Print

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins Recipe

4.7 from 94 reviews

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins combine the warm flavors of pumpkin spice with a rich, creamy cheese swirl for a perfect autumn breakfast or snack. Moist and tender, each muffin features a beautiful marbled cream cheese center that adds a luscious texture and sweet tang, making them irresistible and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin purée
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Swirl

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt until well combined and aerated.
  3. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. Do not overmix as this can make the muffins dense.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, scraping the sides as needed.
  6. Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon about two tablespoons of muffin batter into each muffin cup. Add a teaspoon of cream cheese mixture on top, then cover with more muffin batter. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
  7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending and smooth texture.
  • You can substitute pumpkin spice with a homemade blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if preferred.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • For a more indulgent treat, drizzle with a simple glaze or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
  • Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the muffins light and fluffy.

Keywords: pumpkin muffins, cream cheese swirl, autumn recipe, fall baking, pumpkin spice muffin, breakfast muffins