Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect blend of warm fall spices, rich cream cheese filling, and a crunchy streusel topping. They make a delicious treat for breakfast or a cozy snack on a chilly day.

 Ingredients 

Yields: 18 muffins (depending on the size of the tin)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons brown sugar
For the Streusel Topping:

4 ½ tablespoons flour
5 tablespoons white sugar
3⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons chopped pecans (toasted briefly at 350°F for about 10 minutes)
For the Muffin Batter:

2 ½ cups flour (half white, half whole wheat recommended)
2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 1⁄3 cups canned pumpkin
1⁄3 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

 Directions 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour 18 muffin cups or line them with paper liners.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Beat until well combined. Set aside.
Make the Streusel Topping:

In a small bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
Add the chopped toasted pecans and the butter.
Use a fork to cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside.
Prepare the Muffin Batter:

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and gradually add the eggs, canned pumpkin, olive oil, and vanilla extract.
Beat the mixture together until smooth and fully combined.
Assemble the Muffins:

Fill each muffin cup halfway with the pumpkin batter.
Carefully spoon 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin cup. If using paper liners, try to keep the cream cheese from touching the paper.
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over each muffin.
Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean.
Enjoy these moist and flavorful Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect fall treat!