Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling
Pumpkin spice muffins with cream cheese filling are the ultimate treat for autumn lovers. These delightful muffins are moist and bursting with fall flavors. With a rich cream cheese center, they are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. Bake a batch to enjoy at breakfast or as a sweet snack, and watch them disappear quickly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and cream cheese creates a mouthwatering taste that captures the essence of fall.
- Moist Texture: Using pumpkin puree ensures these muffins stay soft and tender, making each bite heavenly.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs.
- Versatile Options: Enjoy them as is or add chocolate chips for an extra treat!
- Impressive Presentation: The pecan topping adds a lovely crunch and makes these muffins visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your pumpkin spice muffins with cream cheese filling, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: Essential for shaping your muffins perfectly; it gives them structure while baking.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to mix dry and wet ingredients separately for better results.
- Spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients together without overmixing, preserving the muffins’ light texture.
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious pumpkin spice muffins with cream cheese filling, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3 teaspoons corn syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Muffins
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ground
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar (or icing sugar)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned, unsweetened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine chopped pecans, vanilla extract, sugar, corn syrup, brown sugar, and salt.
2. Blend until well mixed and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Muffin Batter
In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Step 4: Assemble Muffins
Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Add a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each muffin. Top with more muffin batter until almost full.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cooling before serving.
Enjoy these delightful pumpkin spice muffins with cream cheese filling at any fall gathering or simply as a comforting treat at home!
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling
Pumpkin spice muffins with cream cheese filling are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, these muffins can be paired with different accompaniments to enhance their flavor.
Pair with Coffee
- Serving these muffins alongside a hot cup of coffee creates a perfect morning ritual. The rich flavors of pumpkin and spice complement the coffee beautifully.
Add Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture to your muffins. This enhances the sweetness and makes for an indulgent treat.
Serve Warm
- Enjoying your muffins warm allows the cream cheese filling to be extra gooey. This warmth brings out all the fall flavors in every bite.
Top with Maple Syrup
- Drizzling some maple syrup on top adds an extra layer of sweetness. The combination of pumpkin and maple is truly comforting.
Garnish with Chopped Pecans
- Adding chopped pecans on top provides a crunchy contrast to the soft muffin texture. Plus, it complements the nutty flavors already present in the recipe.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling
To ensure your pumpkin spice muffins turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and spices are fresh for the best rise and flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
- Check doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully. This helps maintain their moisture.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling
While pumpkin spice muffins are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can elevate your meal even further. Here are some fantastic options:
- Yogurt Parfait: A creamy yogurt parfait layered with granola and fruit offers a refreshing contrast.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the muffins.
- Oatmeal: A bowl of warm oatmeal topped with nuts or fruits complements the flavors wonderfully.
- Cheese Platter: Pairing with assorted cheeses can enhance savory notes alongside sweet muffins.
- Chai Tea: Chai tea’s spices harmonize beautifully with pumpkin flavors for a cozy drink option.
- Apple Cider: Warm apple cider is another delightful pairing that brings autumn vibes right to your table.
- Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl topped with seeds and fruits gives a healthy twist alongside these sweet treats.
- Nut Butter Spread: Serve some almond or peanut butter on the side for those who enjoy a protein-packed addition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making pumpkin spice muffins with cream cheese filling, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing. Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make muffins dense. Stir just until the dry ingredients are combined for a light, fluffy texture.
- Skipping the Cream Cheese Filling: The filling adds flavor and moisture. Don’t skip it; instead, take the time to prepare it properly for the best results.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Improper measurements can throw off the recipe. Use standard measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking conditions for perfect muffins.
- Not Testing for Doneness: Relying solely on time can lead to undercooked or overcooked muffins. Use a toothpick to check if they are done.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store muffins in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling
- Place cooled muffins in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individually for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions related to pumpkin spice muffins with cream cheese filling.
How do I make pumpkin spice muffins with cream cheese filling?
To make these delicious muffins, mix together wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine them while adding the cream cheese filling before baking.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes! You can substitute canned pumpkin with homemade puree; just ensure it’s not too watery.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you have nut allergies, consider using chocolate chips or sunflower seeds as an alternative topping.
How long do pumpkin spice muffins keep?
These muffins can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for three months.
Final Thoughts
These pumpkin spice muffins with cream cheese filling are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy mornings at home. With their moist texture and delightful flavors, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Feel free to customize them by adding chocolate chips or using different nuts as toppings!
Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the flavors of fall with our Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling. These moist and fluffy muffins feature a rich, creamy center that elevates them to the ultimate autumn treat. Perfect for cozy breakfasts, festive gatherings, or as a sweet snack, they are sure to disappear quickly from your table. The delightful combination of spices and pumpkin captures the essence of the season, while a crunchy pecan topping adds an appealing finish. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, these muffins bring warmth and comfort to any occasion. Bake a batch today and experience the joy of homemade pumpkin treats!
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned, unsweetened)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ground
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar (or icing sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- In one bowl, mix chopped pecans with sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and salt for the cream cheese filling.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate wet ingredients into dry ingredients; stir gently until just combined.
- Fill muffin cups halfway with batter. Add a spoonful of cream cheese filling to each cup and top with more batter.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cooling before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (75g)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
