Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: A Fall Favorite Recipe

Name: Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: ½ cup light brown sugar; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 whole eggs; 7 ½ oz pumpkin puree; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon baking powder; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 ½ tablespoons pumpkin spice mix; 3 oz Philadelphia cream cheese; ¾ tablespoon granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Published: September 30, 2025

by Grace Bennett

Why You'll Love This Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

This incredible Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

Ingredients for Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins:

½ cup light brown sugar – Its molasses content brings depth and a hint of caramel flavor to your muffins.

1 cup granulated sugar – This adds the sweetness necessary to balance the pumpkin’s natural flavors.

½ cup vegetable oil – Keeps the muffins moist and adds tenderness to the texture.

2 whole eggs – Bind the ingredients together while contributing to the rich, fluffy texture.

7 ½ oz pumpkin puree – The star ingredient; use canned puree for convenience or homemade for a fresh taste.

2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for your muffins, ensuring they rise beautifully in the oven.

¾ teaspoons baking soda – Helps the muffins rise, creating that light, fluffy texture we all love.

¾ teaspoons baking powder – Works alongside baking soda to achieve that perfect lift.

¾ teaspoons kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors, making sure every bite is deliciously balanced.

1 ½ tablespoons pumpkin spice mix – The warm flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg; a must for fall baking!

3 oz Philadelphia cream cheese – Adds a rich, tangy surprise in the center of each muffin.

¾ tablespoons granulated sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese filling, adding delightful contrast.

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract – A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 12 standard muffin tins with liners, ensuring an easy release once they’re baked.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with the granulated sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. Set this mixture aside; it’s going to be the delightful surprise in each muffins’ heart.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice mix. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well mixed, then set them aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, regular sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until you have a smooth mixture. Pour in the pumpkin puree and whisk to combine thoroughly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want fluffy muffins, not tough ones!

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tins
Scoop the muffin batter into the lined muffin tins, filling each liner about two-thirds full. Using a small cookie scoop, add a dollop of the cream cheese mixture to the center of each muffin and gently press down.

Step 7: Bake and Enjoy
Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. They are done when a toothpick comes out with a few clinging crumbs or the tops spring back lightly to the touch.

Transfer them to a wire rack and let them cool for a few minutes before indulging. These Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a cozy mug of tea as you enjoy those crisp autumn days.

Thus, there you have it! Each muffin is a tiny celebration of fall, and your taste buds will thank you for it. Bon appétit!

You Must Know About Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

This showstopping Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven and preparing the muffin tins with liners. Mix together dry ingredients while you beat the sugars, oil, and eggs separately. Then, fold in the pumpkin puree before combining it all with the dry mix. This sequence ensures a perfectly moist batter.

Add Your Touch to Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Feel free to customize your muffins! You can substitute the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a tropical flair. Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried cranberries for an extra burst of flavor. Swap out the pumpkin spice for cinnamon if you prefer a more straightforward flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic. Reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for that freshly baked vibe.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

This professional-quality Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sharing these muffins with my family is always an adventure. One time, my little brother declared them the best thing he ever tasted — now that’s a compliment I treasure!

FAQs About Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

What are Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are delightful baked treats that combine the warm, spicy flavors of pumpkin and pumpkin spice with a rich, velvety cream cheese filling. These muffins are perfect for fall but can be enjoyed year-round. They boast a moist texture, thanks to the pumpkin puree, while the cream cheese center adds a luxurious touch that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins are sure to impress family and friends alike.

How do I store Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

To keep your Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing them individually wrapped in plastic wrap. This way, you can take out just what you want, and they’ll still taste freshly baked when you reheat them. A quick microwave zap for about 15-20 seconds works wonders to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

Can I modify the recipe for Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

Absolutely! The beauty of baking is its versatility. You can swap out the vegetable oil for melted coconut oil to add a tropical flair. If you want a little sweetness, consider mixing in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries. For those who prefer a simpler flavor profile, you can leave out the pumpkin spice and use just cinnamon instead. Feel free to make these muffins your own and experiment with flavors to see what you love most.

How long will it take to make Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins?

Making Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins is a quick and delightful process! With a total prep and baking time of about 35 minutes, you’ll have warm, mouthwatering muffins ready in no time. The preparation takes about 15 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of baking. This means you’ll be enjoying the delicious aroma flowing through your kitchen before you know it. Perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon snack!

Conclusion for Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

In summary, Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a fantastic fall treat that combines wonderful flavors and textures. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe, you can create these mouthwatering muffins in just 35 minutes. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later, they’ll undoubtedly become a favorite in your home. Don’t miss out on sharing these delightful Moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins with your family and friends—they’re bound to make everyone smile!