Fluffy Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling and Pumpkin Seed Topping

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect autumn treat, combining the warm flavors of pumpkin spice with a rich and creamy filling. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the moist, spiced pumpkin muffin and the tangy cream cheese center. Topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds, these muffins are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them a wonderful addition to any fall gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins because they capture the essence of fall in every bite. The combination of pumpkin spice and creamy filling is comforting and indulgent, making these muffins a favorite for cozy mornings or afternoon snacks. The recipe is straightforward, and the results are bakery-quality, with a soft and fluffy texture and a flavorful, rich center. Whether you’re baking for a family brunch or a special treat, these muffins are sure to impress.

Perfect Occasion:
These muffins are perfect for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving brunches, or as a seasonal treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re also great for potlucks, school events, or as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. The warm flavors and inviting appearance make them a perfect choice for any occasion where you want to celebrate the flavors of fall.

Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle a few extra pumpkin seeds on top of each muffin before baking. You can also dust the cooled muffins with a light coating of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a polished look. If you want to add a bit more color and texture, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze on top. Serve the muffins on a rustic wooden board or in a decorative basket lined with a fall-themed cloth.

Ingredients:

Muffins:

• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (200g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled (57g)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (148g)
• 1 1/2 cups pumpkin purée (368g)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pumpkin seeds for topping

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (226g)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

For the Muffins:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar, mixing until well combined.
4. Add the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
2. Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off.

Assembly:

1. Evenly distribute the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
2. Insert the piping bag with the cream cheese filling about 3/4 of the way into the center of each muffin and squeeze gently as you pull up to the surface, creating a swirl of filling on top.
3. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds around the cream cheese swirl on each muffin.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes for regular-sized muffins or 22-27 minutes for jumbo muffins, until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese) comes out clean.

Enjoy!

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful blend of warm spices and creamy filling, making them the perfect treat for any fall occasion. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to make these muffins a new seasonal favorite!