Introduction:
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are the perfect fall treat, offering the best of both worlds:
the rich, spiced flavor of pumpkin and a creamy, tangy swirl of cream cheese.
These muffins are soft, moist, and packed with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, making them a cozy addition to any breakfast, snack, or dessert table.
The cream cheese filling adds a deliciously decadent twist that contrasts beautifully with the pumpkin batter, creating a flavor profile that is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Muffins:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp salt
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with cooking spray.
Make the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Prepare the Muffin Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon a small amount of muffin batter into each muffin cup, filling it about ⅓ of the way. Then, drop a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter.
Finish by covering the cream cheese swirl with more muffin batter until each cup is about ¾ full.
Swirl the Cream Cheese:
Using a toothpick or a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the pumpkin batter for a marbled effect.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean (a few crumbs are fine).
Cool:
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Description:
These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are irresistibly soft, fragrant, and moist with a delightful blend of pumpkin and spice.
The tangy cream cheese filling creates a lovely swirl pattern that not only looks beautiful but adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to each bite.
Perfect for cozy autumn mornings, these muffins also make a fantastic snack or dessert during the fall season.
Tips:
Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing; this ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can substitute it with mashed sweet potatoes or even squash for a similar flavor.
For extra flavor, you can add a handful of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the pumpkin batter.
These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Variations:
Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet, chocolatey contrast to the pumpkin and cream cheese.
Nuts: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the muffin batter for a crunchy texture.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and swap the eggs for flax eggs or a chia egg to make this recipe dairy-free and vegan.
Spices: Adjust the spices to your taste. You can use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices for a more convenient option.
Correction: If your muffins are coming out too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk or increasing the amount of oil in the batter. Ensure you are not overmixing the batter, as this can lead to dense muffins.
Enjoy: These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are best served warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re enjoying them on a crisp fall morning or as an afternoon snack, they’re guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your day!