batter, filling each cup almost to the top.
Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each muffin.
Step 5: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the muffins have cooled, they’re ready to enjoy! The combination of the moist, pumpkin-spiced muffin, the rich cream cheese center, and the crumbly streusel topping makes these muffins a standout treat. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, they’re sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
- Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in tough, dense muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the cream cheese filling. This ensures that the filling will be smooth and easy to work with.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of allspice or cardamom to the muffin batter.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the epitome of fall baking. Not only do they capture the essence of the season with their warm spices and pumpkin flavor, but the addition of the cream cheese center takes them to the next level. The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, making every bite a perfect combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and yields delicious results every time.
