Description

Bakery-style tall, golden, and moist muffins with a tangy cream cheese center, featuring a high-heat start for perfect domed tops.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup melted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp sugar (for filling)
1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners and lightly spray with oil.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, buttermilk, and 1 tsp vanilla; whisk until combined.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full. Dollop a tablespoon of cream cheese mixture on top of each.
Swirl cream cheese into batter with a knife or skewer.
Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes. Without opening the door, reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 13-15 minutes (total 18-20 minutes).
Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough muffins. Ensure ingredients like cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for best results. Start baking at high heat (425°F) to create domed tops, then reduce to 350°F. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate for 5 days, or freeze for 3 months.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 muffin
Calories: 280
Sugar: 22
Sodium: 250
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 2
Protein: 5

Keywords: pumpkin muffins, cream cheese muffins, fall baking, pumpkin spice, bakery style muffins, easy muffin recipe