Best Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe in 2025

Is there anything more comforting than the smell of warm pumpkin spice drifting through your kitchen on a crisp autumn morning?

If you’re anything like me, the moment you feel the chill of fall in the air, you start reaching for all things pumpkin. And today, I’ve got something that will elevate your fall baking game: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins!

These muffins are incredibly moist, perfectly spiced, and filled with a dreamy cream cheese center that melts in your mouth.

Whether you’re baking for your family, hosting brunch, or just looking for a guilt-free treat with your coffee, this recipe will quickly become your go-to.

Let’s dive in and whip up some fall magic!

🎃 Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

If fall had a flavor, it would be these muffins. They check all the boxes: rich pumpkin spice, ultra-moist texture, and that surprise center of velvety cream cheese that turns every bite into pure comfort.

Whether you’re sipping coffee on a cool morning or baking for a cozy brunch, these muffins will steal the show.

Here’s why they’re a total must-bake:

• Soft, moist texture: Thanks to the perfect combo of pumpkin puree, oil, and just the right amount of sugar, these muffins stay tender for days.
• Decadent cream cheese center: A creamy filling hidden in the middle makes them taste like a mini pumpkin cheesecake, without the hassle!
• Warm fall spices: With cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice in every bite, these muffins bring all the cozy vibes you crave when the leaves start to fall.
• Easy to make: No mixer required, no complicated steps. Just whisk, scoop, pipe, and bake.
• Freezer-friendly: You can make them ahead and freeze for future cravings, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
• Great for holidays & sharing: They look impressive and taste even better. Bring them to a potluck or brunch and expect zero leftovers.

These muffins aren’t just good. They’re “where have you been all my life?” good.

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down exactly what you need to create both the pumpkin muffin batter and the cream cheese filling. The ingredients are simple pantry staples, but when combined, they deliver bakery-level results.

🍁 For the Muffin Batter:

🧁 For the Cream Cheese Filling:

🧁 Step-by-Step: How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Ready to make the moistest, most delicious pumpkin muffins filled with a creamy surprise? This step-by-step guide walks you through every detail, eliminating guesswork and stress.

Whether you’re new to baking or want a reliable go-to fall recipe, follow along and you’ll end up with picture-perfect pumpkin cream cheese muffins every time.

🔥 Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Your Tools

Before you even grab your mixing bowls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot by the time your muffins are ready to go in.

A consistent temperature is the key to perfectly baked, fluffy muffins.

While the oven warms up:

• Line your jumbo muffin tray (or regular muffin tray) with parchment paper liners or cupcake wrappers.
• If you’re using a nonstick muffin tin, you can also lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray.
• Set out all your ingredients so they’re easy to grab. This will make your baking process faster and smoother.

📝 Tip: Use a large ice cream scoop to portion your batter later, it helps keep things even.

🥣 Step 2: Sift and Combine the Dry Ingredients

This step might seem skippable, but trust me, sifting your dry ingredients makes a big difference in the final texture. It helps break up any clumps and introduces air, which results in fluffier muffins.

In a large mixing bowl, sift together:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

If you don’t have a sifter, you can use a fine-mesh strainer or even a whisk. The key is to get those ingredients light and lump-free.

Once everything is sifted into your bowl, give it a quick stir with a whisk or spoon to combine the spices evenly throughout the flour and sugar mixture.

💡 Why brown sugar? It adds a caramel-like richness and keeps the muffins moist longer.

🥄 Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix up all the flavorful wet ingredients that make these muffins so irresistible.

In a second mixing bowl, add:

• 1 (15 oz) can of pure pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Use a whisk (or a fork if you’re in a pinch) to mix everything until it’s completely smooth and well combined. You’re looking for a thick, glossy mixture that smells like fall in a bowl.

⚠️ Important note: Make sure you’re using pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling has added sugar and spices that can throw off the balance of the recipe.

🌀 Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Time to bring it all together!

Start by adding your dry mixture into the wet ingredients in three batches:

1. Add one-third of the dry mix to the wet mix and stir gently until just combined.
2. Repeat with the second third, again stirring just enough to incorporate.
3. Add the final portion and mix until everything is combined.

Be careful not to overmix. This is one of the most common baking mistakes. Overmixing can lead to dense, rubbery muffins instead of soft and tender ones. A few small lumps are okay.

Your batter should now be thick, creamy, and spoonable.

🥄 Step 5: Fill the Muffin Trays with Pumpkin Batter

Now it’s time to portion your pumpkin batter into your muffin cups. Here’s how to do it like a pro:

• Use a spoon or large ice cream scoop to add about 5 tablespoons of batter to each muffin cup if using a jumbo tin. For standard muffins, aim for ¾ full.
• Ensure each cup is evenly filled so the muffins bake at a uniform rate.
• Gently tap the tray on the counter once or twice to level out the tops and release air bubbles.

Set the tray aside for a moment while you prepare that delicious cream cheese filling.

🧁 Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

This filling takes these muffins from good to unforgettable. And it’s super easy to make!

In a clean mixing bowl, combine:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temp)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk

Use a whisk or hand mixer to blend everything until it’s completely smooth and creamy. It should be thick but pipeable like a fluffy frosting.

🧊 Room temperature cream cheese is key! If it’s too cold, it’ll be lumpy no matter how hard you mix.

🍰 Step 7: Transfer Cream Cheese Mixture to a Piping Bag

To get that perfect swirl of cream cheese inside the muffin, it’s best to pipe it in.

• Place a piping bag or zip-top plastic bag inside a glass or mug and fold the edges over the rim.
• Spoon in your cream cheese filling, then twist the top and cut a small opening at the tip (about ½ inch wide).
• Now you’re ready to pipe!

✂️ Tip: Snip only a small opening, you want control over how much filling goes into each muffin.

💡 Step 8: Pipe the Cream Cheese into the Muffins

This part’s fun! You’re going to create that dreamy, cheesecake-like center.

• Take your muffin tray and gently insert the tip of the piping bag about ⅔ of the way down into the center of each muffin.
• Slowly squeeze until a little bit of cream cheese rises to the top. It’s okay if it’s visible.
• Repeat for each muffin.

The cream cheese will bake into the center, creating a moist and tangy surprise that perfectly balances the warm spices.

🤎 Optional: You can swirl the cream cheese slightly with a toothpick for a marbled effect.

🔥 Step 9: Bake the Muffins

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and set a timer for 25 minutes.

Here’s what to look for:

• The tops will puff up and turn a deep golden brown.
• The cream cheese might peek out a little, it’s part of the charm!
• To test doneness, insert a toothpick near the edge (not the center, as that area is creamy) and ensure it comes out clean.

👀 Note: Oven temperatures can vary. Check your muffins at the 23-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

⏲️ Step 10: Cool the Muffins Before Serving

This is the hardest part, waiting! But it’s crucial.

• Let the muffins sit in the tray for 15 minutes to set and cool slightly.
• Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

If you dig in too early, the cream cheese center will be piping hot and gooey (which isn’t a bad thing… but proceed with caution!).

👅 Step 11: Enjoy the Best Part—The Taste Test!

Cut into one muffin and you’ll see that gorgeous contrast: rich orange pumpkin cake on the outside, silky cream cheese on the inside. The texture is soft and moist, not too sweet, with just enough tang to balance the spices.

These muffins are:

• Sweet but not overly sugary
• Packed with warm, comforting flavor
• Moist for days (no dry muffins here!)
• Pretty enough to gift or serve at brunch

Why settle for store-bought when homemade tastes this good?

📦 Bonus: Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Want to save some for later? These muffins store like a dream.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months
• Reheat: Pop in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for that fresh-baked feel

Perfect for meal prep, holiday mornings, or unexpected guests.

✅ Helpful Tips for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Success

Baking muffins isn’t complicated, but like all good things in the kitchen, it’s the little details that make the most significant difference.

Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you get perfect results every single time you bake these dreamy pumpkin cream cheese muffins.

📌 1. Always Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese

This might be the single most important tip when it comes to the filling. If your cream cheese is too cold, it won’t mix smoothly, and you’ll end up with lumps. Let it sit out for 30–45 minutes before using, or microwave it in 10-second bursts.

📌 2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Overmixing = dense muffins. Once you start combining your wet and dry ingredients, gently stir just until there are no visible streaks of flour. It’s fine if there are a few small lumps. Your muffins will still rise beautifully.

📌 3. Use a Piping Bag (or Ziploc Bag) for Control

When it comes to adding the cream cheese filling, piping it into the batter helps you get that rich, even center without making a mess. No piping bag? No problem. Just snip the corner off a sandwich bag and pipe away!

📌 4. Test Muffin Doneness at the Edges

Don’t insert your toothpick into the center. Remember, it has gooey cream cheese inside! Instead, check doneness by testing the muffin edge. If the pick comes out clean, you’re good to go.

📌 5. Cool Before Removing from the Tray

These muffins are soft and moist right out of the oven, so they need time to firm up before serving. Letting them rest in the tray for 15 minutes helps keep them from falling apart. Then, transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

🌟 Variations to Try (Mix It Up!)

Want to get creative? This recipe is super versatile. Below is a table full of easy ways to switch things up while keeping the fall flavor you love.

🍂 Final Thoughts: Bake These, Brag Later

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are the cozy sweater of fall baking—warm, soft, and so comforting. They’re simple enough for beginner bakers and satisfying enough for seasoned pros. Once you try them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your fall favorites.

So go ahead, grab that can of pumpkin, preheat the oven, and treat yourself. You deserve it.

Don’t forget to save this recipe, share it with your baking bestie, and tag us when you bake! 🧁💛

🎃 More Pumpkin Recipes to Try This Season

If you loved these muffins, here are a few more cozy, crave-worthy pumpkin recipes you’ll want to bookmark:

• 👉 Best Pumpkin Bars Recipe for Fall
  Soft, spiced, and topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting, these bars are fall’s answer to brownies.
• 👉 Delicious Pumpkin Muffins for Cozy Fall Days
  Fluffy, simple, and perfect with your morning coffee, these are a weekday go-to.
• 👉 Top Pumpkin Pie Recipe Loved by Millennials
  A modern twist on the classic creamy, spiced, and always a holiday favorite.
• 👉 Quick 20-Min Pumpkin Spice Cookies for Fall Nights
  Fast, flavorful, and full of pumpkin spice. Perfect for late-night cravings or a baking moment with the kids.

Ella Foster

Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.