Dreamy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins with Caramel Swirl Recipe

Whipping up these delectable pumpkin cream cheese muffins with caramel swirl promises pure autumn magic in every bite.

Crisp mornings and cozy sweaters pair perfectly with such delightful treats.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby.

Soft cream cheese centers create unexpected pockets of creamy richness within each tender morsel.

Caramel ribbons weave through the batter, adding luxurious swirls of golden sweetness.

Seasonal spices dance alongside the pumpkin’s warm essence, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Fall baking reaches new heights with this irresistible recipe that begs you to break out your mixing bowl and baking sheet.

Let’s transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary breakfast experience that celebrates the season’s most beloved flavors.

Why Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins With Caramel Swirl Are Everything

• Craft Delicious Layers: Experience a delightful surprise with each bite, where cream cheese filling and caramel swirl create an incredible taste adventure.
• Customize with Ease: Swap pecans for walnuts or add chocolate chips to make the recipe uniquely yours, giving you creative freedom in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for breakfast gatherings, potlucks, or weekend brunches, these muffins will impress family and friends with their gourmet appearance and bakery-style taste.

Grab These For Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins With Caramel Swirl

• All-Purpose Flour: The base ingredient that provides structure to the muffins.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that add rich, autumnal flavor to the pumpkin muffins.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness of the muffins.

• Pumpkin Puree: The key ingredient that gives the muffins their distinctive orange color and classic fall flavor.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that contribute to the muffins' moisture and caramelized taste.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the muffin.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.

• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Egg Yolk, Vanilla Extract: Create a rich and creamy filling that adds decadence to the muffins.
• Caramel Sauce: Provides a sweet, gooey swirl that complements the pumpkin flavor.
• Turbinado Sugar, Chopped Pecans: Add a delightful crunch and textural contrast to the soft muffins.

Bake Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins With Caramel Swirl Without A Fuss

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin

Crank up your oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Make sure the liners are evenly spaced for perfect muffins.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil

Mix until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Create Pumpkin Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture. Stir until just combined – be careful not to overmix, as this can make your muffins tough.

Step 5: Whip Up Cream Cheese Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Egg yolk
• Vanilla extract

Continue mixing until the filling becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Layer the Muffin Base

Fill each muffin liner halfway with the pumpkin batter, creating a solid foundation for your muffins.

Step 7: Add Cream Cheese Surprise

Carefully pipe or spoon a dollop of cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin.

Step 8: Cover the Filling

Top the cream cheese with additional pumpkin batter, ensuring the filling is completely covered.

Step 9: Create Caramel Swirl

Drizzle caramel sauce in a beautiful swirling motion across the top of each muffin.

Step 10: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle turbinado sugar and chopped pecans over the muffins to give them an irresistible texture and crunch.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs.

Step 12: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the muffins from the oven and let them sit in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Get ready to indulge in these heavenly pumpkin cream cheese muffins!

Easy Tips For Better Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins With Caramel Swirl

• Master Moisture Control: Drain excess liquid from pumpkin puree using a cheesecloth or paper towel to prevent soggy muffins and ensure a perfect, fluffy texture.
• Prevent Filling Sinking: Coat cream cheese mixture lightly in flour before adding to muffin batter to help it stay suspended and distribute evenly throughout each muffin.
• Swap Ingredients Smartly: Replace vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat version, or use gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Create Perfect Swirls: Use a toothpick or thin knife to gently drag caramel sauce through the batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns without overmixing.

Ways To Add Fun To Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins With Caramel Swirl

• Nutty Harvest Muffins: Replace pecans with toasted walnuts and add maple syrup drizzle for a rich, woodsy flavor profile.
• Chocolate Pumpkin Dream: Mix in dark chocolate chips and swap caramel swirl with chocolate ganache for an indulgent seasonal treat.
• Gluten-Free Autumn Muffins: Use almond flour and gluten-free baking mix instead of traditional flour, maintaining the same moist texture and spiced warmth.
• Vegan Spice Sensation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, replace cream cheese with cashew cream, and use coconut oil for a plant-based version that keeps the original's luxurious feel.

What Pairs Well With Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins With Caramel Swirl

• Complementary Coffee Companion: Brew a warm, medium-roast coffee with hints of cinnamon or hazelnut to echo the muffin's spiced pumpkin profile and caramel undertones.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Select a sweet late-harvest Riesling or Moscato, whose fruity and honeyed notes will beautifully complement the rich cream cheese and caramel swirl.
• Spiced Chai Pairing: Prepare a creamy chai latte with cardamom and ginger, creating a warming beverage that harmonizes with the muffin's autumnal spices and sweet complexity.
• Nutty Beverage Balance: Mix a chai-spiced almond milk or create a toasted pecan milk drink that enhances the muffin's nutty topping and provides a complementary creamy texture.

How To Store Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins With Caramel Swirl Right

• Seal muffins in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, preserving their freshness and preventing moisture loss.
• Keep muffins in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain covered to maintain soft texture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bags, and store for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
• Separate each muffin with parchment paper before storing to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate caramel swirl and cream cheese filling.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins With Caramel Swirl FAQs

• Can I use canned or fresh pumpkin puree?

Fresh and canned pumpkin puree both work well. If using fresh, ensure it’s well-drained and not watery to maintain the muffins’ proper texture.

• How do I prevent the cream cheese from sinking?

Ensure the cream cheese filling is thick and cold. Pipe or spoon it gently into the center of the batter, and cover completely with pumpkin batter to help it stay in place during baking.

• Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delicious.

• Is it possible to make these muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate overnight.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins with Caramel Swirl Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Seasonal warmth fills kitchens with these delectable pumpkin cream cheese muffins with caramel swirl, blending autumn’s rich spices and creamy textures. Comforting flavors invite bakers to savor each spiced, caramel-kissed bite of pure seasonal bliss.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pumpkin Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Caramel Swirl and Topping:

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 2 tbsp turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, ensuring even spacing.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a large mixing bowl to create a uniform dry mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, vigorously blend pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
5. For the cream cheese filling, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until creamy and well-blended.
6. Fill each muffin liner halfway with pumpkin batter, creating a base layer.
7. Carefully pipe or spoon a dollop of cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin.
8. Top the cream cheese with additional pumpkin batter, covering the filling completely.
9. Drizzle caramel sauce in a swirling motion across the top of each muffin.
10. Sprinkle turbinado sugar and chopped pecans over the muffins for added texture and crunch.
11. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
12. Remove from oven and let cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Make the muffins gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia in equal measurements to create a lower-calorie version of these indulgent muffins.
• Enhance the cream cheese filling’s texture by ensuring cream cheese is at room temperature, preventing lumps and creating a smoother consistency.
• Prevent caramel sauce from sinking by using a thicker, more concentrated caramel that holds its shape during baking and creates beautiful surface swirls.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 265
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg