Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

There’s just something magical about a chilly October morning and a warm tray of pumpkin cream cheese muffins coming out of the oven. I still remember the first time I made them — my youngest was twirling around in her fuzzy socks while the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg drifted through our kitchen. I folded that silky cream cheese swirl right into the spiced batter, hoping it would bake up into something special. When we took that first bite, the soft pumpkin crumb and tangy swirl nearly melted on our tongues.

These muffins quickly became a family tradition, requested every year once the leaves start turning. Whether you’re baking for a cozy brunch, a lunchbox treat, or just because you need a little taste of fall, these pumpkin cream cheese muffins are everything you’re craving and more.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall for these muffins the moment that tender crumb meets your taste buds. Each bite of pumpkin cream cheese muffin delivers a warm hug of autumn spices, wrapped around a silky cream cheese swirl that adds just the right tang.

This recipe is wonderfully easy — no stand mixer required! Just two bowls, a whisk, and your favorite muffin pan. The batter comes together in minutes, making it perfect for weekday baking or spontaneous cravings.

Family-friendly and kid-approved, these pumpkin cream cheese muffins pack well in lunchboxes and reheat beautifully for after-school snacks. Plus, they freeze like a dream, so you can keep a stash on hand all season long.

Whether you enjoy them with coffee on a crisp morning or serve them as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, you’ll love how versatile they are. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re the perfect fall treat that looks bakery-fancy but feels homemade.

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Ingredient Overview

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are rich with fall flavor, thanks to a blend of warm spices and silky cream cheese. The base is a classic pumpkin muffin — moist, fluffy, and kissed with pumpkin pie spice — while the filling adds a luscious swirl of tangy-sweet decadence.

• Pumpkin Puree: Brings moisture and earthy sweetness, making each muffin tender and golden.

• Oil (Canola or Vegetable): Keeps the crumb ultra-moist without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the muffin and cream cheese layers.

• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.

• Milk: Lightens the batter and ensures a soft texture.

• Flour: All-purpose works best; make sure to stir, spoon, and level for accuracy.

• Baking Soda + Baking Powder: Help these beauties rise with a fluffy dome.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses every bite with cozy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

• Cream Cheese: The star of the filling — smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy.

• Vanilla Extract: Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness in both batters.

Styling tip: After swirling, leave a visible peek of cream cheese on top — it bakes into a lovely marbled pattern.

With just these pantry staples, you’ll whip up pumpkin cream cheese muffins that look impressive and taste even better. Ready to start baking? Let’s head into the steps!

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Line the Muffin Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line your muffin tin with paper cups or spritz it with nonstick spray. This recipe makes 12 standard pumpkin cream cheese muffins, so prepare your pans accordingly.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until glossy. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and milk, then whisk until smooth and fully combined. This rich base gives your pumpkin cream cheese muffins their signature moist crumb.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Slowly add the dry mix into the wet mixture, stirring just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, so stop when it’s just blended.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together using a hand mixer until light and creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth. The texture should be pourable but not runny — this is what makes the swirl in your pumpkin cream cheese muffins so luscious.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

Use a #24 scoop or a large spoon to fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with pumpkin batter. Then, using a #50 scoop or a heaping tablespoon, dollop the cream cheese mixture on top of each one. Tip: Don’t overfill — the batter rises!

Step 6: Swirl It Just Right

To create the marbled effect, gently insert a butter knife straight into the center of the muffin and swirl the cream cheese into the pumpkin layer. A few folds will do the trick — too much and you’ll lose that pretty swirl. Remember: less is more.

Step 7: Bake Until Just Set

Place your muffin tray in the oven and bake at 375°F for 15 to 18 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. The centers should be slightly springy. Overbaking can dry out your pumpkin cream cheese muffins, so keep an eye on them.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. That swirl will set beautifully, and the cream cheese will firm up to the perfect creamy bite.

Now that your pumpkin cream cheese muffins are coming together beautifully, let’s explore some pro tips and creative variations!

Pro Tips

Use room temperature ingredients for the filling. Cold cream cheese can cause lumps and make swirling tricky. When making pumpkin cream cheese muffins, soft cream cheese blends like a dream and bakes into that silky swirl we all love.

Don’t skip the folding technique. Simply swirling won’t integrate the layers properly. Folding gently from bottom to top gives your pumpkin cream cheese muffins a beautiful marbled finish without over-mixing the batters.

Measure flour the right way. Too much flour can make your muffins dry. Always stir the flour, spoon it into your cup, and level it with a knife. This little step ensures light, moist pumpkin cream cheese muffins every time.

Store them in the fridge for ultimate freshness. These are best kept chilled because of the cream cheese layer. Pop one in the microwave for 10 seconds and it’ll taste like it’s straight from the oven.

Looking for more cozy fall treats like this? You’ll adore our Pumpkin Muffins Recipe, which inspired these marbled beauties with a cream cheese twist.

Variations

Make them mini! Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 10–12 minutes. Mini pumpkin cream cheese muffins are perfect for lunchboxes, bake sales, or bite-sized dessert platters.

Swap the spice blend. Don’t have pumpkin pie spice? Use cinnamon, nutmeg, a pinch of cloves, and ginger. You’ll still get that warm fall flavor in every bite of your pumpkin cream cheese muffins.

Add mix-ins. A handful of chopped pecans or chocolate chips in the batter gives these muffins extra texture and flavor. The creamy swirl plays beautifully with crunchy or melty surprises.

Make them gluten-free. Use a good 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. Many readers have had great success baking pumpkin cream cheese muffins this way without sacrificing texture.

Pair with our fluffy Pumpkin Donuts Recipe for a fall breakfast spread everyone will remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins shine beautifully at fall brunches, cozy breakfasts, or packed into school lunches with a thermos of warm apple cider. For a festive spread, pair them with our Pumpkin Fluff Pie and a hot cinnamon latte. They also make a thoughtful treat to bring to family gatherings or chilly afternoon playdates — no one can resist that golden swirl and tender bite. If you’re planning a fall-themed party or even just a quiet weekend breakfast at home, pumpkin cream cheese muffins set the perfect seasonal tone. 

Conclusion

Whether you’re baking for a special morning or simply want to savor a taste of autumn, pumpkin cream cheese muffins are the kind of recipe that fills your home with warmth and joy. From the rich aroma while they bake to the velvety swirl of cream cheese in each bite, these muffins offer comfort and delight in the most delicious way. They’re simple to make, gorgeous to serve, and so satisfying to share — the kind of treat that brings people together, one cozy muffin at a time.

I’d love for you to try these pumpkin cream cheese muffins and make them part of your fall traditions. If you bake them, leave a comment below — I truly enjoy hearing how they turn out in your kitchen! And don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us on social media so we can see your beautiful bakes and share in your pumpkin joy.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking!

(P.S. Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok for more delicious inspiration!)