Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filled Muffins Recipe

Pumpkin and cream cheese are a match made in dessert heaven! These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filled Muffins are the perfect combination of warm fall spices and rich, tangy cream cheese filling. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast, a delightful snack, or a comforting dessert, these muffins will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Fluffy Texture – The pumpkin puree ensures a soft and tender crumb.
• Warm Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring a classic autumnal flavor.
• Creamy Filling – The luscious cream cheese center adds an irresistible twist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a snack.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – These muffins store and freeze well for later enjoyment.

Let’s dive into how to make these delicious muffins step by step!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filled Muffins

For the Muffin Batter:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

• In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth.
• Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until fully combined and creamy.
• Set aside while preparing the muffin batter.

3. Make the Muffin Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the muffins light and fluffy.

4. Fill the Muffin Tin

• Spoon about one tablespoon of the muffin batter into each muffin cup, filling it about one-third full.
• Add a heaping teaspoon of the cream cheese filling on top of the batter.
• Cover the cream cheese filling with another tablespoon of muffin batter, filling the muffin cups about ¾ full.

5. Bake the Muffins

• Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
• Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Enjoy!

Serve these delicious muffins warm or at room temperature. They taste incredible on their own or paired with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.

Baking Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Muffins

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

For a smooth batter and cream cheese filling, ensure that your eggs, pumpkin puree, and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Mixing the batter too much can result in dense muffins. Stir gently just until the ingredients are incorporated.

3. Avoid Overfilling the Muffin Cups

Filling the cups too high may cause the muffins to overflow. Stick to about ¾ full for the best results.

4. Let Muffins Cool Before Eating

The cream cheese filling will be very hot when they come out of the oven. Allow muffins to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before enjoying them.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

1. Storing Muffins

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.

2. Freezing Muffins

• Wrap each cooled muffin in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, microwave for 20-30 seconds or let them thaw at room temperature.

Recipe Variations & Add-Ins

Want to customize your muffins? Here are some delicious variations:

1. Add Chocolate Chips

For a sweeter twist, mix ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter.

2. Add Nuts for Extra Crunch

Chopped pecans or walnuts add a great texture and nutty flavor.

3. Make It Healthier

• Swap vegetable oil for coconut oil or applesauce.
• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Reduce the sugar slightly for a less sweet version.

4. Try a Streusel Topping

For an extra bakery-style touch, add a cinnamon streusel topping before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins taste amazing on their own, but you can enjoy them with:

• A warm cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy fall breakfast.
• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
• A side of fresh fruit for a balanced snack.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filled Muffins are the ultimate fall treat! They are soft, flavorful, and filled with a delicious cream cheese center that makes every bite heavenly. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, meal prepping for the week, or just indulging in a seasonal delight, this recipe will not disappoint.

Try baking a batch today and let us know how they turn out!