Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins are the perfect embodiment of fall baking: warm spices, tender pumpkin crumb, and a rich, creamy cheesecake center that feels indulgent without being heavy. These muffins strike a beautiful balance between comfort and elegance, making them just as suitable for a weekend brunch as they are for a cozy afternoon treat. I first baked these on a crisp autumn morning, and the aroma of pumpkin spice filling the kitchen was instantly comforting. The cheesecake center adds a delightful surprise, turning a simple muffin into something truly special. They are moist, flavorful, and stay delicious for days, which makes them ideal for make-ahead baking. Whether you enjoy them with coffee, pack them for on-the-go breakfasts, or serve them to guests, these muffins consistently impress while remaining easy and approachable to make.
Print
Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins – A Cozy Fall Favorite with a Creamy Twist
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and moist pumpkin muffins swirled with a rich, creamy cheesecake center, perfectly spiced for a cozy fall treat.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with pumpkin batter.
- Add a spoonful of cheesecake mixture to the center, then top with more pumpkin batter.
- Use a toothpick to gently swirl the cheesecake into the batter.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender.
- Muffins taste even better the next day.
- Store refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Pumpkin purée is the foundation of these muffins. It provides moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable fall flavor.
All-purpose flour gives structure to the muffins while keeping the crumb soft and tender.
Granulated sugar sweetens the batter and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and spice.
Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the soft, cake-like texture.
Vegetable oil or melted butter keeps the muffins moist and rich without making them dense.
Pumpkin spice blend delivers warmth and classic autumn flavor, combining cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Baking soda and baking powder work together to ensure the muffins rise properly.
Salt balances sweetness and enhances the spices.
Cream cheese forms the cheesecake center, adding richness and a creamy contrast to the pumpkin batter.
Powdered sugar sweetens the cheesecake filling smoothly without graininess.
Vanilla extract enhances both the pumpkin batter and cheesecake filling with gentle warmth.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by preheating the oven to 180°C and lining a muffin tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Spoon a small amount of pumpkin batter into each muffin liner, followed by a spoonful of cheesecake filling. Top with more pumpkin batter, covering the filling completely. If desired, gently swirl the top with a toothpick.
Bake until the muffins are set and lightly golden on top. Allow them to cool in the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 muffins. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and baking time is approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving, or warm briefly for a freshly baked feel.
Variations and Customizations
These muffins are easy to adapt to your preferences. For added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the tops before baking. I tested this with pecans, and the crunch paired beautifully with the creamy center.
You can adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the pumpkin spice blend. For a deeper flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom. If you prefer a sweeter cheesecake center, increase the powdered sugar slightly.
For a healthier twist, substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour or reduce the sugar slightly without compromising texture. Mini chocolate chips can also be added to the batter for a more dessert-like version.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins are a moderately rich baked good. Pumpkin provides fiber and vitamins, while cream cheese adds indulgence and protein. Enjoyed in moderation, they fit well into a balanced fall baking rotation.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Room Temperature Cream Cheese
Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
Do Not Overmix
Gentle mixing keeps the muffins light and tender.
Even Filling
Layering carefully ensures a centered cheesecake surprise.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin purée?
Yes, as long as it is thick and not watery.
Do these muffins need refrigeration?
Yes, due to the cheesecake filling.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze fully cooled muffins for up to two months.
Can I make mini muffins?
Yes, reduce baking time accordingly.
Are these very sweet?
They are balanced, with mild sweetness from both layers.
Can I skip the swirl?
Yes, the muffins are delicious without swirling.
What oil works best?
Neutral oils such as vegetable or canola oil work well.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, though the filling will be slightly less rich.
How do I know they are done?
A toothpick inserted into the muffin part should come out mostly clean.
Can I add a streusel topping?
Yes, a simple crumble topping works beautifully.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins are a cozy, flavorful fall treat that combines warm spices with a luscious creamy center. Easy to make, impressive to serve, and deeply comforting, they are a recipe you will return to every autumn season.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share