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To make mini pumpkin cream cheese muffins, gather these ingredients: - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 4 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Each ingredient plays a key role. Pumpkin puree adds moisture and flavor. Flour gives structure, while sugars provide sweetness. The oil keeps the muffins tender. Eggs bind everything together. Baking soda and powder help them rise. Spices add warmth and depth. Cream cheese brings a creamy surprise. Maple syrup and vanilla enhance the overall taste. Using fresh ingredients improves flavor. I recommend high-quality cream cheese for the filling. You can also choose organic pumpkin puree for a richer taste. Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients; each one contributes to a delightful muffin! 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the muffin tin Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it. This step makes sure your muffins come out easily. 2. Combine wet ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and creamy. 3. Sift and mix dry ingredients In another bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This step helps to aerate the flour and mix the spices evenly. 4. Combine wet and dry mixtures Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the muffins light and fluffy. 5. Prepare the cream cheese filling In a small bowl, mix 4 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon. This filling adds a delicious surprise to your muffins. 6. Assemble the muffins Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the pumpkin batter. Then, add a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center. Finally, top it with more pumpkin batter to cover the filling. 7. Bake and cool Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. To make light and fluffy muffins, use room-temperature ingredients. This helps them mix better. Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately first. This keeps the batter smooth and mixed evenly. When adding the dry mix to the wet mix, stir gently. Stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour. Overmixing makes muffins dense. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into a muffin. If it comes out clean, they are ready. If it has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. Dust your cooled muffins with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. This adds a nice look and taste. Use a colorful plate to show off their bright orange color. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream. This makes the muffins even more special. Enjoy sharing these tasty treats! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your mini pumpkin cream cheese muffins easily. Here are two fun ideas: - Add chocolate chips: Chocolate pairs well with pumpkin. Just fold in a cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking. The rich chocolate will create a nice contrast with the spice. - Use different spices: Get creative! Instead of pumpkin pie spice, try nutmeg or ginger. You could even mix in some cardamom for a unique flavor. Adjust the spices to fit your taste. You can also make these muffins fit different diets. Here are some options: - Gluten-free options: To make these muffins gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well, but make sure it has xanthan gum for the right texture. - Vegan substitutions for eggs and cream cheese: For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. Swap cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese. This will keep your muffins tasty and cruelty-free. To keep your mini pumpkin cream cheese muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture. You can also place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. If you want to freeze them, let the muffins cool completely. Then, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This method keeps them tasty for later. When stored correctly, mini muffins can last up to five days at room temperature. For the best flavor, enjoy them within three days. If you freeze them, they can last for about two months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying. Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for pumpkin puree? Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and mash it first. Make sure it is smooth and not too watery. Fresh pumpkin can give a great flavor to the muffins. What can I use instead of cream cheese? You can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese as a substitute. They provide a creamy texture and work well with the muffins. Just remember that the taste will be a bit different. How do I know when the muffins are done baking? Check the muffins with a toothpick. Insert it into the center. If it comes out clean, the muffins are done. They should also look golden and puffed up. Can I make these muffins ahead of time? Yes, these muffins store well. You can bake them a day or two in advance. Just keep them in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them. These mini muffins combine great flavors and simple steps. You learned about key ingredients, detailed instructions, and tips for success. You can also adjust the recipe to fit your diet or taste. Storing and freezing keeps them fresh for your enjoyment. These muffins are fun to make and share. With this guide, you’ll bake perfect muffins every time. Enjoy each bite and feel proud of your creation!

Mini Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Indulge in the fall flavors with these delicious Mini Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins! With a perfect blend of pumpkin puree, spices, and a creamy filling, these mini treats are sure to impress. They are easy to make and great for any gathering. Ready in just 30 minutes, they will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy every bite of this autumn delight!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

    In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

      In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.

        Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and fluffy.

          In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon to create the cream cheese filling.

            Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the pumpkin batter, then add a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each, and top with more pumpkin batter to cover the filling.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin comes out clean.

                Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 24 mini muffins

                    - Presentation Tips: Dust the cooled muffins with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and place them on a colorful plate to showcase their vibrant orange hue. You can also serve them with a small dollop of whipped cream on the side for extra indulgence!