Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Ingredients
- 8 oz block cream cheese
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
divided
- ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
spooned and leveled
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 420F (215C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- 2
To make the filling: Microwave cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl on low power for 30 seconds. Add the sugar and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag (without a tip) and set aside.
- 3
To make the pumpkin praline topping: In a small bowl combine 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice and 1 Tbsp brown sugar. Set aside. Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add pumpkin seeds and cook for 2-3 minutes, then add remaining brown sugar and cook for 1-2 minutes stirring constantly until caramelized. Transfer caramelized pumpkin seeds to brown sugar mixture and stir to combine. Set aside.
- 4
In a medium bowl combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin spice. Set aside.
- 5
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment combine softened butter and sugar, beat at medium speed for 1 minute. Add eggs and beat for 2 minutes at high speed. Reduce speed to low, add pumpkin puree and mix until combined.
- 6
Add the flour mixture to the bowl and beat until just combined.
- 7
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling the cups all the way to the top. Sprinkle with Pumpkin Praline Topping. Cut off the tip of the piping bag and press about 2-3 Tbsp of cream cheese filling into the batter (see image above).
- 8
Bake for 5 minutes at 420F (215C), then keeping the muffins in the oven, lower the oven temperature to 350F (180C) and bake for about 20 more minutes, or until the muffins are golden on top.
- 9
Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and let the muffins cool for 5-10 minutes. Remove the muffins from the pan and let cool to room temperature on the rack.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
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About this Recipe
Craving a cozy, comforting treat that tastes like autumn in every bite? These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins deliver a perfectly spiced, moist texture with a luscious, sweet cream cheese filling that sets them apart. Imagine warm spices, tender crumb, and a creamy surprise—all in one delightful package.
Why These Muffins Work
The magic of these muffins lies in their thoughtful balance of flavors and textures. The base is a wonderfully moist pumpkin muffin, infused with a generous amount of pumpkin pie spice for that quintessential fall warmth. But the true secret weapon is the rich, tangy-sweet cream cheese filling nestled within, offering a delightful contrast that elevates these from simple pumpkin muffins to something truly special. It's a combination that promises comfort and satisfaction.
What makes these muffins so appealing is their incredible texture and flavor profile. You'll experience a soft, tender crumb from the pumpkin-infused batter, followed by a burst of creamy sweetness from the interior. The robust notes of pumpkin pie spice are present throughout, complemented by a hint of vanilla in the filling. The optional addition of chopped pumpkin seeds on top or mixed in provides a fantastic textural counterpoint, adding a subtle crunch to each bite and enhancing their rustic appeal.
Customization & Variations
While delicious as is, you can tailor these muffins to your liking. The chopped pumpkin seeds add a wonderful crunch; feel free to adjust the amount or even toast them lightly beforehand for an intensified nutty flavor. If you prefer a milder spice profile, you could slightly reduce the total pumpkin pie spice, though its presence is key to the overall fall flavor. The cream cheese filling is essential to this recipe's distinct character, but if you're looking for a simpler pumpkin muffin, you could omit it, though the result would be a different experience.
Serve these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins warm for breakfast, as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a delightful treat at any gathering. They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a perfect embodiment of cozy fall baking.