Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins – A Delicious Fall Treat

The first time I baked these pumpkin cream cheese muffins, it was just to use up some leftover pumpkin puree. But after one bite—warm, spiced, and swirled with tangy cream cheese—I was hooked. These pumpkin cream cheese muffins came out soft, golden, and perfectly sweet. Now they’re a must-bake every fall and one of my favorite cozy kitchen traditions.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are everything cozy season calls for: soft, tender, warmly spiced, and topped with a sweet, creamy swirl that bakes right into the top. The pumpkin flavor shines through in every bite, perfectly balanced by the tang of vanilla-spiked cream cheese. Not only do these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins look bakery-fancy, but they also come together easily with pantry staples—no mixer needed, just one bowl and one satisfying swirl.

They’re perfect for:

• A quick breakfast that feels like a treat
• Sharing at work or fall potlucks
• Tucking into lunchboxes
• Gifting during pumpkin season

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients. Big fall flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for the magic:

For the Muffin Batter

• Pumpkin puree (15 oz can) – not pumpkin pie filling
• 2 large eggs – bind everything together
• Granulated sugar + brown sugar – balance of sweetness and depth
• Oil or melted butter – adds moisture without heaviness
• All-purpose flour – classic base for structure
• Pumpkin spice blend – for that signature warm flavor (DIY option below)
• Baking soda + salt – for lift and balance
• Optional add-ins: chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips if you’re feeling fancy

For the Cream Cheese Swirl

• Cream cheese (room temperature) – silky, tangy, and essential
• Granulated sugar – just enough to sweeten the swirl
• Egg yolk – gives body to the swirl without being runny
• Vanilla extract – ties the swirl to the muffin batter with sweet warmth

Tip: Let your eggs and cream cheese come to room temperature so everything blends smooth. Cold cream cheese = clumps.

this …

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins at home is easier than you’d think. From mixing bowl to oven, this fall favorite comes together in just 30 minutes—and every step is worth it for a batch of moist, spiced muffins with that irresistible cream cheese swirl.

Mix the Muffin Batter

In one bowl, whisk the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt together.

In a larger bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, both sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined—don’t overmix or your muffins will be dense.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla, and mix until fully smooth. It should be thick but easily spoonable.

Assemble & Swirl

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line muffin tins with paper liners and fill each about ¾ full with the batter. Add a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on top of each one.

Now, take a toothpick or skewer and gently swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin batter. Or simply dollop it right on top if you like distinct layers—either way, they’ll bake beautifully.

Bake to Perfection

Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the pumpkin part (not the cream cheese) comes out mostly clean.

Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling—or serve them slightly warm for maximum swoon.

Tips for Success & Easy Variations

• Don’t overfill your liners—aim for ¾ full to leave space for that swirl.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the muffins light and tender.
• Add-ins? Yes! Try pepitas, walnuts, or a few chocolate chips for extra flair.
• Want to make a loaf? Use the same batter and cream cheese swirl in a standard loaf pan. Just increase the bake time to around 50–60 minutes.
• No pumpkin spice? Make your own:
  DIY Pumpkin Spice Mix:
  • 4 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp cloves
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp allspice

More Pumpkin Favorites to Try

If you’re on a pumpkin kick, you’ll love these cozy picks:

• Try these Easy Pumpkin Muffins for Fall Baking Variety when you need a quick grab-and-go snack.
• Cozy up with a slice of Pumpkin French Toast Casserole for Cozy Brunches—your weekend mornings will thank you.
• Bake a batch of Chewy Pumpkin Cookies for a Soft and Spiced Treat that taste like fall in every bite.

FAQs

Before you go, don’t forget to pin this recipe and check out even more seasonal ideas on Pinterest or follow along on Facebook for new weekly recipes.

Print