These tender pumpkin muffins are warmly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and each bite reveals a sweet-tangy pocket of rich cream cheese filling. They’re like a bite-sized pumpkin cheesecake meets spiced muffin, and they stay moist for days—if they last that long.
In a small bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Transfer to a piping bag or spoon into a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
In a separate bowl, whisk together sugars, oil, eggs, pumpkin purée, and vanilla until well combined.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
Spoon about 1½ tablespoons of batter into each muffin cup.
Add 1 rounded teaspoon of cream cheese mixture in the center of each.
Cover with another 1–1½ tablespoons of batter, making sure cream cheese is fully enclosed.
Optional: sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or chopped pecans for added crunch.
Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick (inserted off-center) comes out clean.
Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips to the batter.
Mix a dash of maple syrup into the cream cheese for a fall twist.
Freeze muffins individually for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Serve warm or at room temperature with a hot cup of chai or spiced latte. They also pair beautifully with vanilla bean yogurt or a drizzle of caramel sauce for dessert.
12 servings