Imagine the aroma of spiced pumpkin and caramelized sugar wafting through your kitchen as you bake a batch of pumpkin monkey bread muffins with cream cheese filling. These muffins are the perfect fall treat, combining the gooey sweetness of monkey bread with the warm flavors of pumpkin spice and a creamy surprise in the center. Perfect for sharing or indulging, they bring joy to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Monkey Bread Muffins

Pumpkin monkey bread muffins are:

• Easy to make: With refrigerated biscuit dough, these come together quickly.
• Perfectly spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create a cozy, autumnal flavor.
• Surprisingly indulgent: The cream cheese filling adds a rich and creamy element.
• Great for gatherings: These muffins are ideal for parties, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for both the muffins and the optional cream cheese filling:

For the Muffins:

Ingredient	Quantity
Canned pumpkin puree	¼ cup
Granulated sugar	½ cup
Ground cinnamon	½ tsp
Ground nutmeg	¼ tsp
Ground ginger	¼ tsp
Refrigerated biscuit dough	2 cans
Unsalted butter (melted)	½ cup
Brown sugar (packed)	½ cup

For the Cream Cheese Filling (Optional):

Ingredient	Quantity
Cream cheese (softened)	4 oz
Powdered sugar	¼ cup
Vanilla extract	½ tsp

How to Make Pumpkin Monkey Bread Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.

Step 2: Mix the Spices and Sugar

1. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
2. Stir until the mixture is evenly blended.

Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

1. Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
2. Roll each quarter lightly in the pumpkin puree to coat.
3. Dredge the coated pieces in the sugar and spice mixture until evenly covered.

Step 4: Optional Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Roll small amounts of the mixture into balls and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Muffins

1. Place 2-3 coated biscuit pieces into each muffin cup.
2. If using the cream cheese filling, add a ball of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each cup.
3. Add another 1-2 biscuit pieces on top to cover the filling.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Mixture

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat.
2. Stir until smooth and well combined.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 7: Add the Caramel Mixture

1. Pour the melted butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the muffin cups.
2. Make sure each muffin has a generous coating.

Step 8: Bake the Muffins

1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

1. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
2. Carefully remove them and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
3. Serve warm for the best gooey texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per muffin (based on 12 muffins):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220
Total Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	30g
Sugar	15g
Protein	2g

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Monkey Bread Muffins

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices provide the most robust flavor.
• Don’t overfill: Leave a little room in each muffin cup for the dough to rise and expand.
• Serve warm: These muffins are best enjoyed slightly warm when the caramel and cream cheese are gooey.
• Store properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer storage.
• Reheat before serving: Warm the muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their texture and flavor.

FAQs About Pumpkin Monkey Bread Muffins

1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the coated biscuit pieces and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Assemble and bake them fresh the next day.

2. Can I use homemade biscuit dough? Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully but may require slightly longer baking time.

3. Can I freeze these muffins? Yes, freeze the baked muffins in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

4. What can I substitute for canned pumpkin puree? You can use mashed sweet potato or butternut squash as a substitute.

5. Can I add nuts or other toppings? Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch to these muffins.

6. How do I know when the muffins are done? Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the muffins are ready.

Why These Muffins Are Perfect for Fall

Pumpkin monkey bread muffins with cream cheese filling are the epitome of fall indulgence. Their warm spices, sweet pumpkin, and gooey caramel topping make them an irresistible treat for the season. They’re perfect for gatherings, cozy mornings, or just indulging in the comforting flavors of autumn.

Bake Your Pumpkin Monkey Bread Muffins Today

Are you ready to create a batch of these delicious muffins? Gather your ingredients and start baking! These pumpkin monkey bread muffins with cream cheese filling are easy to make, fun to share, and absolutely delightful to eat. Happy baking!

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