Indulge in the perfect blend of autumn flavors with these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins. Moist and spiced pumpkin muffins are taken to the next level with a luscious cream cheese swirl, creating a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Muffins:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the cream cheese swirl by beating together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fill each muffin cup with pumpkin batter until it’s about 2/3 full. Add a dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Quick Process
- For a time-saving option, you can use store-bought pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices.
- Ensure that both the cream cheese and butter are softened for smoother incorporation into the batter.
- Customize the muffins by adding chopped nuts or raisins to the pumpkin batter.
- Store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
- These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or tea!