Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

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There’s just something magical about these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins. They’re the perfect combination of warm autumn spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and creamy sweetness. They’re soft, moist, and absolutely irresistible—ideal for a cozy breakfast or a sweet snack.

Decadent Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

When I think of fall baking, these muffins instantly come to mind. The pumpkin base is packed with comforting spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and the luscious cream cheese swirl adds an indulgent touch that takes these muffins over the top.

I love how versatile these muffins are—perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast, a weekend treat, or even a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream. They’re stunningly beautiful with their swirl topping and crunchy pecan garnish, yet surprisingly easy to make.

Whether you’re a pumpkin lover like me or just looking for a show-stopping treat, these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are guaranteed to impress. And the best part? Your kitchen will smell heavenly while they’re baking!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

Let’s talk about the delicious ingredients that make these muffins irresistible. Each one has its role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

  • Pumpkin Puree – The star of the recipe! It adds a rich, earthy sweetness and keeps the muffins super moist. Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
  • All-Purpose Flour – Creates the structure of the muffins while keeping them light and tender.
  • Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar – A combination of these sugars gives the muffins sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor from the brown sugar.
  • Eggs – Provide moisture and help bind everything together.
  • Vegetable Oil – Keeps the muffins soft and moist, while also adding richness.
  • Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the other flavors with its warm, sweet undertones.
  • Baking Powder and Baking Soda – The duo that helps the muffins rise to fluffy perfection.
  • Spices – A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves gives these muffins their signature autumn flavor.
  • Cream Cheese – The creamy swirl of tangy goodness that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin base.
  • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese swirl without making it too heavy.
  • Chopped Pecans – Optional, but highly recommended! They add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor on top of the muffins.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

Baking these muffins is simpler than you might think. The trick is to layer and swirl the batter with the cream cheese mixture for that beautiful, bakery-style look. Here’s how:

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This makes cleanup easy and ensures the muffins come out perfectly.

Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

Step 3:
In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins light and fluffy.

Step 5:
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This is your swirl layer.

Step 6:
Fill each muffin liner about two-thirds full with the pumpkin batter. Add a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter, then use a toothpick to gently swirl the two together.

Step 7:
Sprinkle the tops with chopped pecans for extra crunch, if desired.

Step 8:
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Your kitchen will smell incredible, and the muffins will come out looking like they belong in a bakery window!

How Long to Bake Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

Baking these muffins to perfection is all about timing and temperature. Since every oven can vary slightly, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on them during the final minutes of baking.

Here’s a general guideline for baking these muffins:

  • Standard Muffin Size: Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes. Start checking around the 18-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
  • Mini Muffins: Bake at 375°F for 10–14 minutes. These are perfect for bite-sized treats!
  • Jumbo Muffins: Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes. A longer bake time ensures the centers cook through.

If you want bakery-level results, invest in an instant-read thermometer. The muffins are ready when the internal temperature reaches 200°F.

How to Store Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

These muffins are fantastic fresh out of the oven, but they store beautifully, too. Here’s how to keep them tasting great:

  • Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Since the cream cheese swirl is perishable, they shouldn’t be left out much longer.
  • Refrigerator: If you want them to last a bit longer, store the muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave before serving.
  • Freezer: For longer storage, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the muffins at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

A few little tricks will make your muffins turn out absolutely perfect:

  1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before starting. This helps everything blend smoothly and ensures even baking.
  2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough muffins.
  3. Get That Perfect Swirl: Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the pumpkin batter. Don’t overdo it—you want distinct swirls, not a fully mixed batter.
  4. Top with Pecans or Pumpkin Seeds: For added crunch and a touch of elegance, sprinkle chopped nuts or seeds on top of the muffins before baking.
  5. Cool Before Storing: Allow the muffins to cool completely on a wire rack before storing to avoid sogginess.

These tips ensure your muffins will be soft, moist, and filled with beautiful swirls of flavor every time!

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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins


  • Author: Ava McKenney
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x

Description

Soft, moist, and bursting with warm autumn flavors, these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are the ultimate fall treat. The creamy, tangy swirl paired with the spiced pumpkin base is simply irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Muffins:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  6. Assemble the Muffins: Fill each muffin liner two-thirds full with pumpkin batter. Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on top, then use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the cream cheese into the batter. Sprinkle with chopped pecans, if using.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Enjoy: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For mini muffins, reduce the baking time to 10–14 minutes.
  • Muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Bring refrigerated or frozen muffins to room temperature before serving, or warm them briefly in the microwave.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

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