Print

Healthier Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Healthier Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a nutritious and cozy twist on a fall favorite. Made with whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and light cream cheese, they deliver warm spices and creamy centers without the guilt.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or avocado oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons Greek yogurt (optional)
  • 4 oz light cream cheese
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese mixture)
  • Coconut sugar or brown sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix pumpkin purée, maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Add Greek yogurt if desired.
  5. In a small bowl, beat light cream cheese with maple syrup or vanilla extract until smooth.
  6. Fill each muffin cup halfway with pumpkin batter, then add a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center.
  7. Top with more batter until cups are about 3/4 full. Sprinkle with coconut or brown sugar if desired.
  8. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted around the edge comes out clean.
  9. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
  • Include dark chocolate chips for a richer treat.
  • Use vegan cream cheese and omit yogurt for dairy-free version.
  • Swap pumpkin with mashed sweet potato or butternut squash for variation.
  • Freeze individually and reheat in microwave for easy future snacks.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/healthier-pumpkin-cream-cheese-muffins/