Irresistible Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Name: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh); 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp salt

Recipe By:

Emily Harrison

Posted:

August 5, 2025

Updated:

August 5, 2025

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There’s something magical about pumpkin cream cheese muffins that makes them the ultimate autumn treat. Imagine biting into a warm muffin, the rich flavors of pumpkin and spices swirling together, while a luscious cream cheese center melts in your mouth. These muffins are like a cozy hug in baked form, perfect for chilly mornings or lazy afternoons when you need a little pick-me-up.

I still remember the first time I made these delightful pumpkin cream cheese muffins. It was a crisp October day, and the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to my grandmother’s home during the fall harvest. Perfect for sharing at family gatherings or enjoying with friends over coffee, these muffins promise an explosion of flavor that you won’t soon forget.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The ease of preparation means you can whip these up in no time
Each bite offers a delightful blend of pumpkin spice and creamy goodness
The visual appeal of golden-brown tops will make them the star of any table
Versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these muffins fit any occasion perfectly

My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were at our last potluck; one even asked if I’d consider opening a bakery!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Pumpkin Puree: Opt for canned pumpkin puree for convenience or roast fresh pumpkins for an extra layer of flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your go-to flour; it gives the muffins structure and a pleasant texture.
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich, creamy center that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; brown sugar brings depth with its caramel notes.
Eggs: Use large eggs to bind everything together and add moisture to the batter.
Baking Powder: Leavening agent that ensures your muffins rise perfectly without being too dense.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices give warmth and classic fall flavors that make every bite comforting.
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all the flavors and adds a lovely aroma to your muffins.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance all other flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This step infuses those spices throughout the flour evenly.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Then mix in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until smooth.

Create Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate small bowl, soften cream cheese and mix in sugar until creamy. This will be your decadent filling that elevates each muffin slice.

Fold Wet Into Dry Mixture: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined; take care not to overmix as this helps keep them fluffy.

Fill Muffin Tins & Add Cream Cheese Filling: Spoon batter halfway into muffin cups. Add about one tablespoon of cream cheese filling on top before adding more batter until almost full.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. They’re done when golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (minus some gooey cream cheese).

Once you pull these beauties from the oven, let them cool slightly before devouring! Trust me; they taste even better warm.

Enjoy making your pumpkin cream cheese muffins! Your family and friends will thank you for this delightful treat—and you may even find yourself with requests for more.

You Must Know

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are not just a treat; they’re like a cozy sweater for your taste buds
The warm spices and creamy filling will have you dreaming of autumn days, even if it’s July
They’re perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you mix the dry ingredients. This ensures even baking for your muffins, with that delightful dome shape we all crave.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful twist. You can also swap pumpkin puree with sweet potato for a unique flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked warmth again.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For moist muffins, avoid overmixing the batter; lumps are perfectly fine
Use room temperature ingredients for better blending and flavor
Always check for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean but not dry!

Baking these pumpkin cream cheese muffins became a family tradition after my sister declared them her favorite. Now, every fall, we gather to bake together and share stories while they fill the house with delicious aromas.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pumpkin works well; just ensure it’s pureed smoothly before mixing.

How long do these muffins last?

They typically last about three days at room temperature in an airtight container.

Can I freeze these pumpkin cream cheese muffins?

Absolutely! They freeze well; just thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

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