Decadent Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Muffins
Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of fall with these Decadent Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Muffins. Inspired by the beloved Tim Hortons treat, this recipe brings together the aromatic spices of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with the rich creaminess of pumpkin and cheesecake frosting. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy gathering, these muffins are sure to please pumpkin spice lovers everywhere. Easy to make and even easier to share, enjoy a batch that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and spice!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups (measured)
packed brown sugar
3/4 cup (measured)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (measured)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (measured)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup (measured)
eggs
2 (beaten)
canned pumpkin puree
3/4 cup (measured)
vegetable oil
1/4 cup (measured)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (measured)
milk
1/4 cup (measured)
cream cheese
4 ounces (at room temperature)
icing sugar
4 tablespoons (measured)
vanilla
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with muffin liners.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, ground cloves, and nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of spices. Then, gently fold in 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds.
3
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the dry ingredients are just moistened; do not overmix.
5
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups. Finish by sprinkling the remaining pumpkin seeds on top.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
7
While the muffins are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more lemon juice; if too runny, add a bit more icing sugar to reach your desired consistency.
8
Once the muffins have cooled completely, inject each muffin with a generous amount (1-2 tablespoons) of the cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired the Decadent Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Muffins recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the beloved Tim Hortons treat, featuring aromatic spices and a rich cream cheese filling.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before preparing the muffin tin.
How long do these pumpkin muffins need to bake?
Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
What spices are included in the pumpkin spice blend?
The recipe uses a blend of cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and nutmeg.
How many pumpkin seeds are used in the recipe?
A total of 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds is used, with some folded into the batter and the rest sprinkled on top.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of measured all-purpose flour.
Can I use fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin puree?
The recipe specifically lists 3/4 cup of canned pumpkin puree for the best results.
How should the dry ingredients be mixed?
Whisk the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices thoroughly to ensure an even distribution.
What are the wet ingredients in the batter?
The wet ingredients include eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
What is the secret to a good muffin texture?
Stir the wet and dry ingredients gently until just moistened; do not overmix the batter.
How do I prepare the muffin tin?
Prepare a standard 12-cup muffin tin with muffin liners for easy removal.
How long should the muffins cool in the pan?
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
What ingredients are needed for the cream cheese frosting?
You will need 4 ounces of room temperature cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice.
What should I do if the frosting is too thick?
If the frosting is too thick, add a little more lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.
What should I do if the frosting is too runny?
If the frosting is too runny, add a bit more icing sugar until it thickens.
When is the best time to add the cream cheese filling?
Inject the cream cheese frosting into the muffins only after they have cooled completely.
How much frosting goes into each muffin?
Inject a generous amount, approximately 1-2 tablespoons, of frosting into each muffin.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice in the frosting?
The lemon juice adds a hint of tanginess and helps adjust the consistency of the cream cheese mixture.
Is brown sugar or white sugar used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
While the recipe specifies vegetable oil for moisture, other neutral oils can typically be used.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
Two beaten eggs are required for the muffin batter.
Is milk a necessary ingredient for the batter?
Yes, 1/4 cup of milk is used as part of the wet ingredients to balance the batter.
What should the consistency of the cream cheese be for the frosting?
The cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure the frosting is smooth and creamy.
How do you finish the top of the muffins before baking?
Finish by sprinkling the remaining pumpkin seeds on top of the batter in the muffin cups.
Are these muffins suitable for a morning snack?
Yes, they are described as perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy fall gathering.
What flavor profile can I expect from these muffins?
Expect a warm balance of sweetness and spice with a rich, creamy cheesecake-style center.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 19 specific ingredients listed to create both the muffins and the frosting.
Do I need to grease the muffin liners?
Standard muffin liners usually do not require greasing, but you can if you prefer.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include pumpkin spice, muffins, cream cheese, quick bread, fall recipes, and dessert.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is described as easy to make and even easier to share with friends and family.