Bored with regular pumpkin muffins? That’s exactly why I started making these pumpkin cream cheese muffins. They’re soft, spiced just right, and have a rich cream cheese center that feels like a hidden dessert surprise.
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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe
Pumpkin cream cheese muffins are a popular seasonal treat, especially during fall and around Halloween and Thanksgiving. These treats blend the rich, moist pumpkin-based muffin batter with the tangy richness of cream cheese filling or swirl inside. These muffins are easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker.
The pumpkin cream cheese muffins can be served on a brunch table, as a grab-and-go breakfast, or as a cozy afternoon snack. Their inviting appearance makes them a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or special occasions.
These desserts go well with a hot cup of coffee, creamy chai latte, or spiced apple cider. They are delicious alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for breakfast. The muffins also complement savory items like sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, or roasted nuts. For a sweet twist, you can enjoy them with honey butter, orange marmalade, or a dollop of whipped cream. They can also be enjoyed with Greek yogurt or as an after-dinner dessert with vanilla ice cream.
Here’s how to make the pumpkin muffins with cream cheese filling:
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Nutrition
Ingredients
For the Muffin Batter
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- In another bowl, mix sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined — don’t overmix.
- In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Scoop pumpkin batter into lined muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Place the cream cheese filling into a piping bag (or zip-top bag with the tip cut). Pipe about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling directly into the center of each muffin, from the top.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese) comes out clean. The muffins will rise up around the filling.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Variations
There are many variations of the pumpkin cream cheese muffins. You can try those versions below:
- Streusel-Topped Muffins add a crunchy, buttery topping of brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for extra texture and sweetness.
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins fold mini chocolate chips into the batter, creating pockets of melty chocolate.
- Nut Additions mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking for a toasty crunch.
- Gluten-Free Muffins swap traditional wheat flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
- Maple Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins sweeten the cream cheese filling with a touch of pure maple syrup for a deeper, autumnal sweetness.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Muffins add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter.
- Vegan Versions use dairy-free cream cheese and replace the eggs with flaxseed or chia seed “eggs” for a plant-based version.
- Pepita-Topped Muffins sprinkle hulled pumpkin seeds (pepitas) on top before baking for a nutty, decorative finish.
The recipe is simple, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing with friends and family as soon as autumn arrives. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a crunchy topping, or a twist of extra spice, these muffins are sure to become a seasonal favorite.