Fluffy Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Autumn’s golden embrace brings the warmth of spices and soft, irresistible pumpkin muffins with cream cheese icing dancing through cozy kitchens.

These delectable treats blend rich, velvety pumpkin notes with a luxurious cream cheese swirl that melts hearts instantly.

Each tender bite promises a perfect balance of seasonal sweetness and comforting spice.

The muffins emerge from the oven with a golden-brown crown, promising a delightful texture that crumbles softly on your tongue.

Warm aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg drift through the kitchen, signaling a memorable baking experience.

Topped with a silky cream cheese frosting, these muffins transform an ordinary moment into a celebration of fall’s most cherished flavors.

One taste, and you’ll be captivated by this ultimate autumn indulgence.

Tips to Enhance Pumpkin Muffins and Frosting

• Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the batter for extra texture and richness.
• Wrap unfrosted muffins tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature before adding cream cheese icing.
• Experiment with different spice blends like pumpkin pie spice or swap ground cinnamon with cardamom for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.
• Replace butter and cream cheese with coconut oil and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to create a delicious vegan version of these moist pumpkin muffins.
• Try garnishing with candied pecans, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the muffins' overall taste and presentation.

Serving Pumpkin Muffins with a Creamy Top

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm pumpkin muffins with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat that warms your soul.
• Autumn Dessert Transformation: Serve these muffins as a decadent after-dinner dessert, drizzled with extra cream cheese icing and a sprinkle of toasted pecans for elegant flair.
• Fall Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning brunch spread by arranging muffins on a beautiful rustic wooden board, surrounded by seasonal fruits like apples and pears for a festive presentation.
• Gifting Delight: Package these muffins in cute kraft paper boxes with twine, making them a perfect homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or weekend guests during autumn gatherings.

How to Store Pumpkin Muffins with Icing

• Tasty Refrigeration Strategy: Store muffins in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping cream cheese icing fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual muffins separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for convenient 2-month storage. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before enjoying.
• Counter-Top Comfort: Keep uniced muffins at room temperature in sealed container for 2-3 days, maintaining soft texture and delightful freshness without refrigeration.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare muffin batter and icing separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store batter covered in refrigerator and icing in sealed container, allowing quick morning baking and decorating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 364 kcal

Servings: 13

Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients

• Canned Pumpkin: Adds moisture and rich autumn flavor, choose 100% pure pumpkin puree without added spices or sugar.
• Eggs: Provide structure and binding, select fresh large eggs at room temperature for best mixing.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates tender texture and helps ingredients blend smoothly, opt for neutral-flavored oil like canola.
• Butter: Enhances richness and depth of flavor, use unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.
• Milk: Helps adjust batter consistency and softens mixture, whole milk works best for creamier results.
• Vanilla: Adds warm, aromatic undertone, use pure vanilla extract for most authentic taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Builds muffin structure, King Arthur brand offers consistent high-quality protein content.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization, granulated white sugar creates golden exterior.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Perfect for smooth cream cheese icing, sift to prevent lumps.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light, fluffy rise, check expiration date for maximum leavening power.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor, use fine table salt for even distribution.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Delivers classic autumnal warmth, can substitute with individual ground spices.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds subtle spicy-sweet note, fresh ground provides more intense flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg: Introduces slightly nutty, warm undertone, freshly grated preferred.

Tools for Baking Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Icing

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Essential for blending ingredients to creamy consistency.
• 12-cup muffin pan: Crucial for shaping and baking muffins evenly.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps muffins cool down without getting soggy.
• Rubber spatula: Great for gently folding flour into batter.
• Toothpick: Helps check muffin doneness by testing center.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Separate small bowl: Useful for mixing cream cheese icing.

How to Make Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven Warmup An inviting baking adventure starts with heating your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a muffin pan and give it a gentle butter massage to prevent sticking.
• Batter Magic In a spacious mixing bowl, dance together the wet ingredients – creamy pumpkin, golden eggs, rich oil, and sweet sugar. Sprinkle in warm spices that whisper of fall afternoons. Blend until the mixture transforms into a smooth, sunset-colored canvas.
• Flour Embrace Tenderly fold flour into the liquid landscape. Move with a gentle hand, respecting the delicate balance. Overmixing will transform your fluffy dream into a tough reality.
• Muffin Transformation Carefully pour the batter into muffin wells, filling each about three-quarters full. Slide the pan into the waiting oven and let magic happen for 22-25 minutes. A clean toothpick signals perfect doneness.
• Cooling Moment Allow muffins to rest on a wire rack, releasing their warmth and developing deeper flavors. Patience rewards with incredible texture.
• Creamy Crown Whip cream cheese and butter into a silky dream. Splash in vanilla and cinnamon, creating a luxurious topping that dances between spreadable and drizzle-able.
• Finishing Touch Generously crown each muffin with the creamy icing. Optional: Sprinkle chopped nuts for a delightful crunch that celebrates autumn's bounty.

Decadent Pumpkin Muffins With Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade pumpkin muffins with cream cheese icing deliver comforting autumn flavors in one delightful treat. Warm spices and rich cream cheese frosting create a perfect balance for seasonal baking pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) canned pumpkin
• 3 whole eggs
• 1.5 cups (300 g) sugar
• 1.75 cups + 2 tbsps (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps pumpkin pie spice
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 1.5 tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 oz (56 g) cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 0.75 cup (90 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tbsp butter (at room temperature)
• 0.125 tsp ground cinnamon
• 4 tsps milk
• 1 handful sliced almonds (or chopped walnuts or pecans)
• dash of vanilla

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (177°C) and thoroughly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with unsalted butter, preparing an extra pan if necessary.
2. Mixing Wet Components: Whisk vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder until achieving a silky, uniform blend.
3. Incorporating Dry Ingredients: Gently fold all-purpose flour into the wet mixture using a spatula, blending minimally to maintain tender muffin texture.
4. Baking Process: Fill muffin cups approximately 3/4 full and bake for 22-25 minutes, verifying doneness with a toothpick test – ensure no raw batter remains.
5. Cooling Stage: Transfer muffins to a wire rack, allowing 15 minutes of cooling before carefully removing from the tin and completing the cooling process.
6. Frosting Preparation: Cream together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth, then integrate whole milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
7. Finishing Touches: Gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar, adjusting milk to achieve desired frosting consistency, then lavishly spread over completely cooled muffins.
8. Final Presentation: Optionally sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for enhanced texture, and store in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold flour into wet ingredients to avoid developing tough, dense muffins with a rubbery texture.
• Temperature Precision: Use room temperature eggs and ingredients for better batter integration and even baking results.
• Moisture Control: Check muffins at 22 minutes to prevent overcooking, ensuring a soft, tender crumb with perfect moisture.
• Frosting Pro Tip: Allow muffins to cool completely before adding cream cheese icing to prevent melting and maintain beautiful decoration.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 364
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 234 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 51 mg