Introduction
It’s that time of the year when pumpkin spice is in the air, and the leaves are changing colors. What better way to celebrate the season than with delicious pumpkin cream cheese muffins? This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of fall without spending hours in the kitchen. Using spice cake mix as a base, this recipe is easy to make and will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients
- 1 box of spice cake mix
- 1 can of pumpkin puree (15 oz)
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin pan with paper liners or grease with non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
- In another mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until fully combined.
- Spoon the spice cake mix batter into the muffin cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Add a dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter in each muffin cup.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each muffin contains approximately:
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 20-25 minutes.
Equipment
- Muffin pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Variations
You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of the muffins before baking for a crispy topping.
Substitutions
You can use applesauce instead of vegetable oil for a healthier option. You can also use low-fat cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese for a lighter version of this recipe.
Storage
Store the leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the muffins for up to 2 months.
Tips
- Make sure to use a 15 oz can of pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before using it in the recipe.
- Don’t overmix the batter, or the muffins will be tough.
- Use an ice cream scoop to spoon the batter into the muffin cups for even portions.
- Let the muffins cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan to avoid sticking.
Notes
If you don’t have a box of spice cake mix, you can make your own by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of cake mix?
- Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of the individual spices?
- Can I make these muffins without cream cheese?
Yes, you can use a yellow cake mix, chocolate cake mix, or even a white cake mix instead of the spice cake mix. However, the flavor and texture of the muffins will be different.
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice instead of the 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.
Yes, you can omit the cream cheese and make plain pumpkin muffins. However, the cream cheese adds a delicious tangy flavor and creamy texture to the muffins.
Conclusion
These pumpkin cream cheese muffins using spice cake mix are the perfect treat for fall. They are easy to make, delicious, and packed with all the flavors of the season. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, having a cozy breakfast, or want a snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, these muffins won’t disappoint. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try, and let us know what you think. Happy baking!