Decadent Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of fall with these Decadent Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. Inspired by the beloved Starbucks version, these muffins are a perfect blend of moist pumpkin bread and luscious cream cheese filling. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of spiced pumpkin and rich cream cheese, making them a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. With an option to reduce fat by substituting oil for applesauce, these muffins are both delicious and adaptable. Enjoy the warmth and aroma of freshly baked muffins that will fill your kitchen with the essence of autumn.
24
Servings
180
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
3 cups (sifted)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
nutmeg
1 teaspoon (ground)
ground cloves
1 teaspoon (ground)
pumpkin pie spice
4 teaspoons (mixed)
cardamom
1 pinch (optional, ground)
salt
1 teaspoon (fine)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (baking)
eggs
5 (large, beaten)
sugar
2 cups and 3 tablespoons (granulated)
pumpkin
2 cups (pureed)
vegetable oil
1 1/4 cups (liquid)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
walnuts or pecans
optional (chopped for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper cups or grease it well.
2
In a medium bowl, combine 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1 egg and 3 tablespoons of sugar until smooth. Transfer the mixture onto a piece of wax paper or parchment, shaping it into a long log. Wrap it tightly and place it in the freezer while you prepare the muffin batter, up to 1 hour.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of ground cloves, 4 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice, a pinch of cardamom (if using), 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
4
In a separate large bowl, beat 5 eggs and mix in 2 cups of sugar along with the pumpkin and 1 1/4 cups of vegetable oil until well combined.
5
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6
Using a kitchen scoop or spoon, fill each muffin cup halfway with the pumpkin batter. Carefully remove the cream cheese log from the freezer, unwrap it, and slice it into 1 to 2 teaspoon-sized discs.
7
Place a cream cheese disc in the center of each muffin, gently pressing it down. Optionally, sprinkle each muffin with 1 teaspoon of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the pumpkin portion comes out clean (avoid touching the cream cheese filling).
9
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow the muffins to cool completely before enjoying, as the cream cheese filling is hot and should be left undisturbed.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
24g
Carbs
3g
Protein
1g
Fiber
15g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?
These muffins are a rich fall treat featuring moist pumpkin bread and a luscious cream cheese filling, inspired by the Starbucks version.
How many muffins does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 24 servings.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The muffins should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the cream cheese filling?
Combine 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1 egg and 3 tablespoons of sugar until smooth, then freeze it in a log shape for up to 1 hour.
Why is the cream cheese mixture frozen before baking?
Freezing the mixture into a log makes it easier to slice into discs and place into the center of each muffin.
What spices are used in the pumpkin batter?
The batter uses cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, pumpkin pie spice, and an optional pinch of cardamom.
Can I make these muffins with less fat?
Yes, you can reduce the fat by substituting the vegetable oil with an equal amount of applesauce.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
You will need a total of 6 eggs: 1 for the cream cheese filling and 5 for the muffin batter.
How much pumpkin is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of pureed pumpkin.
What type of flour should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How long should the muffins bake?
The bake time is between 20 to 25 minutes.
How do I know when the muffins are finished baking?
A toothpick inserted into the pumpkin portion of the muffin should come out clean, though you should avoid touching the cream cheese center.
Can I add nuts to the muffins?
Yes, you can optionally sprinkle each muffin with 1 teaspoon of chopped walnuts or pecans before baking.
What are the calories per muffin?
Each muffin contains approximately 180 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each muffin contains about 8 grams of fat.
How much sugar is in each muffin?
There are 15 grams of sugar per muffin.
How much protein is in a muffin?
Each serving contains 3 grams of protein.
How much fiber do these muffins provide?
Each muffin contains 1 gram of fiber.
How many carbohydrates are in a single muffin?
One muffin contains 24 grams of carbohydrates.
Is cardamom a required ingredient?
No, cardamom is optional and can be used according to your preference.
How do I assemble the muffins before baking?
Fill the muffin cups halfway with batter, then place a 1 to 2 teaspoon-sized cream cheese disc in the center and press down gently.
How long should the muffins cool in the pan?
Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Why should I wait for the muffins to cool completely?
The cream cheese filling is very hot after baking and needs time to set undisturbed.
Do I need to grease the muffin tin?
Yes, you should either grease the tin well or use paper liners.
What is the total amount of sugar used in the batter?
The pumpkin batter uses 2 cups of sugar.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of fine salt.
What leavening agent is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
How much vegetable oil is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of liquid vegetable oil.
What occasions are these muffins best for?
They are excellent for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack.
Is the cream cheese filling sweetened?
Yes, the filling is sweetened with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar.