This treat is a delightful explosion of fall-inspired flavors and textures. The moist, spiced pumpkin muffin base is rich and aromatic, with warm notes of cinnamon that envelop your senses. The creamy, tangy cream cheese filling in the center adds a luscious contrast, cutting through the sweetness with its smooth decadence. Topping it all off, the buttery, nutty streusel delivers a satisfying crunch, with hints of pecan adding depth to each bite. Together, these layers create a harmonious balance of sweetness, spice, and texture that makes each muffin irresistibly indulgent. Perfectly comforting and festive!
Makes 12
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5 ounce cream cheese
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1-1/4 eggs
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1-1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
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1-1/3 cups white sugar
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1-1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons chopped pecans
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1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
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1-1/3 cups white sugar
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1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
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1-1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1-1/4 eggs
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3/4 cup and 2 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon canned pumpkin
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3 tablespoons and 1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
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1-1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
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Step 1Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour 1muffin cups, or use paper liners.
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Step 2To make the filling: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until soft. Add egg, vanilla and brown sugar. Beat until smooth, then set aside.
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Step 3For the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, cinnamon and pecans. Add butter and cut it in with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
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Step 4For the muffin batter: In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Make a well in the center of flour mixture and add eggs, pumpkin, olive oil and vanilla. Beat together until smooth.
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Step 5Place pumpkin mixture in muffin cups about 1/2 full. Then add one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture right in the middle of the batter. Try to keep cream cheese from touching the paper cup. Sprinkle on the streusel topping.
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Step 6Bake at 375 degrees F (195 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes.