Name: Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted and cooled butter); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg yolk (room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

There are few things as heartwarming as a kitchen perfumed with pumpkin spice, and these Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins deliver just that! This recipe marries moist pumpkin muffins with lavish ribbons of tangy cream cheese for a bakery-style treat that’s equal parts fluffy, decadent, and visually stunning. The irresistible swirl brings a creamy surprise in every bite, making these muffins perfect for cozy mornings, festive brunches, or even a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Trust me—after one taste, these beauties will earn their spot in your regular baking rotation!

Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese MuffinsIngredients Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about the Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins is how straightforward each component is—no fancy tricks, just pantry staples that magically transform into pure muffin bliss. Each one brings its own magic: softness, deep flavor, or a gorgeous swirl.

All-purpose flour: The muffin’s hearty yet tender base; don’t substitute with cake flour!
Pumpkin spice: A warm blend for that signature fall aroma and depth.
Baking soda: Gives the muffins their beautiful rise and light crumb.
Salt: Just a touch to balance and highlight the sweetness.
Pumpkin puree (15 oz can): The star of the show—look for 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both batter and the luscious cream cheese swirl.
Packed brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and extra moisture.
Large eggs: They create structure and richness.
Vegetable oil (or melted and cooled butter): For that dreamy, moist crumb—oil gives a lighter bite, butter amps up the flavor.
Vanilla extract: Fragrant and rounds out all the flavors in both layers.
Cream cheese (8 oz, room temperature): Swirled throughout for creamy pockets of tang.
Granulated sugar (for swirl): Sweetens the cream cheese and makes it delightfully decadent.
Large egg yolk (room temperature): Gives structure and extra creaminess to the swirl.
Vanilla extract (for swirl): Just a splash to mellow and enhance the swirl’s flavor.

How to Make Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with paper baking cups—this little bit of prep makes cleanup a breeze later and keeps your muffins from sticking. Set the pan aside so it’s ready when your batter is.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute all the leaveners and spices throughout your Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, ensuring every bite is perfectly spiced and tender.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until everything’s silky smooth. Beat in the eggs, vegetable oil (or butter if that’s your jam), and vanilla extract. Once all’s combined, gently fold in your dry ingredients, stirring just until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Fill your muffin cups about three-quarters full to leave space for that dreamy cream cheese ribbon.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

Now, in a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s ultra creamy. Add sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, then beat again until everything’s totally blended—no lumps allowed! This swirl mixture is what turns ordinary pumpkin muffins into the Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins you’ll crave again and again.

Step 5: Swirl and Assemble

Top each unbaked muffin with a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture. Don’t worry if it looks messy! Use a toothpick or a thin knife to swirl the cream cheese through the batter. These marbled tops might seem uneven now, but wait—after baking, they’re pure muffin artistry.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the pumpkiny part comes out clean (a little cream cheese on the toothpick is totally fine). Let the muffins rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before devouring or transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar across the swirled tops makes each muffin look like it came straight out of a bakery case. For something even more special, try a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or some toasted pecans for crunch. Those swirls deserve to be shown off, so don’t be afraid to add a finishing touch!

Side Dishes

Serve these muffins with a cozy mug of chai or a hot latte to lean into those fall vibes. A side of fruit—like honeycrisp apple slices or fresh berries—makes a great complement. If you’re building a breakfast spread, add scrambled eggs or crispy bacon to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting brunch or gifting a neighbor? Pile the Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins high on a rustic cake stand or line a bread basket with colorful linen for an inviting look. For an extra wow factor, serve them warm with a pat of salted butter or next to a dish of spiced honey for dipping. Don’t forget pretty napkins to catch all those tantalizing crumbs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator if your kitchen is warm. Chilling helps keep the cream cheese swirl fresh and delicious, but be sure they’re totally cool before sealing them up to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Pop fully cooled Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep up to 2 months—just grab one as needed for an instant, homemade treat. For best results, wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or frozen muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) for 7-10 minutes. This brings back that bakery-fresh softness and reinvigorates the cream cheese swirl to gooey, dreamy perfection.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just be sure your homemade pumpkin puree is thick and not watery—excess moisture can make the muffins gummy. If needed, strain the puree through cheesecloth to get that rich, concentrated pumpkin goodness.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for a tender, not crumbly, result. The other Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins remain the same!

What if I don’t have pumpkin spice?

Mix your own by blending 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves. This quick fix recreates the cozy flavor you crave in these muffins.

How can I make the muffins extra moist?

Don’t skimp on the oil or brown sugar—these two are essential for truly moist muffins. Also, take care not to overbake; removing them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out mostly clean will keep them perfectly soft.

Can I make mini muffins instead of regular-sized?

Definitely! Reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes, but keep a close eye—they’ll finish quickly. Swirl in just a teaspoon of cream cheese mixture per mini cup for picture-perfect Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins every time.

Final Thoughts

I can say with total confidence, sharing these Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins will earn you rave reviews from friends and family! They’re fuss-free, beautifully marbled, and utterly irresistible warm from the oven. Give them a try—you might just find a new fall favorite for your own kitchen!

Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

★★★★★

4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Best Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat for any time of day. A perfect blend of pumpkin spice muffin with a creamy cheesecake-like filling, these muffins are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a muffin pan with paper baking cups.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix in eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until smooth.
Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup 3/4 full with the pumpkin batter. Top each muffin with a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture and swirl into the batter using a toothpick.
Bake: Bake the muffins for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the pumpkin part comes out clean. Let cool before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American