Introduction

These Pumpkin Streusel Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling are a delicious fall delight! With a moist pumpkin base, a surprise cream cheese center, and a crunchy streusel topping, these muffins are the epitome of autumn comfort. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, a brunch treat, or an afternoon snack, these muffins combine warm spices, creamy filling, and a crumbly, buttery top to create a satisfying and flavorful experience.

Why You’ll Love This

• Incredibly Moist and Fluffy: The pumpkin puree and cream cheese keep these muffins soft and moist for days.
• Crunchy Streusel Topping: The cinnamon-spiced crumb topping adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft muffin.
• Amazing Fall Flavor: Each bite is infused with the comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and basic pantry ingredients, these muffins are easy to whip up.
• Perfect for Gatherings: A great addition to any breakfast spread, potluck, or holiday gathering.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 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
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (ensure it’s not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

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

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and diced into small pieces.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. • In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Streusel Topping:

1. • In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Set the streusel aside.

3. Prepare the Muffin Batter:

1. • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.

4. Assemble the Muffins:

1. • Spoon the pumpkin batter into each muffin cup, filling them halfway. Pipe a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin, then cover with more batter until each liner is about three-quarters full. Sprinkle the streusel mixture liberally on top of each muffin.

5. Bake the Muffins:

1. • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the edge of a muffin (away from the cream cheese center) comes out clean. Let the muffins sit in the baking pan for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

1. • These muffins are best served warm with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or apple cider. They make a wonderful addition to any fall breakfast or dessert spread!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Suggestions: Pair these muffins with warm beverages like coffee, spiced tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
• Freezing Tips: To freeze, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven before eating.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

These muffins not only taste great, but they also offer some nutritional perks:

• Fiber-Rich: Pumpkin adds natural fiber, which helps support digestion.
• Packed with Antioxidants: The pumpkin is loaded with beta-carotene, which is beneficial for skin and eye health.
• Healthier Options Available: You can use whole wheat flour, cut back on the sugar, or mix in nuts or seeds for added nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can fresh pumpkin puree be used instead of canned?
   Yes, fresh pumpkin puree is a great substitute. Just ensure it’s thick and well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I skip the cream cheese filling for a simpler muffin?
   Yes, the muffins are delicious without the filling if you prefer to keep them simple.
3. How do I make these gluten-free?
   Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.
4. What can I add for more texture and flavor?
   Chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans can be added to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
5. How can I keep the muffins moist for longer?
   Store the muffins in an airtight container with a slice of bread; this helps keep them soft.
6. Can these be made as mini muffins?
   Yes, you can make mini muffins. Simply shorten the baking time to approximately 10-12 minutes.
7. What should I do if I’m missing some of the spices?
   Pumpkin pie spice can serve as an easy alternative to replace the individual spices.
8. Is it possible to use a different oil?
   Yes, you can use melted coconut oil or butter instead of vegetable oil.
9. How do I keep the muffins from sticking to the liners?
   To prevent sticking, use high-quality liners or lightly spray them with non-stick cooking spray.
10. Can I double the recipe to make more?
    Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled to accommodate larger groups or gatherings.

Enjoy baking these Pumpkin Streusel Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling for a delicious and cozy fall treat that will have everyone coming back for more!