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Main Dishes

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

As the leaves start to turn and a chill creeps into the air, there’s one aroma that signals the arrival of fall – the sweet, comforting scent of pumpkin. Embrace the season with our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, a divine creation that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese in each delectable bite. In this detailed guide, we’ll take you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, frequently asked questions, cook notes, variations, and even provide keto and low-carb adaptations for those seeking a guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients

Produce:

  • 1 1/3 cups Pumpkin, canned

Refrigerated:

  • 3 large Eggs

Baking & Spices:

  • 2 tsp Baking powder
  • 3 tbsp Brown sugar
  • 2 3/4 tsp Ground cinnamon
  • 4 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 3 tsp Vanilla
  • 37 tbsp White sugar

Oils & Vinegars:

  • 1/3 cup Olive oil

Nuts & Seeds:

  • 3 tbsp Pecans

Dairy:

  • 3 tbsp Butter
  • 1 (8 ounce) package Cream cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Blend Wet Ingredients:
    • In another bowl, combine canned pumpkin, eggs, brown sugar, white sugar, olive oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
    • Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a fluffy texture.
  5. Create Cream Cheese Filling:
    • In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and white sugar until smooth and creamy.
  6. Assemble Muffins:
    • Spoon a small amount of the pumpkin batter into each muffin cup, creating a base layer.
    • Add a dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each cup.
    • Top with more pumpkin batter, covering the cream cheese filling.
  7. Swirl and Sprinkle:
    • Use a toothpick to swirl the pumpkin and cream cheese layers gently. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for added crunch.
  8. Bake to Perfection:
    • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool and Enjoy:
    • Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cook Notes and Variations

  • Fall Spice Blend: Enhance the flavor profile with a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in your dry ingredients.
  • Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Fold in chocolate chips into the pumpkin batter for an indulgent chocolate-pumpkin combination.
  • Maple Glaze Drizzle: Finish the muffins with a drizzle of maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

A: Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, ensure it’s pureed and well-drained to achieve a similar consistency.

Q: Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

A: Certainly! Bake and store them in an airtight container. Warm briefly before serving.

Q: Is there a gluten-free version of these muffins?

A: Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free alternative.

Q: Can I freeze Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

A: Yes, these muffins freeze well. Ensure they are completely cooled before freezing and thaw before serving.

Q: Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

A: Of course! Walnuts or almonds can be delightful alternatives for added texture.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Version:

  • Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour.
  • Use a keto-friendly sweetener instead of brown and white sugar.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Substitute a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for a lower-carb flour alternative.
  • Opt for a sugar substitute in place of brown and white sugar.

healty meal, low carbs meals, keto meal

In conclusion, our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a symphony of autumn flavors that will enchant your taste buds. Whether you follow the classic recipe or explore the suggested variations and adaptations, these muffins are sure to become a seasonal favorite. So, embrace the spirit of fall, indulge in the heavenly aroma, and share the joy of Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins with your loved ones. Each bite is a celebration of the season’s bounty and the warmth of delicious, homemade treats.