- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or spray with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Muffin Batter
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Step 4: Assemble the Muffins
- Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the pumpkin batter into each muffin cup, filling it about one-third full.
- Add Cream Cheese Filling: Place a heaping teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of the batter, then cover with more pumpkin batter until each cup is about 2/3 full.
Step 5: Bake the Muffins
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the pumpkin muffin (not the cream cheese) comes out clean. The tops should be slightly golden and spring back when touched.
- Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Serve
- Enjoy: Serve these delightful pumpkin cream cheese muffins warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat.
Final Notes: Tips and Variations
- Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage—just thaw before serving.
- Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the pumpkin batter for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. A pinch of allspice or cloves can add a nice depth of flavor.
Conclusion:
Pumpkin cream cheese muffins are a delightful dessert that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin with a creamy filling, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. This exclusive recipe is easy to follow and packed with flavor, perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave something sweet. Enjoy the cozy flavors and delicious textures of these muffins—your taste buds will thank you!