As the crisp autumn air sets in and leaves start to fall, there’s nothing quite like a warm, spiced muffin to get into the seasonal spirit. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the quintessential fall treat, blending the cozy flavors of pumpkin and spices with a rich, creamy surprise. These muffins are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a perfect way to start your day or enjoy a midday snack. With their moist, tender crumb and decadent cream cheese filling, these muffins are sure to become a beloved recipe in your autumn baking repertoire.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients :
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
For the Muffins:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups pumpkin puree (see Note)
- 1¼ cups vegetable oil
For the Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Instructions :
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap, shaping it into a log approximately 1½ inches in diameter. Wrap the log tightly with the plastic wrap, then reinforce with a layer of foil.
- Place the wrapped log in the freezer and chill until it is firm, at least 2 hours. The mixture should be firm but still pliable for easy slicing.
2. Make the Muffin Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin pans with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda until well combined.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, and vegetable oil on medium-low speed until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender muffin.
3. Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Whisk to blend.
- Add the cold butter pieces to the dry mixture. Use a pastry blender or two forks to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you’re impatient like me, you might find that using your hands speeds up the process, though this is optional.
- Transfer the topping mixture to the refrigerator to chill while you assemble the muffins.
4. Assemble the Muffins:
- Spoon a small amount of batter into each muffin well, just enough to cover the bottom of the liner (about 1-2 tablespoons).
- Slice the chilled cream cheese log into 24 equal pieces. Place one piece of cream cheese filling into each muffin well. Make sure the cream cheese is positioned lower in the batter as it will rise significantly during baking.
- Divide the remaining muffin batter among the muffin cups, covering the cream cheese filling completely.
- Sprinkle a small amount of the chilled topping mixture over each muffin.
5. Bake and Cool:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even cold, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.
Conclusion :
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are more than just a seasonal treat; they are a celebration of fall’s comforting flavors. The combination of spiced pumpkin and luscious cream cheese creates a delightful contrast that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy breakfast, or simply because you love the taste of pumpkin, these muffins are sure to impress.
With their moist texture and creamy filling, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them a memorable addition to any autumn menu. Enjoy these muffins fresh out of the oven or store them for a delicious treat that captures the essence of fall all season long.
Source of the picture : Kitchen Crafty Fun
