Easy Pumpkin Muffins With Cream Cheese Icing Recipe You’ll Love

Pumpkin muffins dance between rustic comfort and gourmet elegance, embodying autumn’s most delectable embrace.

Fragrant spices weave magic through soft, tender crumbs that promise pure sensory delight.

Warm kitchen aromas hint at nostalgic memories and seasonal celebrations waiting to unfold.

Baking these treats connects us to cherished traditions passed through generations of home cooks.

Deeply satisfying textures combine with rich, nuanced flavors that speak directly to your soul.

Creamy, decadent icing reimagines simple ingredients into an irresistible culinary experience that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Why Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Icing Deserve a Spot in Your Fall Lineup

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: These pumpkin muffins capture the warm, cozy essence of autumn with rich spices and smooth pumpkin flavor that instantly comfort your taste buds.
• Whip Up Effortless Delights: The recipe offers a simple, straightforward method that even novice bakers can master, requiring just basic mixing and minimal technical skills to create bakery-quality treats.
• Customize Your Indulgence: Flexible icing options let you transform these muffins from casual snacks to elegant desserts, whether you prefer a drizzly glaze or thick cream cheese frosting, making them perfect for various occasions from breakfast to afternoon tea.
• Enjoy Guilt-Free Treats: Packed with moderate nutrition and portion-controlled serving sizes, these muffins provide a balanced indulgence that satisfies sweet cravings without excessive calories or overwhelming richness.

What You Need for Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Icing

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and volume for the muffins, select unbleached flour for better texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps muffins rise and become light and fluffy, ensure its fresh for best results.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the recipe.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Ginger: Warm spices that add depth and classic pumpkin flavor to the muffins.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps muffins moist and tender, use a neutral-flavored oil.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure, use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and signature pumpkin flavor, use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the muffins and helps with browning.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, rich base for the icing, both should be softened at room temperature.
• Confectioners Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing, sift to prevent lumps.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the icing flavor.
• Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the icing.

• Chopped Nuts: Provides crunch and additional flavor, can be omitted if desired.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Alternative topping for those who prefer less sweet decoration.

Making Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Icing from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan with butter. Prepare a second pan if needed for additional muffins.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Oil
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Pumpkin puree
• Spices
• Salt
• Baking powder

Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.

Step 3: Add Flour

Gently fold flour into the mixture by hand. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough muffins.

Step 4: Fill And Bake Muffins

Pour batter into muffin wells, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 22-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 5: Cool Muffins

Let muffins cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan and continue cooling.

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Icing

• Cream cheese
• Softened butter

Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes until creamy.

Step 7: Enhance Icing Flavor

• Milk
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth.

Step 8: Adjust Icing Consistency

Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and milk. Adjust to desired thickness – thinner for drizzling, thicker for spreading.

Step 9: Decorate And Store

Top each muffin with icing. Sprinkle nuts if desired. Store in a cool, dry place in a covered container for up to 4 days.

Tips for Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Icing That Stay Moist

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for ingredients, especially spices and flour, to ensure consistent texture and flavor in every batch.
• Mix Gently: Fold flour into the batter with a light hand to prevent tough, dense muffins; stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Test muffins with a toothpick inserted in the center; if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, they're perfectly baked.
• Control Icing Consistency: Adjust cream cheese frosting thickness by adding milk gradually, creating either a drizzle or spreadable topping based on your preference.
• Store Smartly: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, consuming within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Icing

• Storage Method: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness. This approach prevents moisture loss and maintains their delicate texture for up to 4 days.
• Refrigeration Method: Store cream cheese-iced muffins in a sealed container within the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their beautiful appearance.
• Freezing Method: Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 2-3 hours before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, which can make muffins tough and compromise their soft, tender crumb.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Icing

• Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair these warm, spicy pumpkin muffins with a medium-roast Colombian coffee that has subtle caramel and nutty undertones to complement the rich pumpkin and cream cheese flavors.
• Create a Seasonal Beverage Match: Enjoy a chai latte with these muffins, as the warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom in the drink will beautifully echo the muffins' own spice profile.
• Enhance with Textural Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the cream cheese icing to add a delightful crunch and nutty depth that balances the soft, moist muffin texture.
• Serve with Autumn-Inspired Side: Offer a small scoop of maple-pecan ice cream alongside the muffins to create a decadent dessert experience that celebrates classic fall flavors.

Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Icing Variations You’ll Crave Next

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Sensation: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich, autumnal flavors.
• Vegan Harvest Comfort: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select plant-based cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative that celebrates seasonal ingredients.
• Maple Pecan Transformation: Substitute some sugar with maple syrup and fold chopped pecans into batter for deeper, nuttier undertones that complement the pumpkin's natural sweetness.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Edition: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate Greek yogurt for added protein and moisture while maintaining a light, tender texture.

Pumpkin Muffins With Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Moist pumpkin muffins crowned with silky cream cheese icing bring autumn’s warmth to your breakfast table. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these delightful treats offer comfort in each tender, flavorful bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) canned pumpkin
• 3 eggs
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) sugar
• 1 ¾ cups + 2 tablespoons (240 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• dash of vanilla

Cream Cheese Icing and Toppings:

• 2 ounces (56 g) cream cheese (at room temperature)
• ¾ cup (90 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter (at room temperature)
• 4 teaspoons milk
• 1 handful or 2 of sliced almonds (chopped walnuts or pecans)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with unsalted butter, preparing an additional pan for extra batter if needed.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, large eggs, granulated sugar, canned pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder until the mixture transforms into a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. Carefully fold all-purpose flour into the wet ingredients using a spatula, mixing gently until just incorporated to prevent developing tough muffin textures.
4. Distribute the batter evenly into muffin cups, filling each approximately 3/4 full to allow proper rising during baking.
5. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center of a muffin – it should emerge without wet batter.
6. Remove muffins from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then gently remove from the tin to complete cooling.
7. For the cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a separate bowl until achieving a smooth, creamy texture.
8. Incorporate whole milk, ground cinnamon, and pure vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture, blending thoroughly.
9. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, adjusting milk quantity to reach desired frosting consistency – thinner for drizzling or thicker for spreading.
10. Once muffins are completely cooled, generously frost each one and optionally garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
11. Store frosted muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, keeping away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Notes

• Whip up these seasonal delights when autumn’s crisp breeze starts teasing your kitchen windows.
• Pumpkin spice lovers will go crazy for the warm, comforting flavors packed into every tender bite.
• Cream cheese frosting transforms these humble muffins into a decadent breakfast or afternoon treat that feels like pure indulgence.
• Baking these muffins fills your home with an irresistible aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet pumpkin that promises cozy moments ahead.
• Perfectly portable and freezer-friendly, these muffins can be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week with minimal fuss.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 288 kcal
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 187mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 37mg