recipe: pumpkin cream cheese muffins

this is a recipe that i had been wanting to try for a while & it did not disappoint.

the cream cheese filling is amazing with the pumpkin & spices. it is the taste of fall!! 

& what an amazing breakfast!! i could eat a dozen of them... yikes! :)

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

(this recipe made 18 muffins)

Ingredients for the filling:

4 oz. cream cheese

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Ingredients  for the muffins:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp. ginger

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

2 large eggs

1 cup sugar

1 can (15 oz.) libby's pumpkin puree

4 oz. cinnamon apple sauce

2/3 cups vegetable oil

Ingredients for the crumb topping:

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup flour

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

4 tbsp. cold unsalted butter

Directions:

The filling... combine the cream cheese and confectioners' sugar in a small bowl and mix well until blended and smooth.  Chill the filling in the freezer until you are ready.

The muffins... preheat the oven to 350.  Line muffin pans with paper liners & spray with a light coat of non-stick spray.  In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, salt and baking soda; whisk to blend.  With an electric mixer, combine the eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree, apple sauce, and oil.  Mix on medium-low speed until blended.  Gradually add in the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.  

The crumb topping... mix the brown sugar, flour, & cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the butter & use a fork to make the mixture coarse and crumbly.

Making the muffins... fill each muffin liner with a small amount of the batter, enough to cover the bottom well.  Spoon in the cream cheese filling, about a tablespoon.  Cover the cream cheese filling with more of the batter, enough so that it is completely covered. Sprinkle the crumb topping over each of the muffins.

Bake for 20-25 minutes... allow enough time for them to cool completely & enjoy!

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i actually made these muffins for my sister, because today is her birthday!! 

Happy Birthday, Sandi!

i hope your day is full of joy & blessings! 

i am so happy to have you as my sister & best friend ever!!

 love you!