Are you craving those deliciously moist pumpkin cream cheese muffins from Starbucks but don't want to pay the price? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe is your ticket to enjoying these autumnal treats from the comfort of your own kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the result is a muffin so good, it'll rival your favorite coffee shop's version. Get ready to indulge in the warm spices and creamy goodness of homemade pumpkin cream cheese muffins! This recipe offers a quick dinner idea alternative if you're short on time but still want a delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
For the muffins:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cream cheese filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This simple step ensures your muffins bake evenly and release easily.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients prevents lumps in your final product.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg yolk until well combined.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the pumpkin batter. Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin. Top with the remaining pumpkin batter.
Step 7: Bake the Muffins
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on your muffins during the last few minutes to prevent overbaking.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are delicious served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree: Canned pumpkin puree is best for this recipe.
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients helps the batter blend more smoothly.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to ensure the muffins are fully baked.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips: For an extra decadent treat, add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Use different spices: Experiment with other spices like cardamom or allspice.
- Make mini muffins: Reduce baking time accordingly.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Protein: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fiber: 1-2g
This easy pumpkin cream cheese muffin recipe is a delicious and relatively healthy addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy the process of making these delicious dishes and the satisfaction of creating a Starbucks copycat treat at home.