# What You'll Need:
→ Muffin Batter
01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
09 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
12 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
13 - 1/4 cup milk
14 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Maple Cream Filling
15 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
16 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
17 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
18 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
19 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Optional Topping
20 - 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar or chopped pecans
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly to evenly distribute spices and leavening.
03 - In a large bowl, beat light brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.
04 - Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until incorporated; avoid overmixing to ensure a tender crumb.
05 - Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add maple syrup, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract; blend until smooth and thick.
06 - Spoon muffin batter into prepared liners, filling each cup halfway. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of maple cream filling onto the center of each, then top with remaining pumpkin batter, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
07 - Sprinkle with turbinado sugar or chopped pecans as desired.
08 - Bake on the center rack for 20–22 minutes. Muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the edge (not through the creamy center) comes out clean.
09 - Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until fully cooled before serving or storing.
