Description
These Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the ultimate fall treat! Soft, moist, and filled with a rich swirl of tangy cream cheese, they combine the earthy flavor of pumpkin with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or any occasion, these gluten-free muffins are sweetened with coconut sugar and are a delightful, decadent indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
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
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with non-stick spray.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, pumpkin puree, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter will be thick.
- Prepare cream cheese swirl: In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble muffins: Spoon 2 tablespoons of muffin batter into each muffin cup. Add 1 teaspoon of cream cheese mixture on top. Add more muffin batter to fill cups about 3/4 full. Use a toothpick to swirl the cream cheese into the muffin batter.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream cheese, and use plant-based butter in place of applesauce for a dairy-free version.
- Sugar Substitutes: Coconut sugar can be swapped with white sugar or even stevia if desired.
- Spice Variations: Adjust spices to taste. Add ground cloves or allspice for an extra flavor boost.
- Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months—thaw at room temperature or microwave to reheat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 muffins
- Calories: 210 kcal
