Ingredients
3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks; 170 g.) butter, softened, plus more for pan (optional)
1 1/3 c. (160 g.) all-purpose flour
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 c. (150 g.) granulated sugar
1 c. (225 g.) canned pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 large egg white
1 lb. (454 g.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Pinch of kosher salt
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
3 tbsp. packed light brown sugar
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
3 tbsp. cold butter, cut into small pieces
Preparation
Step 1Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 350°. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with butter.Step 2In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.Step 3In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add pumpkin, egg, and egg white; mix on medium speed until combined. Add dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just incorporated. Set aside until ready to use.
Step 1In a small bowl, whisk cream cheese, egg yolk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Step 1In a small bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Add butter and mix thoroughly with your fingers until evenly moistened.
Step 1Divide half of muffin batter among muffin tins, then top with half of cream cheese batter. Scoop remaining muffin batter, then remaining cream cheese batter over tops. Swirl with tip of a knife to create a marble effect. Sprinkle streusel over tops of muffins, if using; press down slightly.Step 2Bake until a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean, 25 to 28 minutes. Let cool before serving.
Why the cream cheese? A surefire way to make a baked good better is to add cream cheese to it. Adding an egg yolk to a cream cheese filling — like we did here — helps it “soufflé” a bit in the oven, just like cheesecake. Whether it’s banana bread, brownies, or pineapple upside-down cake, adding a cheesecake-inspired filling takes things to the next level of deliciousness. When should I serve these? These muffins are perfect served at brunch, as an afternoon snack or even as an easy dessert from September through November (or, who are we kidding, all year long). Double down on the fall vibes with a homemade pumpkin spice latte or spiced apple cider. Can I use add anything else? We went with pumpkin spice in the batter for extra-cozy fall vibes, but feel free to swap that out for cinnamon if you’d prefer. Note: The streusel is optional, which is why you won’t see it in the video. Add it for extra crunch factor and another layer of sweetness. Made these fall treats? Let us know how it went in the comments below?
