These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect combination of soft, spiced pumpkin batter and a rich, creamy center. With warm pumpkin pie spices and the sweetness of both granulated and dark brown sugar, these muffins are bursting with fall flavors. The surprise cream cheese filling adds a tangy richness to every bite, making them an irresistible treat. Topped with crunchy pepitas, these muffins are a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These muffins are incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the combination of pumpkin puree and a rich blend of warm spices. The cream cheese filling adds a luxurious touch, making them feel indulgent without being overly sweet. You’ll love the way the soft, spiced muffin contrasts with the creamy, tangy center, creating a perfect bite every time. The added pepitas on top give a crunchy finish, making these muffins both visually appealing and delicious. Easy to make and loaded with flavor, they’re the perfect fall treat for any occasion.
Perfect Occasion
These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are ideal for autumn gatherings, Halloween parties, or cozy afternoons with a cup of tea or coffee. They make a great addition to any breakfast spread or brunch, and they’re a perfect snack for kids and adults alike. These muffins are also fantastic for Thanksgiving, bringing together the warm flavors of pumpkin pie in a handheld form. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them as a family treat, these muffins are sure to impress.
Decoration Tips
For a beautiful finish, top each muffin with a sprinkle of pepitas before baking. This adds a lovely crunch and makes the muffins look bakery-worthy. If you want to get creative, you could drizzle a light icing or caramel sauce over the cooled muffins for extra sweetness. For a festive touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar or add a sprinkle of cinnamon. The creamy filling peeking through the top of each muffin also makes them visually appealing without needing much additional decoration.
Ingredients:
For the Muffins:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tray or line it with paper liners.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently fold the mixture together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
- Fill the Muffin Tray: Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ of the way full.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag.
- Fill the Muffins: Insert the piping bag into the center of each muffin and gently squeeze until you see the filling at the top. Repeat for each muffin.
- Add Pepitas: Sprinkle pepitas over the top of each muffin for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Bake the muffins for about 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
Enjoy these delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, a perfect combination of warm spices, creamy filling, and crunchy pepitas!