Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins
These muffins are a cozy autumn favorite, combining soft, spiced pumpkin cake with a creamy, tangy swirl of cream cheese. Perfect for a fall breakfast or an afternoon treat, every bite is packed with warm flavor and a smooth, rich center.

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	1 ¾ cups
Baking soda	1 teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Pumpkin pie spice	1 tablespoon
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Brown sugar	½ cup
Pumpkin puree	15 oz (1 can)
Large eggs	2
Vegetable oil	½ cup
Vanilla extract	1 tablespoon

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

Ingredient	Amount
Cream cheese (softened)	8 oz
Granulated sugar	¼ cup
Egg yolk (large)	1
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons

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Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
   Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Blend Wet Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pumpkin puree. Mix well. Add in the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
4. Make the Batter:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until smooth—be careful not to overmix.
5. Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl:
   In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble Muffins:
   Fill each muffin cup halfway with the pumpkin batter. Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on top of each. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter.
7. Bake:
   Place the muffins in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
   Allow the muffins to cool completely before serving for the best texture and flavor.

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These swirled pumpkin muffins are a comforting, flavorful treat that brings together the best of fall baking.