These moist pumpkin muffins are a cozy treat, especially with a creamy cheese swirl on top! They’re fluffy, spiced just right, and perfect for any time of day.
I love how the cream cheese makes each bite feel like a little celebration. Pair them with a warm drink, and you have the perfect snack for those chilly mornings! ☕️🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is your best bet for convenience. If you prefer, you can use homemade pumpkin puree from roasted pumpkin, just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid extra moisture.
Vegetable Oil: I like using vegetable oil for its neutral flavor. If you want a richer taste, substitute it with melted butter or coconut oil. Both add a nice depth of flavor!
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works perfectly. You can swap in brown sugar for a hint of molasses flavor, or for a healthier option, use coconut sugar or maple syrup, though you may need to adjust the liquids.
Spices: A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger keeps these muffins flavorful. If you have pumpkin pie spice at hand, that works great as a substitute, cutting down on measuring!
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich swirl. If you’re looking for lighter options, Neufchâtel cheese is a good choice, providing similar creaminess with less fat.
How Do You Get a Beautiful Cream Cheese Swirl?
Creating a lovely cream cheese swirl is about technique and timing. You want to ensure the cream cheese is smooth and easy to work with!
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened. It should be at room temperature, making it easier to mix and swirl.
- When layering your batter, start with pumpkin batter, followed by the cream cheese mixture. Be careful to spoon it gently to avoid sinking.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the cream cheese mixture into the pumpkin batter. Move it in a gentle figure-eight pattern for nice marbling.
- Don’t over-swirl! You want distinct layers, so aim for a light touch.
With a little practice, you’ll get that beautiful swirl every time! Enjoy making these muffins; they’re sure to be a hit!
Moist Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Swirl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Muffins:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 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
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20-25 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to let the muffins cool after baking—this makes for easier handling and a tastier bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or giving it a good grease with cooking spray or butter. This step ensures your muffins come out easily after baking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, vegetable oil (or melted butter), granulated sugar, and eggs. Whisk them together until everything is well combined and smooth. This is where your muffins start to get delicious!
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Make sure to sift these dry ingredients to avoid any lumps and to incorporate air, which helps your muffins rise nicely.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently just until combined—be careful not to overmix! Some lumps are okay; they’ll work themselves out during baking.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Swirl:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be your lovely swirl for the muffins!
6. Assemble the Muffins:
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the pumpkin batter into each muffin cup. Then, add about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on top of the pumpkin batter. To create a beautiful swirl, use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin batter. Be gentle to keep the lovely marbled effect!
7. Add More Pumpkin Batter:
For extra muffin goodness, top each muffin cup with the remaining pumpkin batter, filling each about 3/4 full. You don’t want them to overflow while baking, so be mindful!
8. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the muffin (making sure to avoid the cream cheese) comes out clean. If you see some batter, give them a few more minutes!
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are best served warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy your moist pumpkin muffins with a delicious cream cheese swirl—they’re perfect for any occasion, especially on cozy autumn days!
FAQ for Moist Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Swirl
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just roast your pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid soggy muffins.
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze them! Just wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag; they’ll keep for about 3 months.
Can I Make These Muffins Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to give it a good stir before you pour it into the muffin tin. You can also bake them in advance and reheat as needed.
What Variations Can I Try with This Recipe?
You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries for added flavor and texture! If you like a bit of a crunch, adding some chopped pecans or walnuts can be delicious. Feel free to get creative!