Description
These Fluffy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are a delightful fall treat combining moist pumpkin batter with a rich cream cheese swirl. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, each muffin offers a tender crumb and a creamy center that melts in your mouth. Ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these muffins bring seasonal warmth and sweetness to your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Muffin Batter
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Nonstick spray for greasing muffin liners
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and lightly spray each liner with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside to use as the swirl filling.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender muffin texture.
- Fill Muffin Liners with Batter and Cream Cheese: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter into each muffin liner. Add 1 teaspoon of the prepared cream cheese mixture on top, then add another spoonful of batter. Using a toothpick, gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the muffin tops are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and helps maintain their fluffy texture.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to ensure a smooth swirl.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid dense muffins.
- These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Freeze leftover muffins by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.