Creamy Pumpkin-Pecan Muffins
These delightful Creamy Pumpkin-Pecan Muffins are perfect for cozy gatherings and make an excellent treat for family visits. Moist and flavorful, the pumpkin adds a rich taste, while the creamy center of cream cheese balances perfectly with the toasted pecans sprinkled on top. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these muffins are sure to impress your guests. Don't forget to toast the pecans as it intensifies their flavor, making every bite a delicious experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
egg
1 (beaten)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
brown sugar
3 tablespoons
flour
4.5 tablespoons
white sugar
5 tablespoons
cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon
butter
3 tablespoons (softened)
chopped pecans
3 tablespoons (toasted briefly in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes)
flour
2.5 cups (half white, half whole wheat)
white sugar
2 cups
baking powder
2 teaspoons
cinnamon
2 teaspoons
salt
1/2 teaspoon
eggs
2 (beaten)
canned pumpkin
1 1/3 cups
olive oil
1/3 cup
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease and flour 18 muffin cups.
2
For the cream cheese filling, beat the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth.
3
Add the beaten egg, vanilla extract, and brown sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until fully combined and creamy. Set aside.
4
For the streusel topping, combine flour, white sugar, cinnamon, and toasted pecans in a bowl. Then, add softened butter and cut it in with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside.
5
In a large mixing bowl, sift together 2.5 cups of flour, 2 cups of white sugar, baking powder, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and salt.
6
Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the 2 beaten eggs, 1 1/3 cups of canned pumpkin, 1/3 cup of olive oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir until combined and the batter is smooth.
7
Fill each muffin cup about half full with the pumpkin batter.
8
Carefully add 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin batter. If using paper cups, take care to keep the cream cheese from touching the paper.
9
Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each filled muffin cup.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11
Allow muffins to cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Pumpkin-Pecan Muffins?
They are moist pumpkin-based muffins featuring a creamy cream cheese center and a crunchy toasted pecan streusel topping.
How many muffins does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 18 muffins.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) for the muffins.
How should I prepare the muffin cups?
You should grease and flour 18 muffin cups or use paper liners.
What ingredients are in the cream cheese filling?
The filling consists of 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, one beaten egg, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and three tablespoons of brown sugar.
How do I make the streusel topping?
Combine flour, white sugar, cinnamon, and toasted pecans, then cut in softened butter with a fork until the mixture is crumbly.
Why is it important to toast the pecans?
Toasting the pecans intensifies their flavor, making the muffins more delicious.
How do I toast the pecans for this recipe?
Toast the chopped pecans briefly in the oven at 350°F for approximately 10 minutes.
What type of flour is recommended for the muffin batter?
The recipe calls for a mix of 2.5 cups of flour, consisting of half white flour and half whole wheat flour.
What kind of pumpkin should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 1/3 cups of canned pumpkin.
What type of oil is used in the batter?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of olive oil.
How many eggs are needed in total?
You will need 3 eggs in total: one for the cream cheese filling and two for the muffin batter.
How much cinnamon is used in the muffin batter?
The muffin batter requires 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
What is the process for mixing the dry ingredients?
Sift together the flour, white sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
How do I combine the wet and dry ingredients?
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the beaten eggs, pumpkin, olive oil, and vanilla, then stir until smooth.
How much batter goes into each muffin cup?
Each muffin cup should be filled about half full with the pumpkin batter.
How do I add the cream cheese center?
Carefully place 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of the pumpkin batter in each cup.
Is there a specific tip for using paper muffin cups?
If using paper liners, try to keep the cream cheese filling from touching the paper directly.
When should I add the streusel topping?
Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each muffin cup after the batter and filling have been added, but before baking.
How long do these muffins take to bake?
They typically bake for 20 to 25 minutes in a 375°F oven.
How can I tell when the muffins are finished baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean when they are done.
What is the cooling procedure for the muffins?
Allow them to cool slightly in the muffin tin before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Are these muffins suitable for a brunch?
Yes, they are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack.
What provides the moisture in these muffins?
The canned pumpkin and olive oil ensure the muffins remain moist and flavorful.
Can I use different types of nuts?
The recipe specifically calls for pecans, but you could substitute other nuts like walnuts if preferred.
What type of sugar is used in the streusel?
The streusel topping uses white sugar, whereas the filling uses brown sugar.
How much baking powder is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of baking powder for proper leavening.
What spices are included in the recipe?
Cinnamon is the primary spice used in both the streusel topping and the muffin batter.
Is salt included in the batter?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is sifted in with the dry ingredients.
What makes the center of these muffins special?
The center features a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture that provides a rich contrast to the pumpkin cake.