1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, or lightly grease the muffin cups with nonstick spray.
2. Make the Pumpkin Muffin Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. These spices give the muffins their classic fall flavor, with a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense muffins. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a small mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
This cream cheese mixture will create a delightful swirl on top of the muffins, adding a rich and tangy flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
4. Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon about two-thirds of the pumpkin muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Next, drop a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on top of the pumpkin batter in each muffin cup. Use a toothpick or a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Finally, spoon the remaining pumpkin batter over the cream cheese layer, filling each muffin cup almost to the top.
5. Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
The muffins should be golden brown and the cream cheese swirl should be set and slightly puffed.
6. Cool and Serve
Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These muffins are delicious when served warm, but they’re also great at room temperature. The cream cheese swirl will firm up as the muffins cool, creating a luscious, creamy top.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, milk, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter and cream cheese swirl.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to ensure the muffins aren’t too sweet.
- Swirling Technique: For a beautiful swirl, don’t overmix the cream cheese into the batter. A few gentle swirls will create a lovely marbled effect.
- Storing the Muffins: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are perfect for any time of day:
- Breakfast: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
- Snack: Enjoy with a glass of milk for a satisfying afternoon snack.
- Dessert: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are the ultimate fall treat, combining the best flavors of the season into one delicious bite. The moist, spiced pumpkin muffin, paired with the rich and creamy swirl of cream cheese, creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your home.
So, grab a cozy sweater, light a fall-scented candle, and treat yourself to the warm, comforting taste of these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins.
Did you bake these muffins? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Share your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below. Enjoy the flavors of fall!