Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

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There’s nothing quite like the rich, spiced flavor of pumpkin in the fall, especially when combined with a luscious, creamy cheesecake center. These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the ultimate treat, with a delightful crumb topping and a smooth filling that will have you savoring every bite. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, these muffins are easy to make yet feel indulgent, with layers of flavor and texture that impress.

Soft and Moist Pumpkin Muffins with Creamy Filling

These pumpkin muffins are a delicious twist on classic pumpkin bread, combining the best of pumpkin spice flavor with a creamy, sweet center. The cream cheese filling melts into the batter, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite. Not to mention, the buttery crumb topping gives these muffins the perfect crunch to contrast with the soft, fluffy muffin base.

No need to wait for a special occasion—these muffins come together easily with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!

Why These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Stand Out

Not your average pumpkin muffin! These muffins are bursting with flavor from warm spices, balanced by the creamy, slightly tangy filling. The crumb topping adds a delightful texture that makes these muffins bakery-quality but easy to whip up at home. They’re perfect for sharing (if you don’t eat them all yourself!).

• Pumpkin Spice Delight: Loaded with warm spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, these muffins are perfect for the fall season.
• Cream Cheese Filling: A rich, creamy center made from real cream cheese adds a decadent surprise inside every muffin.
• Buttery Crumb Topping: The crumb topping gives each muffin a slightly crunchy finish that’s irresistible.

These muffins are everything you love about fall flavors and more! They’re the perfect treat for pumpkin lovers or anyone looking for a comforting, delicious baked good.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Creating these delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins is all about layering flavors and textures. Let’s break down the ingredients that make these muffins so irresistible. From the rich pumpkin batter to the creamy filling and crumbly topping, each component adds its own magic.

• Crumb Topping
  A buttery, sweet crumble that adds texture and flavor to every bite.
  • 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2/3 cup (84g) all-purpose flour
• Pumpkin Muffins
  These are the heart of the recipe, full of warm pumpkin spice flavors and a moist, tender texture.
  • 1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (227g) canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Cream Cheese Filling
  The creamy, tangy surprise inside each muffin, made with simple ingredients.
  • 6 ounces (170g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons (36g) granulated sugar

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

To achieve the perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, you’ll want to follow a few simple steps that bring each layer together. From creating the crumbly topping to filling the muffins with a luscious cream cheese center, each part of this recipe adds its own unique touch to the final result.

1. Prepare the Crumb Topping:
   Start by making the crumb topping so it’s ready to sprinkle on top of the muffins. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Add the flour and mix with a fork until it becomes crumbly. Set aside.
2. Mix the Pumpkin Batter:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugars, eggs, pumpkin puree, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
   In another bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and sugar, and beat until creamy and well-combined.
4. Assemble the Muffins:
   Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the pumpkin batter into each lined muffin cup. Add a spoonful of cream cheese filling on top, followed by another tablespoon of pumpkin batter. The muffin cups should be filled to the top. Finally, sprinkle the prepared crumb topping over each muffin and gently press it down so it sticks during baking.
5. Bake the Muffins:
   Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake the muffins for 5 minutes at this temperature, then reduce the oven to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for another 15-17 minutes. The muffins should bake for a total of 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Following these steps will ensure you get fluffy, flavorful muffins with a creamy filling and a crunchy topping. It’s the perfect balance of textures!

Baking and Storing Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

To get the best results with your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, it’s important to understand the perfect bake time and storage methods. Let’s go over how to bake them to perfection and keep them fresh for later enjoyment!

How Long to Bake Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These muffins need to be baked at two different temperatures to ensure a soft, moist center and a perfectly golden crumb topping.

• High heat first: Start by baking the muffins at 425°F (218°C) for 5 minutes. This initial high temperature helps create a nice rise and fluffy texture.
• Lower the heat: After 5 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for another 15-17 minutes. The total baking time will be around 20-22 minutes. Be sure to check the muffins by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the muffins are done.

By baking at a high temperature first, you ensure that your muffins rise beautifully with a soft, moist interior and a golden crumb topping.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Muffins

• Make sure to fill the muffin cups to the top for a bakery-style rise.
• Keep an eye on the muffins during the last few minutes of baking. If they start to over-brown, you can cover them lightly with foil.

How to Store Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These muffins can be made ahead of time and stored for a quick snack or breakfast throughout the week. Proper storage ensures they stay fresh and flavorful.

• Room temperature: Store leftover muffins at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The cream cheese filling stays fresh and delicious in the fridge.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy at room temperature.

Cooking Tips

• Don’t skip the cream cheese filling: It’s the star of these muffins! Be sure to add a generous spoonful to each muffin cup for the perfect balance of flavors.
• Crumb topping care: Gently press the crumb topping onto the muffins before baking to ensure it sticks and adds that delicious crunch.

Additional Notes

If you’re looking for even more flavor, feel free to add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for added crunch. You can also experiment with different spices in the batter to customize the taste.

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