These Healthy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are soft, fluffy, and packed with the warm flavors of fall. The swirls of cream cheese make each bite extra special and creamy!
Who knew healthy could taste so good? I love enjoying these muffins with my morning coffee. They’re perfect for breakfast or a snack, and they fill your kitchen with a cozy smell!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Wheat Flour: I like using whole wheat flour for extra nutrition, but all-purpose flour works perfectly too. If you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free flour blend!
Pumpkin Puree: Always use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which has added sugar and spices. You can also make your own by roasting and pureeing fresh pumpkin if you want a homemade touch!
Maple Syrup/Honey: I generally opt for maple syrup for its rich flavor, but honey is a great substitute. You can reduce the amount slightly if you’d like to cut back on sweetness.
Greek Yogurt: For a tangy flavor and added protein, Greek yogurt is fantastic. If you want a dairy-free option, unsweetened applesauce works nicely as well.
Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese gives that smooth mixture, but if you’re avoiding dairy, a dairy-free cream cheese alternative works just as well.
How Can I Get the Perfect Swirl with the Cream Cheese?
Creating that lovely cream cheese swirl is important for both presentation and flavor. Here’s how to nail it:
- After filling the muffin cups with batter, dollop the cream cheese mixture right on top. Aim for a teaspoon for each muffin.
- Use a toothpick or a butter knife to gently swirl it into the batter. Don’t overdo this step; just a few twists to create a marbled look.
- Be careful not to mix it fully; you want to retain some distinct cream cheese pockets for texture and flavor.
How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffin Batter:
- 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¾ cup maple syrup or honey
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt (or applesauce for dairy-free)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free cream cheese alternative)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 18-22 minutes to bake. After baking, let the muffins cool for about 5 minutes in the pan, and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. So, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes from start to finish before you can enjoy these delicious muffins!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, prepare your muffin pan by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing it so the muffins don’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure even flavor throughout the muffins.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup (or honey), Greek yogurt (or applesauce), egg, vanilla extract, and melted oil. Stir until everything is smooth and well blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl:
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the maple syrup and vanilla extract until it’s nice and smooth. This will add a delightful creamy layer to your muffins!
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full. This allows space for them to rise while baking.
7. Add the Cream Cheese Swirl:
Take a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture and dollop it on top of each muffin. Aim to add a generous teaspoon-sized portion to create that creamy swirl.
8. Swirl it Together:
Using a toothpick or a butter knife, gently swirl the cream cheese into the muffin batter. You want a marbled effect, so don’t mix it in completely—just a few gentle turns will do!
9. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious muffins warm or at room temperature!
11. Store Leftovers:
If you have any muffins left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw them whenever you’re in the mood for a tasty treat!
These Healthy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are perfect for any time of the day, bringing together the warm flavors of pumpkin spice and creamy goodness in every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour adds extra nutrition, but you can also use all-purpose flour if you prefer a lighter texture. For a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt?
Yes! If you want a dairy-free option, unsweetened applesauce is a great alternative. It will help keep the muffins moist and delicious!
How Do I Store These Muffins?
Store your muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well; just put them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last for a couple of months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Make Them Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the batter ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before baking. Alternatively, bake them in advance and store separately for a quick grab-and-go treat!
