Name: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (ensure it contains xanthan gum); 1/2 cup coconut sugar (or regular sugar); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or vegetable oil); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These soft and moist gluten-free pumpkin muffins are filled with a creamy, tangy swirl of cream cheese. Perfect for the fall season, these muffins combine the warmth of pumpkin spice with the richness of cream cheese, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how these gluten-free pumpkin cream cheese muffins bring together two comforting flavors: the earthiness of pumpkin and the tangy richness of cream cheese. They’re incredibly soft, moist, and have a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The cream cheese swirl gives each bite a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s simply irresistible.

Not only are these muffins a delicious fall treat, but they’re also gluten-free, which makes them a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions. The coconut sugar adds a lovely, subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices and pumpkin. Whether I’m making these for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, they never disappoint!

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (make sure it contains xanthan gum)

1/2 cup coconut sugar (or regular sugar)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or vegetable oil)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). I line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together the gluten-free flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This helps ensure everything is evenly distributed.

In a separate bowl, I beat the eggs, pumpkin puree, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The batter will be thick, but that’s normal.

In a small bowl, I mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creates the creamy swirl for the muffins.

Spoon a small amount of muffin batter into each muffin cup (about 2 tablespoons). Then, I add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture (about 1 teaspoon). I top it with more muffin batter until the cups are about 3/4 full.

Using a toothpick or a knife, I swirl the cream cheese mixture into the muffin batter to create a marbled effect.

I bake the muffins for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

After baking, I let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 muffins

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Dairy-Free Version: If you want to make these muffins dairy-free, simply substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut cream cheese, and use a plant-based butter for the applesauce.

Sugar Substitutes: I like using coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener, but you can swap it for regular sugar or even a sugar substitute like stevia if you prefer a lower glycemic option.

Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference. Adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice can deepen the fall flavor of these muffins.

Storage/Reheating

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. I place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If I want them to last longer, I refrigerate them for up to a week. When reheating, I pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, and they’re as good as fresh!

You can also freeze them! Just place the muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, I let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Related Recipes:

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

FAQs

Can I use a different flour if I don’t have gluten-free all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use regular all-purpose flour if you’re not concerned about making this gluten-free. Just note that the texture and consistency might vary slightly.

Can I substitute the coconut sugar with regular white sugar?

Absolutely! If you don’t have coconut sugar, you can use white sugar, brown sugar, or even maple sugar for a slightly different flavor.

Can I make these muffins without the cream cheese swirl?

Yes, the muffins are still delicious without the cream cheese swirl. They’ll be more like a traditional pumpkin muffin, and you could add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a little extra flavor.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of the individual spices?

Yes, you can! If you have pumpkin pie spice on hand, just use 2 teaspoons in place of the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

How can I make these muffins less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet muffin, you can reduce the amount of coconut sugar by 1/4 cup. The natural sweetness from the pumpkin and applesauce will still give the muffins great flavor.

Conclusion

These gluten-free pumpkin cream cheese muffins are a must-try for anyone who loves a cozy fall treat. With the perfect blend of warm spices, the richness of pumpkin, and a tangy cream cheese swirl, these muffins are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re easy to make, customizable, and are the ideal snack or breakfast for the fall season. Whether shared with friends or enjoyed on your own, these muffins are a true fall delight!

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