Description

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are moist, cozy, and filled with a creamy swirl — the perfect fall treat for breakfast or dessert!

Introduction

Get ready to fall in love with the most irresistible fall muffin you’ll ever bake! These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are soft, moist, warmly spiced, and crowned with a decadent swirl of sweet cream cheese. They’re the perfect blend of pumpkin spice flavor with a creamy, cheesecake-style surprise in every bite — making them a dreamy treat for breakfast, dessert, or your next cozy fall gathering.

What makes these muffins truly special is how easy they are to make. With simple pantry ingredients, warm spices, creamy filling, and less than 30 minutes of hands-on time, you can whip up bakery-style muffins right in your own kitchen. Whether you love pumpkin desserts, crave soft and fluffy muffins, or want an easy healthy recipe to enjoy with coffee, these muffins check off every box.

The texture is unbelievably moist thanks to the pumpkin puree, while the cream cheese swirl adds richness and sweetness without overpowering the warm fall flavors. If you’re looking for a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing treat that tastes like autumn in every bite — this recipe is your new go-to! 🍂✨

Recipe Equipment

To make these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins effortlessly, gather the following:

• 2 mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Muffin tin (12-count)
• Paper muffin liners
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Toothpick (for swirl design)

These tools help create that perfect swirl, smooth batter, and evenly baked muffins.

Recipe Stat Sheet (Excel-Style Quick Summary)

Step	Task	Time	Notes
1	Preheat oven	2 min	350°F
2	Mix dry ingredients	3 min	Whisk well
3	Mix wet ingredients	5 min	Pumpkin + eggs
4	Make cream cheese mixture	2 min	Softened cheese
5	Fill muffin cups	3 min	¾ full
6	Swirl cream cheese	2 min	Use toothpick
7	Bake	18–22 min	Tops should spring back
8	Cool	10 min	Helps set swirl

Ingredients

Pumpkin Muffin Batter

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (or sugar-free substitute)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• ¼ cup milk

Cream Cheese Swirl

• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (or keto sweetener)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg yolk

Ingredient Notes

• Pumpkin Purée: Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix. This creates moist, rich muffins.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves — the heart of fall flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a silky swirl. Cold cream cheese will produce lumps.
• Oil: Ensures the muffins stay moist for days. Coconut oil works great for a healthier version.
• Sugar-Free Option: Swap sugar with a keto-friendly granulated sweetener without affecting texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners for easy cleanup and perfect muffin tops.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. This step evenly distributes the spices so every bite tastes warm and cozy.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and vibrant orange.

4. Combine the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold using a spatula. Mix until just combined — the batter will be thick and creamy. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins fluffy, not dense.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth and silky. This creates that irresistible cheesecake-style swirl.

6. Fill the Muffin Cups

Scoop the pumpkin batter into the muffin liners, filling them about ¾ of the way full.

7. Add and Swirl the Cream Cheese

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin.
Using a toothpick, gently swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin batter, creating a beautiful marbled top.

8. Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the muffin tops spring back when touched and a toothpick inserted into the pumpkin part comes out clean.

9. Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The swirl sets beautifully as they cool, giving them that bakery-style look.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are delicious at room temperature but taste even better:

• Warm with a pat of butter 🧈
• Served with a hot cup of pumpkin spice latte
• Paired with vanilla yogurt for breakfast
• Drizzled with sugar-free maple syrup for extra sweetness
• Added to a fall brunch spread or holiday dessert table

They’re also wonderful lunchbox treats and cozy evening snacks!

Storage Information

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 5–6 days thanks to the cream cheese swirl.
• Freezer: Freeze individually for up to 2 months. Thaw on the counter for 30 minutes or warm in the microwave for 15 seconds.

Tip: Freeze without stacking to avoid squishing the cream cheese tops.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Add sugar-free chocolate chips for a richer fall flavor.
• Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for crunch.
• Sprinkle cinnamon sugar (or keto cinnamon sweetener) on top before baking.
• For a healthier twist, use coconut sugar or low-carb sweetener.
• Replace milk with almond milk to make the muffins dairy-light.

Nutrition Facts (Approx. Per Muffin)

• Calories: ~210
• Carbs: 22g (or 6g net carbs with keto sweetener)
• Fat: 11g
• Protein: 4g

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are everything you love about fall — warm, cozy, creamy, sweet, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to a seasonal delight, these muffins will fill your kitchen with amazing aroma and your heart with autumn joy.

Give them a try and let me know how yours turned out! Share a photo, drop a comment, or spread the fall baking love on social media. Happy baking! 🍁🧡