Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling are the ultimate treat for fall lovers. These muffins combine the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with a creamy filling, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these delightful muffins are sure to impress. Their moist texture and comforting taste stand out, making every bite a little piece of autumn heaven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Irresistible Flavor: The blend of pumpkin, spices, and cream cheese creates an unforgettable taste.
  • Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these treats effortlessly.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a weekend brunch, these muffins fit right in.
  • Moist and Delicious: Thanks to the pumpkin puree and cream cheese, these muffins stay moist and flavorful.
  • Versatile Topping Options: Top them with pecans or glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the essential tools before you start. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

  • Muffin tin: Ensures even baking and shapes your muffins perfectly.
  • Mixing bowls: Allows for easy combining of ingredients without mess.
  • Measuring cups: Guarantees accurate ingredient amounts for consistent results.

Ingredients

For the Cream Cheese Filling

  • 1 cup pecans (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 3 teaspoons corn syrup
  • ½ cup brown sugar (packed)

For the Muffin Batter

  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ground
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar (or icing sugar)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned, unsweetened)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Your Muffin Tin

Grease your muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This will help prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. The room temperature cream cheese with powdered sugar.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
3. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour.
2. Baking powder.
3. Pumpkin pie spice.
4. Cinnamon.
5. Salt.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix:
1. Melted butter.
2. Brown sugar.
3. Sugar.
4. Eggs.
5. Pumpkin puree.
6. Milk.
7. Remaining vanilla extract.

Mix until well combined.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon half of the muffin batter into each muffin cup until filled halfway. Add a dollop of cream cheese filling on top, then cover with remaining batter.

Step 8: Bake

Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool

Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

These delicious pumpkin spice muffins with cream cheese filling are perfect for a cozy fall gathering. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience.

With a Cup of Coffee

  • Pairing these muffins with a warm cup of coffee enhances their rich flavors and makes for a comforting morning treat.

Topped with Whipped Cream

  • Adding a dollop of whipped cream on top of each muffin can bring an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

  • A light drizzle of maple syrup over the muffins adds a delightful sweetness that complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.

Served Warm

  • Enjoying these muffins warm from the oven or lightly reheated allows the cream cheese filling to be extra gooey and delicious.

Side of Fresh Fruit

  • Serving these muffins alongside fresh fruit, like sliced apples or pears, can balance the sweetness and add freshness to your plate.
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How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

To make your pumpkin spice muffins with cream cheese filling truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips.

  • Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature will help create a smoother batter and improve texture.
  • Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, so keep it gentle.
  • Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are ready.
  • Cool before serving: Allow the muffins to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps set the cream cheese filling.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

These pumpkin spice muffins pair well with various side dishes to enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

  1. Cinnamon Sugar Toast: Simple yet delicious, this toast offers a sweet crunch that complements the muffins perfectly.
  2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the muffins.
  3. Apple Cider: A glass of warm apple cider brings fall flavors together wonderfully and makes for a cozy beverage choice.
  4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda, which provide a creamy contrast to the sweet muffins.
  5. Pumpkin Soup: A small bowl of pumpkin soup can enhance the autumn theme while providing warmth and comfort.
  6. Salad with Maple Vinaigrette: A light salad drizzled with maple vinaigrette balances sweetness and adds freshness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking pumpkin spice muffins with cream cheese filling can be delightful, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

  • Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or cream cheese can affect the texture. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
  • Overmixing the batter: This can make your muffins tough. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
  • Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Skipping the cream cheese filling: Omitting this step means missing out on the deliciousness! Ensure you prepare and add the cream cheese filling for that perfect taste.
  • Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to make sure your muffins bake evenly.
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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

    • Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    • Container: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

    • Duration: You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
    • Container: Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
  • Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering it until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about pumpkin spice muffins with cream cheese filling.

How can I customize pumpkin spice muffins with cream cheese filling?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor. Experimenting with spices like nutmeg or ginger also adds a unique twist.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it is well-cooked and drained of excess moisture before using it in the recipe.

How do I know when my pumpkin spice muffins are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it’s wet, give them more time in the oven.

What type of flour should I use for pumpkin spice muffins?

All-purpose flour works best for these muffins. However, you can substitute whole wheat flour for added nutrition if desired.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin spice muffins with cream cheese filling are not only moist and fluffy but also packed with fall flavors that everyone will love. They’re versatile and easy to customize based on your preferences. Try adding nuts or chocolate chips for an extra touch!

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Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling


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  • Author: Tia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 muffins 1x

Description

Indulge in the cozy flavors of autumn with these Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling. Perfectly moist and bursting with rich pumpkin and warm spices, each muffin features a delightful creamy filling that elevates them to heavenly heights. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or enjoying a sweet treat on a chilly day, these muffins are sure to impress. They are not only easy to make but also adaptable for various occasions, making them a must-try recipe for any baking enthusiast.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned, unsweetened)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup sugar (divided)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pecans (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
  • 2 teaspoons sugar (for filling)
  • 3 teaspoons corn syrup (for filling)
  • ½ cup brown sugar (packed, for filling)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (for batter)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (for batter)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed, for batter)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ground (for batter)
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar (or icing sugar)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract (for batter)
  • ¼ cup milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a muffin tin.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth; set aside.
  3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, sugars, eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla until well combined.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
  6. Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, add a dollop of cream cheese filling on top, then cover with remaining batter.
  7. Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin (75g)
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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