Fluffy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

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These Fluffy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are the cozy treat your autumn mornings need. Imagine a moist, warmly spiced pumpkin muffin crowned with a luscious swirl of sweetened cream cheese. They strike the perfect balance between indulgent and comforting, with each bite giving you that pumpkin spice hug we all crave when the air turns crisp.

Whether you’re baking a weekend batch for the family or preparing for a festive brunch, these muffins come together with pantry staples and just the right amount of effort. They’re bakery-worthy but incredibly simple to make at home—no electric mixer needed, just a whisk and a spoon. Serve them warm, and you may find they disappear faster than you expected.

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What Kind of Pumpkin Puree Should I Use?

Make sure you’re using plain canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter has added sugars and spices that can throw off the balance of the muffin batter. You can use homemade pumpkin puree as well, as long as it’s thick and not too watery.

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Ingredients for the Fluffy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the cream cheese swirl:

• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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How To Make the Fluffy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Muffins

Spoon the pumpkin batter into each muffin cup, filling about 3/4 full. Add a generous teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture on top of each and use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl it into the batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin part comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Best Way To Serve and Store These Muffins

These muffins are divine when served warm, either straight from the oven or reheated slightly the next day. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea for the ultimate cozy moment.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully—wrap individually and store for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight and warm before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cream cheese from sinking?

Make sure the batter is thick and the cream cheese is not too runny. Swirling it lightly instead of mixing helps it stay on top.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may differ slightly but still delicious.

Can I use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar?

You can substitute part of the sugar with maple syrup, but it will change the batter’s moisture level. Stick to dry sugars for best structure.

Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?

Definitely. Reduce the baking time to around 10-12 minutes and keep an eye on them.

Can I skip the cream cheese swirl?

You can, but the cream cheese adds a rich contrast to the spiced muffin. For a dairy-free version, just skip it or use a plant-based cream cheese alternative.

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Want More Muffin and Breakfast Treat Ideas?

If these Fluffy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins made your morning better, check out these delicious options from the blog:

• Nutella French Toast Casserole for a gooey breakfast delight.
• Raspberry Crescent Rolls that are flaky, fruity, and fast.
• Cinnamon Donut Bread that tastes like a donut, bakes like a loaf.
• Lemon Loaf Recipe for a tangy, moist slice of sunshine.
• Cottage Cheese Egg Bake if you’re leaning toward a savory start.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this muffin magic to your Pinterest fall baking board so you can whip them up anytime.

Tried them? Drop a comment below! Did you swirl chocolate chips in? Add extra spice? I’d love to hear how you made them your own.

I also post new ideas weekly over on my Pinterest at Nina Dishes — follow along for your daily recipe inspo!

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