Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe Moist and Delicious

If you’re looking for a cozy and flavorful muffin recipe, these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a must-try. I made a batch for a weekend brunch, and they were gone before I knew it! The soft pumpkin-flavored batter paired with a sweet and creamy cheesecake center makes each bite absolutely irresistible. If you love seasonal bakes, you might also enjoy Cranberry Orange Muffins, which offer a similar soft texture and fruity flavor.

These muffins are simple to make at home with everyday ingredients, and they come together quickly perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a light dessert. Every bite has a delicate pumpkin spice flavor combined with a creamy surprise in the center that feels indulgent without being too heavy.

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are perfect for any occasion. Their moist texture and subtle spice make them a comforting choice for fall or any time you crave something cozy. The cream cheese filling adds a soft sweet center that perfectly complements the spiced pumpkin batter. Unlike store-bought muffins, these are made from scratch, so you control the ingredients and sweetness.

Another reason to love them is their versatility. You can make them in mini muffin tins for bite-sized snacks or standard muffin pans for brunch and gatherings. The muffins freeze well, so you can make a big batch ahead of time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these soft and delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins:

For the Muffins:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup unsalted melted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly with butter. Preparing the pan ensures your muffins don’t stick and come out cleanly once baked.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. This will be your sweet, creamy center for the muffins. Set aside while you prepare the pumpkin batter.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. These spices will give the muffins that classic pumpkin flavor that makes them so comforting.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure the mixture is fully combined so the batter is consistent.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the muffins can become dense instead of light and fluffy. The batter should be thick but scoopable.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pumpkin batter into each muffin cup. Add about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each, then cover with more pumpkin batter until each cup is about 2/3 full. This creates a nice cream cheese surprise in every muffin.

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. The muffins should be slightly golden on top and spring back when lightly pressed.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them slightly warm for a soft comforting bite or at room temperature as a snack or breakfast treat.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• Use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor. Canned pumpkin works too, just make sure it’s plain, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Don’t overmix the batter; gently folding ensures light muffins.
• You can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Freeze muffins individually in plastic wrap for convenient, ready-to-eat treats.

Storing and Freezing

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins store well. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week. Freezing is also easy, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Variations

If you love experimenting with muffins, try swapping the pumpkin for mashed bananas or adding a swirl of fruit preserves for extra flavor. Recipes like Banana Zucchini Muffins can inspire variations using similar techniques and batter consistency. You can also sprinkle oats or streusel topping on top for added crunch and sweetness.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk for the batter if needed.

Q: Can I use gluten-free flour?
A: Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to replace all-purpose flour. Baking time may vary slightly.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, just double all ingredients and bake in two muffin tins or batches.

Q: How do I keep the cream cheese center from sinking?
A: Make sure the cream cheese mixture is thick and don’t overfill the muffin cups.

Q: Can I add chocolate chips?
A: Definitely! Chocolate pairs beautifully with pumpkin and cream cheese.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a delicious and cozy treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or gatherings. The creamy center and moist pumpkin muffin make them irresistible. Once you try them, you’ll see why they’re a favorite for fall and year-round baking. With easy variations inspired by recipes like Banana Zucchini Muffins, you can keep experimenting with flavors to make your muffin game even better.