Pumpkin Streusel Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling – A Cozy Fall Favorite

Pumpkin Streusel Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling are the perfect seasonal treat to enjoy on a cool autumn day. These muffins combine the rich, warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with a creamy center and a sweet, crunchy streusel topping. Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering, holiday brunch, or just a cozy treat at home, these muffins are sure to be a hit with everyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

There are many reasons why Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are the ultimate fall baking recipe. First, the rich pumpkin puree adds a wonderful moisture and depth to the muffins. Then, the spiced batter, packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, brings that quintessential fall flavor. What sets these muffins apart is the surprise of the creamy, tangy cream cheese filling and the crunchy, cinnamon-laced streusel topping. This combination makes every bite a satisfying experience.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

To make these delicious muffins, gather the following ingredients:

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Muffin Batter:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/4 cup milk

Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

To tailor this recipe to specific dietary needs or preferences, here are a few alternatives:

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk for the filling and batter.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free version of these Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.
• Sugar-Free: Substitute the granulated sugar with a natural sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit to make these muffins suitable for a sugar-free diet.

How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
   In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Muffin Batter
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and milk until well mixed.
3. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins.
4. Fill the Muffin Tins
   Spoon a small amount of muffin batter into each muffin cup, filling about one-third of the way. Pipe a dollop of the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin cup. Top with more muffin batter, filling each cup about two-thirds full, covering the cream cheese filling.
5. Prepare the Streusel Topping
   In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the muffin batter.
6. Bake the Muffins
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese filling) comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   These Pumpkin Streusel Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling are delicious both warm or at room temperature. Serve them as a snack or for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in dense muffins. Mix the ingredients until just combined for the best texture.
• Check for Doneness: Make sure to check the muffins for doneness by inserting a toothpick. The toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the muffin itself, but avoid piercing the cream cheese filling.
• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply reheat in the microwave for a quick snack.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

• Pair with a Hot Drink: These Pumpkin Streusel Muffins pair perfectly with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or spiced apple cider.
• Toppings and Additions: For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping. Alternatively, drizzle the muffins with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.
• Spicy Twist: If you prefer a spicier muffin, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon or ginger in the batter.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin in Your Muffins

Pumpkin is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. These muffins provide a healthy dose of nutrients from the pumpkin puree, which supports good vision, immunity, and digestive health. Plus, the spices in the muffins offer anti-inflammatory properties and enhance the flavors naturally.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Streusel Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling are the perfect fall treat that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin, the sweetness of cinnamon, and the smoothness of a creamy cheese filling. These muffins are easy to make and incredibly delicious, making them a fantastic option for fall gatherings or a cozy snack at home. The crunchy streusel topping and the spiced muffin base, combined with the surprise of cream cheese in the middle, create a treat that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a hot beverage, these muffins are sure to become a seasonal favorite!

FAQs About Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

More Relevant Recipes

• Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins: A delicious fusion of pumpkin and apple, these muffins are spiced to perfection with cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with a crunchy streusel, they make for an irresistible autumn treat.
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: These soft, chewy cookies combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon with a classic snickerdoodle twist. They’re the perfect fall cookie for anyone craving something sweet and spiced.
• Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins: These muffins are a delicious variation of classic coffee cake, with a moist pumpkin base and a streusel topping. They’re perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

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