When autumn arrives, few things smell more inviting than the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin muffins wafting through the kitchen. These Pumpkin Streusel Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling combine the comforting flavors of spiced pumpkin with a luscious, creamy surprise at the center.
Topped with a buttery streusel crumble, these muffins are the perfect blend of soft, rich, and slightly crunchy — a cozy treat that pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or an afternoon tea break.
Ingredients
Makes 12 muffins
For the Muffin Batter
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the muffin batter.
Step 2: Make the Streusel
- In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon.
- Mix with your fingertips until crumbly, then set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Muffin Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, vanilla, and both sugars until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures, stirring just until no flour streaks remain (do not overmix).
Step 4: Assemble the Muffins
- Line a muffin pan with paper liners and fill each cup one-third full with pumpkin batter.
- Spoon about one tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each cup.
- Cover with more pumpkin batter until cups are about ¾ full.
- Sprinkle streusel topping generously over each muffin.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the edge (not the center) comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature — the creamy center is irresistible either way!
Serving Suggestions
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving for a bakery-style look.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.
- Pair with a latte or spiced chai tea for the ultimate fall breakfast.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and warm slightly before enjoying.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Muffin (1 serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 5 grams |
| Total Fat | 14 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 6 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 38 grams |
| Sugars | 24 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 210 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Pumpkin puree adds fiber, vitamin A, and natural sweetness.
- Cream cheese filling contributes protein and a touch of decadence.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg enhance flavor naturally without excess sugar.
- Can be made lighter by using reduced-fat cream cheese and swapping oil for applesauce.
Tips for Perfect Muffins
- Don’t overmix the batter — this keeps the muffins tender.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for smooth filling texture.
- Chill muffins before slicing to reveal a clean, defined cream cheese layer.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations to Try
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Mix in chocolate chips to the pumpkin batter for a sweeter twist.
- Substitute whole wheat flour for a fiber-rich version.
- Swirl the cream cheese mixture directly into the batter for a marbled look.
These Pumpkin Streusel Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling bring the cozy warmth of fall straight to your kitchen. With a moist pumpkin base, tangy cream cheese center, and buttery crumble top, they’re the perfect mix of flavor and texture.
Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these muffins will impress every time — and they might just become your new seasonal favorite!