If you adore the cozy flavors of fall and want to impress with a delightful twist on classic muffins, this Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, moist muffins bursting with warm pumpkin spice aroma, perfectly complemented by a luscious, tangy cream cheese surprise right in the center. The crunchy pecan topping adds that irresistible crunch, making every bite a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re warming your kitchen on a crisp morning or looking for a sweet treat to share with friends, this recipe truly captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and familiar, yet each plays an essential role in building the deep flavors, moist texture, and beautiful appearance of your Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe. From the nutty crunch of pecans to the warm spices that define the pumpkin flavor, every item is key to delivering a perfect muffin experience.
- Chopped pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor for contrast against the soft muffin.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and body to the muffins.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning to create that golden crust.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that infuses the batter with cozy warmth.
- Baking powder: Helps the muffins rise to perfect fluffy heights.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Pumpkin puree: Brings moistness, rich color, and authentic pumpkin flavor.
- Melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and tender crumb texture.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and stability for the muffin batter.
- Milk: Keeps the batter light and moist.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth that rounds out the taste.
- Cream cheese (room temperature): Essential for the creamy filling with a slight tang.
- Powdered (icing) sugar: Ensures the cream cheese filling is smooth and sweet.
- Granulated sugar: Used in the topping for added crunch and sweetness.
- Corn syrup: Helps bind the topping ingredients and lends a glossy finish.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor in the topping.
- Ground cinnamon: Enhances the sweetness and warmth in the topping mixture.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and muffin tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and either grease your muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This ensures your muffins come out clean and perfect without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Make the cream cheese filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will add a delicious surprise inside your muffins that everyone will love.
Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these ingredients well ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed throughout your muffin batter.
Step 4: Mix the wet ingredients
Combine melted unsalted butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and the remaining vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Whisk until this wet mixture is smooth and homogenous — this step brightens the pumpkin flavor and adds richness.
Step 5: Bring it all together
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as that can make your muffins dense; the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy for the best texture.
Step 6: Assemble the muffins
Spoon half of the batter into each muffin cup. Add a generous dollop of the cream cheese filling into the center, then cover it with the remaining muffin batter. This layering ensures a creamy surprise in every bite.
Step 7: Add the crunchy topping
Top each muffin with a sprinkle of the pecan mixture combined with brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, corn syrup, and granulated sugar. This creates a sweet, crunchy layer that bakes to a golden perfection.
Step 8: Bake to perfection
Bake the muffins for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean. Let your muffins cool before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the filling to set nicely.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top just before serving for a pretty, snowy look, or add a light drizzle of maple syrup to enhance the natural sweetness. Toasted pecan halves placed strategically on top add visual appeal along with extra crunch.
Side Dishes
These muffins make a stellar companion to a hot cup of spiced chai or rich coffee. For brunch, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a fresh contrast to the warm, spiced sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe on a rustic wooden board with autumn leaves scattered around for a seasonal vibe. You can also slice them in half and lightly toast to warm the cream cheese filling and add an extra layer of texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and delicious without drying out. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge is a good option for up to a week.
Freezing
Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight to preserve the texture and flavor of both the muffin and the cream cheese filling.
Reheating
To enjoy a warm muffin, microwave for about 20-30 seconds or pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. This step revives the moistness and melts the cream cheese filling slightly, creating a comforting treat.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, but fresh pumpkin needs to be cooked and pureed first to achieve the right consistency. Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and consistent, which makes baking reliable and simple.
Is there a way to make these muffins dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the filling. Just be sure to check that the cream cheese substitute retains a similar texture for the filling to work well.
How do I avoid the cream cheese filling from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the cream cheese filling properly by covering it completely with batter. Avoid overfilling and gently smooth the top layer of batter to encase the filling securely before adding toppings.
Can I add other nuts or seeds instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds make tasty alternatives that provide a different crunch and flavor profile. Just toast them lightly for maximum impact.
What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?
Fluff up your flour, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing the flour too tightly, which can lead to dense muffins rather than light and fluffy ones.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe enough for anyone who craves that perfect blend of spice, sweet, and creamy indulgence. It’s a joy to bake and even more of a joy to share with family and friends. So, get your apron on, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch of these unforgettable muffins. You won’t regret it!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Pumpkin Spice Muffins filled with a creamy vanilla-infused cream cheese center and topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar glaze. Perfectly spiced with pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon, these muffins make an ideal treat for fall mornings or cozy snacks.
Ingredients
Muffin Batter
- 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)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- â…“ cup powdered sugar (or icing sugar)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ground
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons sugar (granulated)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of muffins.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy; then set aside for later use.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and the remaining vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, which could result in tough muffins.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon half of the batter evenly into each muffin cup. Add a dollop of the prepared cream cheese filling on top of the batter in each cup, then cover with the remaining batter to seal the filling inside.
- Prepare and Add Topping: Mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, corn syrup, and granulated sugar together until combined. Sprinkle this topping evenly over each muffin for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool before serving to set flavors and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling that blends easily.
- Do not overmix the batter; overmixing can make muffins dense and tough.
- Ensure the muffin tin is properly greased or lined to prevent sticking.
- Check muffins towards the end of baking time to avoid overbaking.
- These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
