Hello, pumpkin lovers! Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite fall treats: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins. These muffins combine the rich, spiced flavor of pumpkin with a creamy, sweet swirl of cream cheese, making them the perfect indulgence for the cooler months. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, these muffins are sure to impress!
Introduction
Fall is the season for all things pumpkin, and these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins take the cake—literally! The warm spices of pumpkin pie spice blend perfectly with the tangy cream cheese, creating a soft, moist muffin with a beautiful marble swirl on top. Not only are these muffins delicious, but they also look impressive, making them great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying at home.
I first tried this recipe on a cozy autumn afternoon, and it quickly became a household favorite. The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese makes these muffins incredibly moist, while the subtle sweetness brings out the flavor of the spices. Plus, who can resist that gorgeous swirl?
Ingredients
To prepare these comforting Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins, you’ll need:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with the pumpkin batter.
- Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on top and swirl it with a toothpick to create a marble effect.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Helpful Tips
- When swirling the cream cheese, be gentle to maintain the marble effect without blending the two batters too much.
- Don’t overmix the pumpkin batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- For a stronger spice flavor, feel free to increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add cinnamon.
Cooking Tips
For the best results, follow these additional cooking tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow the eggs and cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother batter and better texture.
- Even portioning: Use an ice cream scoop to evenly distribute the batter into the muffin tin. This will help ensure all muffins bake evenly.
- If you’re a fan of nuts, you can fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Serve warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy fall breakfast.
- For a more decadent treat, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Pair these muffins with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Nutritional Information
These muffins are not only delicious but also offer some nutritional benefits thanks to the pumpkin puree, which is rich in fiber and vitamin A.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 215
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Potassium: 90mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Vitamin A: 120% DV
- Vitamin C: 2% DV
- Calcium: 2% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
Nutritional Information: These muffins provide a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for healthy vision and immune function. However, they are relatively high in sugar, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation!
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese filling makes refrigeration necessary to keep them fresh.
Reheat: To enjoy the muffins warm again, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
If you want to freeze these muffins, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree in place of canned pumpkin. Just ensure that it is smooth and well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may differ slightly, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Can I make mini muffins instead of regular-sized muffins?
Yes, you can! Just reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Related Recipes
If you loved these muffins, be sure to check out these other recipes from our site:
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins as much as I do. They’re the perfect way to celebrate pumpkin season, and the swirl of cream cheese makes them extra special. Be sure to leave a comment below if you try them, and let me know if you added your own twist! Happy baking!
Print
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins – Easy Fall Recipe
Description
Hello, pumpkin lovers! Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite fall treats: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins. These muffins combine the rich, spiced flavor of pumpkin with a creamy, sweet swirl of cream cheese, making them the perfect indulgence for the cooler months. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, these muffins are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with the pumpkin batter.
- Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on top and swirl it with a toothpick to create a marble effect.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- When swirling the cream cheese, be gentle to maintain the marble effect without blending the two batters too much.
- Don’t overmix the pumpkin batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- For a stronger spice flavor, feel free to increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add cinnamon.
