Bakery-Style Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins – Soft, Moist, and Bakery-Style

There’s something magical about the warm spices and cozy aroma of pumpkin baking in the oven. These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins were inspired by a fall morning when I wanted something comforting but still simple enough to whip up before guests arrived. The result was a soft, moist muffin with a sweet, tangy cream cheese center—like a bakery treat made right at home.
If you love pumpkin season (or wish it lasted all year!), this easy homemade pumpkin cream cheese muffin recipe will be a new favorite. Every bite is warm, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Muffin Batter

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup pumpkin purée
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground ginger

For the Cream Cheese Filling

200 g cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, mix 200 g cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth.
Spoon into a piping bag or cover and chill while preparing the batter.

2. Make the Pumpkin Muffin Batter

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tray with paper liners.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- ¾ cups flour
- tsp baking soda, ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, ½ tsp ginger
In another bowl, whisk:
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- ¾ cup sugar, ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup oil, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.

3. Assemble the Muffins

Fill each muffin cup halfway with pumpkin batter.
Add 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center.
Cover with another spoonful of batter until cups are ¾ full.

4. Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until muffins spring back lightly when touched.
Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips & Variations

1. Add a Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Sprinkle a mixture of sugar and cinnamon on top before baking for a sweet, crunchy finish.

2. Swap the Flour

You can use whole-wheat flour for a denser, heartier muffin. If using gluten-free flour, choose a 1:1 baking blend for best results.

3. Make Mini Muffins

Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats. Reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes.

4. Extra Creamy Filling

For an ultra-smooth center, add 1 tablespoon of yogurt or cream to the filling.

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Because of the cream cheese filling, refrigeration keeps them fresh and safe to enjoy.
Freezer:
Wrap each muffin individually and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Warm muffins in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in an oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes to restore their soft texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make these muffins ahead?

Yes! They store beautifully in the fridge and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

2. Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, as long as it’s a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture may be slightly softer, but still delicious.

3. Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the sugar in the batter by ¼ cup without affecting the texture too much.

4. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely. Just make sure it’s well-pureed and not watery.

5. Can I make these without the cream cheese filling?

Yes! They become perfectly moist pumpkin muffins—still flavorful and soft.

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)

Approximate values:

Calories: 245
Protein: 3.5 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fat: 11 g

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect blend of cozy pumpkin spice and creamy sweetness—ideal for breakfast, snacks, or bringing to gatherings. If you try this easy homemade pumpkin cream cheese muffin recipe, leave a comment below and share your results! And don’t forget to explore my other fall-inspired recipes for more delicious ideas.