Fall leaves and vegan pumpkin muffins, please! There’s something about the crisp autumn air that stirs up a deep longing for a warm, freshly baked treat, perfectly complemented by a steaming latte. And, nothing says fall like pumpkin-flavoured anything. These vegan pumpkin cream cheese muffins will become a favourite fall staple.
While I may not be a pumpkin fiend like the good majority, I do appreciate the occasional pumpkin-flavoured indulgence. Now, when scouring Pinterest for the perfect vegan pumpkin muffin, texture was my main priority. My criteria was, it must not be dry, but it also needs to have a crumble on top. To me, that makes a muffin top-tier. Lo and behold, I stumbled upon Desirée’s recipe from her blog ‘I Can You Can Vegan’. And let me tell you, her vegan Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin recipe delivered.
I’ve been a follower of Desirée for quite some time now. Everything she posts is pure magic, so I had no doubts that her pumpkin muffin recipe would be anything less than exceptional. I have so many recipes of hers saved so this won’t be the only time you’ll see me rave about one of her recipes.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins – The embodiment of fall
But back to the muffin. Adding cream cheese to the mix? A brilliant idea. I firmly believe it is this addition, along with the pumpkin puree, that ensures these muffins steer clear of the dreaded dry and crumbly category. In fact, they were moist – oh yes, I said it, and I am not sorry. The other ingredients are pretty standard beyond the pumpkin puree so you won’t have to travel to the depths of the earth looking for some obscure ingredient. This recipe was both simple and elevated if that makes any sense. It offers the ease of a basic muffin recipe but with the delectable taste and appearance of a muffin straight from a fancy coffee shop.
Now if you want to take these already incredibly fabulous pumpkin cream cheese muffins to the next level, picture this: A warm muffin with a dollop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting on top, getting into the crumble crevasses. With each bite your soul will momentarily transcend from your body in sheer bliss.
I used So Delicious Vanilla Bean Ice Cream but any ol’ vanilla ice cream will do the job. Trust me, it’s a heavenly combination you won’t want to miss.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin Essentials:
The classic fall spices.
What is it about pumpkin spice that makes it such a beloved autumn flavour? I feel like it goes beyond the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. It’s the embodiment of coziness, warmth and nostalgia of the season you’ve longed for. Pumpkin spice signifies the start of sweater weather, spooky season, and scented candles. Everything about it screams cozy.
The Creamy Center
Now, let’s talk about the cream cheese filling. I think this is the part of the muffin that will convert even the biggest pumpkin spice haters.
Now, I know Desirée recommends using Kite Hill Cream Cheese but that is not an option for us Canadians. That said, I found the Violife Cream Cheese to work quite well for me.
Coffee Shop Topping
My favourite part of this recipe has to be the crumble. I think it’s because it reminds me of this classic grocery store coffee cake I used to have as a kid. The streusel crumble on top is what made the whole slice sing. The same must apply to these muffins. The topping gives it that extra sugary goodness and a texture that balances the creamy and moist consistency of the muffin. There are pumpkin spice muffins, and then there are Desirée’s pumpkin cream cheese muffins. Muffins that immerse you in the warmth of magical autumn vibes that will fill your heart and kitchen.
I have made these muffins a couple of years in a row, and it has become a tradition that as soon as that crisp fall air hits, it’s time to warm up with a batch of these delicious muffins to usher in the new season.
Get the link for the recipe here
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