Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pumpkin puree or mashed bananas (optional for added flavor)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Make the Muffin Batter:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. If using pumpkin puree or mashed bananas, mix them in now.
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
   • Add the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined and creamy.
4. Assemble the Muffins:
   • Fill each muffin cup with about 2/3 full of muffin batter.
   • Drop a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin.
   • Use a toothpick or a knife to swirl the cream cheese mixture into the muffin batter.
5. Bake:
   • Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
   • Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Serve:
   • These muffins are delicious when served warm, but they’re also great at room temperature. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea.

These cream cheese swirl muffins are moist and flavorful, with a delightful cream cheese surprise in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack!