Pumpkin Swirl Muffins
Deliciously moist Pumpkin Swirl Muffins featuring a perfect blend of warm spices and a creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl. These muffins are ideal for autumn breakfasts, snacks, or holiday treats, combining the rich flavors of pumpkin and a luscious cream cheese topping for a festive and comforting bake.
- Author: Elias
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Muffins:
- 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240 g) canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until fully combined. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light and tender muffin texture.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
- Assemble the Muffins: Spoon the pumpkin batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about halfway. Add a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the cream cheese gently into the pumpkin batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins light and fluffy.
- The cream cheese should be softened to blend smoothly and create a perfect swirl.
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control sweetness and spices.
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated to achieve even baking.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: pumpkin muffins, cream cheese swirl, fall recipes, autumn baking, pumpkin spice, breakfast muffins, moist muffins