When fall arrives, nothing compares to the comforting aroma of pumpkin baking in the oven. These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins combine the rich, spiced flavors of pumpkin with a smooth, tangy cream cheese swirl for a muffin that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a cozy fall dessert.
These muffins are soft, moist, and packed with that irresistible pumpkin flavor we all crave during autumn. The addition of a velvety cream cheese swirl elevates these muffins, giving them a unique texture and rich taste that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or as an after-school treat, these muffins are a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins
- Deliciously Moist: The pumpkin puree keeps these muffins incredibly moist while adding a subtle sweetness.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: The tangy, creamy swirl adds richness and balances the spiced pumpkin flavor beautifully.
- Perfect for Fall: Pumpkin and fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make this recipe a seasonal must-try.
- Easy to Make: The recipe requires simple ingredients, and the cream cheese swirl is easier to achieve than you might think!
Ingredients:
For the Muffins:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or greasing it with butter.
2. Prepare the Muffin Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the muffins dense.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. You should have a thick, spreadable mixture.
4. Assemble the Muffins
Scoop the pumpkin muffin batter into each muffin cup, filling them about two-thirds of the way full. Next, add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin.
Use a toothpick or a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin batter, creating a marbled effect. Be sure not to mix the two completely—just swirl lightly for that beautiful marble pattern.
5. Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins:
- Use Pumpkin Puree, Not Pumpkin Pie Filling: Pumpkin puree has the right consistency and flavor for baking. Avoid the pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugar and spices.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
- Add a Crunch: For added texture, try sprinkling some chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are the ultimate treat for pumpkin lovers. The soft, spiced muffin base pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy swirl, creating a delightful bite that’s perfect for autumn. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, or just because it’s fall, these muffins are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea, and you’ll have the perfect fall snack to share with family and friends!
