Introduction
Fall is the perfect season for enjoying the warm flavors of pumpkin, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious pumpkin muffins? These tasty treats combine the rich essence of pumpkin with the cozy spices of cinnamon and cloves. Filled with a delightful maple cream cheese filling, they are sure to become a favorite for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Pumpkin Muffins:
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 3/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Maple Cream Cheese Filling:
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup maple syrup (to taste)
Prep Time
Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, allowing for a quick and easy start to your baking adventure.
Cook Time
Bake your muffins for 20-24 minutes, ensuring they are cooked to perfection.
Total Time
The total time including preparation and baking is about 40-45 minutes.
Yield
This recipe yields about 12 delicious pumpkin muffins, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Muffin Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Then add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, eggs, and milk, whisking until just combined.
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fill the Muffin Tins
Pour the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture over the tops of the unbaked muffins for added flavor and texture.
Bake the Muffins
Bake for 20-24 minutes, or until the tops spring back when gently pressed, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Maple Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, whip the heavy cream until light and fluffy, forming stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese, then add the maple syrup and mix until smooth, adjusting the syrup to taste.
Fill the Muffins
Once the muffins have cooled, use a small paring knife to cut a cone-shaped piece out of the center of each muffin. Transfer the maple cream cheese filling to a piping bag (or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off) and fill the center of each muffin, allowing the filling to reach the top.
Serve
These muffins are ready to eat as-is. If making ahead, store them in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute vegetable oil with apple sauce for a healthier option, but this may alter the texture slightly.
Storage Instructions
To maintain freshness, store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Tips
To freeze, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations
Feel free to add walnuts or chocolate chips to the muffin batter for added texture and flavor variations.
Cook techniques
Whisking
Whisking is used to combine wet ingredients like oil, sugars, pumpkin puree, and eggs until smooth. This technique helps to incorporate air, which improves the texture of the muffins.
Folding
Folding is a gentle mixing technique used to combine whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. It should be done slowly to retain the airiness of the whipped cream.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Combining dry ingredients such as flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt separately ensures even distribution, which is crucial for the muffins to rise and have a consistent flavor.
Pouring Batter
When pouring the muffin batter into the tin, fill each cup about 3/4 full to allow enough room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
Baking
Baking the muffins at the right temperature (350°F or 175°C) for 20-24 minutes allows them to develop a golden color and firm texture. Testing doneness with a toothpick ensures they are baked through.
Cooling
After baking, letting the muffins cool on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy and allows for even cooling throughout.
Piping Filling
Using a piping bag to fill the muffins ensures an even distribution of the maple cream cheese filling, creating a delightful surprise in each bite.
FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe as long as it is pure pumpkin without any added sugars or spices.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
You can use melted coconut oil, canola oil, or applesauce as a substitute for vegetable oil in this recipe.
How do I know when muffins are done baking?
Muffins are done when the tops spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I freeze the muffins?
Yes, you can freeze the muffins. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How long will the muffins stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, the muffins can remain fresh for about 3-5 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
These pumpkin muffins with a delightful maple cream cheese filling are a perfect blend of flavors that celebrate the essence of fall. The moist texture and the sweet cinnamon-sugar topping create an irresistible treat that is sure to please anyone. Enjoy them fresh or store them for later; they make a wonderful snack or breakfast option.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Combine pumpkin puree, flour, eggs, and spices to create fluffy pancakes, topped with maple syrup.
Cream Cheese Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls
Make cinnamon rolls filled with a cream cheese mixture, topped with a sweet glaze for a decadent breakfast.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
Mix pumpkin puree into a chocolate chip bread recipe for a delicious fall twist.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Use oats, pumpkin puree, and chocolate chips to create chewy and nutritious cookies.
Spiced Pumpkin Latte
Mix brewed coffee with pumpkin puree, milk, and spices, topped with whipped cream for a cozy drink.
