Soft, tender, and swirled with a rich cream cheese filling, these Fluffy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins are the fall breakfast treat that feels like dessert. They combine the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the tangy creaminess of cheesecake, all in a warm, spiced muffin that melts in your mouth.

Perfect with a cup of coffee or tucked into a cozy brunch spread, these muffins are a seasonal staple. The cream cheese swirl not only makes them look bakery-worthy but adds a luxurious texture contrast to every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or baking for a crowd, these are muffins worth repeating.

What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?

Full-fat cream cheese works best for a rich and stable swirl. It blends well with sugar and vanilla, holding its shape during baking while adding a cheesecake-like creaminess. Avoid whipped or spreadable types, which tend to be too soft and may not bake as nicely.

Ingredients for the Fluffy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

Pumpkin Puree – The star of the show. Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling, to control sweetness and spice.

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure without making the muffins too dense.

Baking Soda – Reacts with the acidity of the pumpkin to help the muffins rise.

Pumpkin Pie Spice – For that warm, signature fall flavor. You can use a blend or make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the spice.

Eggs – For binding and moisture.

Brown Sugar + Granulated Sugar – Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while white sugar sweetens and helps with structure.

Vegetable Oil – Keeps the muffins soft and moist.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the warm flavors.

Cream Cheese – Tangy and smooth, it’s swirled into the batter to create a luscious filling.

Powdered Sugar – Used to lightly sweeten the cream cheese swirl.

How To Make the Fluffy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside while you prepare the muffin batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and spices.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs with both sugars until light and slightly fluffy. Stir in the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Make the Muffin Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins tender.

Step 5: Assemble the Muffins

Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly. Fill each cup about 2/3 full with the pumpkin batter. Spoon about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture over each, then swirl gently with a toothpick or knife.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese) comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve and Store Fluffy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

These muffins are best enjoyed slightly warm when the cream cheese swirl is soft and silky. Pair them with a chai latte or pumpkin spice coffee for the ultimate cozy moment.

To store, let the muffins cool completely and place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days to maintain freshness due to the cream cheese. For longer storage, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of pumpkin pie spice?

You can make your own with 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ginger, and a pinch of cloves or allspice.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which may throw off the recipe balance.

Do I need to chill the cream cheese mixture first?

Nope! Just make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly and swirls nicely.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free too.

Why did my muffins sink in the middle?

That often happens if the muffins are underbaked or the cream cheese is too heavy and sinks. Be sure to swirl gently and check doneness with a toothpick.

Can I make them mini-sized?

Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time to around 10–13 minutes and keep an eye on them.

Want More Muffin Ideas with a Twist?

If you can’t get enough of these Fluffy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins, you’ll definitely want to try these other cozy bakes from Life with Jam:

• Easy Pumpkin Muffins for a no-fuss seasonal classic.
• Amish Applesauce Cake that’s incredibly moist and spiced to perfection.
• Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecanbread when you crave a Southern-style treat.
• Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake for a protein-packed start to your day.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups if you’re in the mood for fruity and creamy in one bite.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so it’s right there when pumpkin cravings hit again.

And once you bake them, let me know how they turned out! Did you go heavy on the swirl or keep it subtle? Did you make minis for brunch?

I always love seeing how others bring these recipes to life. Share your feedback and tips in the comments!

✨ Find more of my daily recipes and baking favorites here: Life with Jam on Pinterest