Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins – A Fall Favorite 🎃🧁🍂
These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are the ultimate autumn treat—soft, spiced pumpkin muffins with a tangy, creamy swirl of sweetened cream cheese on top. They’re cozy, comforting, and perfect for chilly mornings or festive gatherings. 💚
Why You’ll Love These Muffins 💚
- ✅ Perfectly Spiced: Pumpkin spice flavor in every bite.
- ✅ Creamy Swirl: Sweetened cream cheese adds a cheesecake-like surprise.
- ✅ Great for Fall: Ideal for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or cozy weekends.
- ✅ Freezer-Friendly: Bake now, enjoy later!
🧁 Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin Recipe
Ingredients
-
- For the Muffins:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves) 🍂
- 1 cup pumpkin puree 🎃
- ½ cup brown sugar 🍯
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil 🫒
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🌿
- For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease well. - Make the muffin batter:
In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. In another bowl, mix pumpkin, sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. - Make the cream cheese swirl:
Beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. - Assemble:
Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with pumpkin batter. Spoon 1 tsp of cream cheese mixture on top, then swirl with a toothpick or skewer for a marbled look. - Bake:
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the muffin (not the swirl) comes out clean. Let cool slightly before serving. 🧁🎃
💡 Tips & Variations
- ✨ Use maple syrup: Substitute some sugar with maple syrup for deeper flavor.
- ✨ Add texture: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- ✨ Make mini muffins: Adjust baking time to 12–14 minutes for bite-sized treats.
- ✨ Extra swirl: Double the cream cheese mixture if you love a thicker layer on top.
🌿 Nutritional Highlights
Pumpkin is a great source of vitamin A and fiber. These muffins strike a cozy balance between indulgence and seasonal goodness—especially with real pumpkin and warming spices.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- ✅ Make-ahead: Muffins stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- ✅ Storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- ✅ Freezer-friendly: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or warm in the microwave.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin?
Yes! Just be sure it’s well-pureed and not too watery. Drain excess liquid before using if needed.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour with xanthan gum included.
Why did my swirl sink?
It’s likely the batter was too thin, or the cream cheese wasn’t firm enough. Ensure cream cheese is softened but not runny before swirling.
Cozy, Creamy & Perfect for Fall 💚
These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are a bakery-worthy autumn treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. 🎃🧁💬 Don’t forget to pin it and share your favorite fall baking moment!
