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Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

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Fall is the season for comfort food, and nothing screams autumn quite like the taste of pumpkin spice. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious treat to make this season, the Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect choice. These muffins are moist, packed with pumpkin flavor, and topped with a swirl of sweet cream cheese that bakes into a beautiful, mouth-watering pattern.

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Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

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🍂🎃 Warm, swirled pumpkin and rich cream cheese come together in these moist muffins, delivering the ultimate fall treat. Ready in just 30 minutes, these muffins will make your kitchen smell heavenly! 

  • Total Time: 30minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Muffins:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the muffin that provides structure.
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice: A blend of warm spices that gives the muffins their signature fall flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own (recipe below).
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
  • ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and the quintessential pumpkin flavor. Be sure to use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins and balances the spices.
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
  • 2 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and provides structure.
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted and cooled butter): Keeps the muffins moist. You can substitute butter for a richer flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the pumpkin and spice flavors.

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

  • 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature): Softened cream cheese blends easily for a smooth swirl.
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temperature): Adds richness and helps the cream cheese mixture hold its shape when baked.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Complements the sweetness and adds flavor.

Instructions

  • Preheat and Prepare
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups. Set aside.
  • Make the Muffin Batter
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract, then whisk until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix the batter to avoid dry muffins.
  • Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
    In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
  • Assemble the Muffins
    Fill each muffin tin about ¾ full with the pumpkin batter. Top each with about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
  • Bake
    Bake the muffins for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the pumpkin part comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the muffins cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Don’t Over-Mix: Over-mixing can lead to dense muffins. Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined for a light and tender texture.
  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Both the cream cheese and egg yolk should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth, creamy swirl that bakes evenly.
  • Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice: If you don’t have pumpkin spice on hand, you can easily make your own by combining 4 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon allspice. Store it in an airtight container for all your fall baking needs.
  • Store Properly: These muffins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best flavor and texture, allow the muffins to come to room temperature or enjoy them slightly chilled.
  • Author: Paula Susan
  • Prep Time: 12minutes
  • Cook Time: 18minutes

In just 30 minutes, you can whip up these decadent muffins, making them ideal for a cozy breakfast, afternoon snack, or even dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and bound to become a family favorite. Read on for the full recipe, tips, and tricks to make the perfect swirled pumpkin cream cheese muffins.

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, these muffins are great for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
  • Moist & Flavorful: The pumpkin puree keeps the muffins moist, while pumpkin spice and vanilla extract add warmth and flavor.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl: A sweet, creamy swirl on top adds a layer of richness that pairs perfectly with the spiced pumpkin muffin.
  • Perfect for Fall: The combination of pumpkin and spices makes these muffins the ultimate fall treat.

Ingredients for the Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Before diving into the steps, let’s go over the ingredients to ensure you have everything you need.

For the Muffins:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the muffin that provides structure.
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice: A blend of warm spices that gives the muffins their signature fall flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own (recipe below).
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
  • ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and the quintessential pumpkin flavor. Be sure to use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins and balances the spices.
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
  • 2 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and provides structure.
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted and cooled butter): Keeps the muffins moist. You can substitute butter for a richer flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the pumpkin and spice flavors.

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

  • 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature): Softened cream cheese blends easily for a smooth swirl.
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temperature): Adds richness and helps the cream cheese mixture hold its shape when baked.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Complements the sweetness and adds flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create these beautiful and tasty swirled muffins:

  1. Preheat and Prepare
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups. Set aside.
  2. Make the Muffin Batter
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract, then whisk until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix the batter to avoid dry muffins.
  3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
    In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
  4. Assemble the Muffins
    Fill each muffin tin about ¾ full with the pumpkin batter. Top each with about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
  5. Bake
    Bake the muffins for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the pumpkin part comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the muffins cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Muffins

  • Don’t Over-Mix: Over-mixing can lead to dense muffins. Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined for a light and tender texture.
  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Both the cream cheese and egg yolk should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth, creamy swirl that bakes evenly.
  • Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice: If you don’t have pumpkin spice on hand, you can easily make your own by combining 4 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon allspice. Store it in an airtight container for all your fall baking needs.
  • Store Properly: These muffins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best flavor and texture, allow the muffins to come to room temperature or enjoy them slightly chilled.

Nutritional Information

These muffins are indulgent, but they also offer some nutritional benefits:

  • Pumpkin is high in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, making these muffins a bit more wholesome.
  • Cream Cheese adds richness but can be substituted with lower-fat versions if desired.
  • Vegetable Oil provides essential fats that keep the muffins moist, but you can swap it with melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile.

Variations to Try

  • Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
  • Crumble Topping: For a bakery-style muffin, add a streusel topping made from brown sugar, flour, and butter for extra texture and sweetness.
  • Make It a Loaf: If you prefer a pumpkin bread, use this exact recipe to make a loaf instead of muffins. Bake the batter in a greased loaf pan for 50–60 minutes at 350°F (177°C), or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes! These muffins freeze well. Once cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

How can I make these muffins healthier?
You can make a few healthy swaps without sacrificing flavor. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, reduce the sugar, or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup. You can also swap the vegetable oil for coconut oil or applesauce.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion: The Perfect Fall Treat

Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch, bringing a treat to a holiday gathering, or simply indulging in the flavors of the season, these Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect choice. The combination of moist pumpkin muffin and rich, creamy swirl is unbeatable. Plus, with a prep time of just 30 minutes, you’ll have these autumn delights ready in no time.

So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get baking! Your home will soon be filled with the irresistible scent of pumpkin spice and fresh-baked muffins. Enjoy!

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