Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

Craving a fall-inspired treat? You’re going to love Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins ! They’re the perfect combination of autumn flavors and creamy indulgence. This recipe will give you moist, fluffy muffins with a swirl of rich cream cheese filling. Each bite is deliciously spiced with pumpkin pie spice that makes it ideal for cozying up on a cool day.

Ingredients List

Pumpkin Muffin Ingredients

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 1½ tablespoons vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins , having the right kitchen tools on hand will make the baking process smooth and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Muffin Tin : To shape your muffins perfectly, use a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
2. Paper Baking Cups : These keep your muffins from sticking to the tin and make cleanup easier.
3. Mixing Bowls : Have both small and large mixing bowls since you’ll be working with wet and dry ingredients separately.
4. Whisk & Spatula : For hand whisking and smoothly incorporating the ingredients.
5. Electric Mixer : It will help create a smooth texture for the cream cheese filling.
6. Sealable Plastic Bag (or Piping Bag) : To easily drizzle the cream cheese swirl into the muffins.
7. Toothpicks : Essential for swirling the cream cheese mixture and testing the muffins for doneness.
8. Cooling Rack : Allow the muffins to cool evenly after baking.

By having these tools handy, you’ll breeze through the baking process while ensuring your muffins have that insta-worthy dome top and perfect cream cheese swirl!

How to Make the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

Preparing the Muffin Batter

1. Preheat the Oven :
   Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your muffin tin with paper baking cups to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients :
   In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Set this aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients :
   In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Make sure the ingredients are well combined, and the sugar has dissolved into the pumpkin mixture.
4. Incorporate Dry Into Wet :
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gently fold the dry mix into the pumpkin mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing as this can make the muffins dense rather than light and fluffy. Set aside while you prepare the cream cheese filling.

Assembling and Baking the Muffins

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling :
   In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer. Add in the granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and the mixture becomes creamy.
2. Assemble the Muffins :
   Fill each muffin cup about one-third full with the pumpkin batter. Add a thin layer (about 1 tablespoon) of the cream cheese filling on top of the batter. Then, spoon more pumpkin batter over the filling until the muffin cups are almost full. Be careful not to overfill — you want a nice round top without it spilling over the edges.
3. Create the Swirl :
   Take the remaining cream cheese mixture and drizzle a small amount on the top of each muffin in a circular motion. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the cream cheese into the top of the pumpkin batter. Don’t over-swirl; a few gentle strokes will create that beautiful marbled effect.
4. Time to Bake :
   Place your muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of one muffin comes out clean. The tops will be slightly golden, and your kitchen will smell like pumpkin spice heaven!
5. Cool and Serve :
   Once the muffins are done, allow them to cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. These muffins can be served warm or at room temperature with the delicious, creamy swirl inside.

Storing Your Muffins

Once your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins have completely cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to reheat and enjoy them warm!

For longer storage, you can freeze them by wrapping each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or give them a quick reheat in the microwave.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are the ultimate autumn comfort food. They’re easy to make, bursting with warm, cozy spices, and swirled with a rich cream cheese filling that makes every bite an irresistible delight. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, they’re sure to impress family and friends.

By following this simple recipe, you’ll end up with muffins that have beautifully domed tops, a luscious cream cheese swirl, and a soft, moist texture that melts in your mouth. Plus, the pumpkin spice aroma will fill your kitchen, bringing those classic fall vibes straight to your home.

These muffins also store well in the fridge or freezer, so you can always have a batch ready for when that pumpkin craving hits! Perfect for cozy gatherings, Halloween treats, or even as special Thanksgiving goodies, these muffins are bound to become a fall staple in your kitchen.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and indulge in the warm, sweet flavors of autumn. Happy baking!