Description
This irresistible Pumpkin Cheesecake Cupcake Recipe with Swirl transforms simple ingredients into a bakery-quality treat. Perfect for fall, it features creamy pumpkin and a rich cream cheese swirl.
Ingredients
Scale
- Pantry Staples:
- 1 ½ cups / 180g All-purpose flour
- 1 cup / 200g Granulated sugar
- ½ cup / 100g Brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- ½ tsp Baking soda
- ½ tsp Salt
- Spices:
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- ½ tsp Nutmeg
- ½ tsp Ginger
- ¼ tsp Cloves
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup / 240g Canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large Large eggs
- ½ cup / 120ml Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- Cheesecake Swirl:
- 8 oz / 226g Cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup / 50g Granulated sugar
- 1 large Egg yolk
- ½ tsp Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, combine the wet ingredients: canned pumpkin puree, large eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing leads to tough cupcakes.
- Make the Cheesecake Swirl: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a lump-free result.
- Assemble & Bake: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Fill each liner about two-thirds full with the pumpkin batter. Drop small dollops (about ½ teaspoon each) of the cheesecake mixture on top of the pumpkin batter in each cupcake liner. Using a toothpick or a small knife, gently swirl the cheesecake into the pumpkin batter to create an appealing pattern. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the pumpkin portion of a cupcake comes out clean. For mini cupcakes, reduce the baking time to 12-15 minutes.
Notes
- Substitutions/Add-ins: Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the pumpkin batter for extra texture. Use 2 teaspoons of pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend instead of individual spices. Swap ½ cup of all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber. For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free cream cheese and your preferred dairy-free milk alternative.
- Tips: Always use pure canned pumpkin puree, not pie filling. For a smooth cheesecake swirl, ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. Freshly ground spices offer best aroma and flavor.
- Baking Tips: To avoid sunken centers or overflow, do not overfill liners and resist opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking. For a sweet crunch, sprinkle a little turbinado sugar on top of each cupcake before baking.
- Storage: Store cooled Pumpkin Cheesecake Cupcakes with Swirl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze completely cooled cupcakes in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. They taste best when brought to room temperature before serving.
Note: Yield and nutritional information are estimated as they were not explicitly provided in the original article.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Pumpkin, Cheesecake, Cupcake, Swirl, Fall, Dessert, Baked, Cream Cheese