easy pumpkin recipes

Keto Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Core

Millie Pham

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These Keto Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Core are soft, spiced, and full of flavor—with a creamy cheesecake-style filling right in the center. They’re low in carbs, made with almond flour, and sweetened with keto-friendly sweetener, but you’d never know. Each bite has that cozy pumpkin spice flavor plus a tangy cream cheese surprise.

🧂 What You’ll Need

Muffin Batter:

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp pumpkin spice blend
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup granulated erythritol (or monk fruit sweetener)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or butter)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Core:

  • 6 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 3 tbsp powdered erythritol
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

💛 Why I Love This Recipe

These muffins are one of my go-to fall treats because they taste decadent but fit right into a low-carb lifestyle. The cream cheese core makes them feel like a little bakery-style indulgence without the sugar crash.

  • Low-carb and keto-friendly
  • Soft, moist, and spiced just right
  • Hidden cream cheese center for extra flavor
  • Easy to make with pantry staples
  • Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert

🍽️ Servings + Time

  • Serves: 10 muffins
  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Bake time: 20–22 minutes
  • Total time: ~35 minutes

📊 Macros (Per muffin – approx.)

  • Calories: 210
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbs: 6g (Net carbs: 3g)
  • Fat: 18g

🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

Almond flour keeps these muffins low-carb while giving them a moist, tender crumb. The eggs help them rise since almond flour lacks gluten structure. The cream cheese center stays rich and creamy because it’s stabilized with powdered sweetener and vanilla.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Overfilling with cream cheese: Can cause spillage.
  • Skipping muffin liners: Almond flour batters stick easily.
  • Overbaking: Can dry out almond flour muffins quickly.
  • Using cold cream cheese: It won’t mix smoothly for the filling.

🍴 What to Serve With

  • Black coffee or a pumpkin spice latte (sugar-free)
  • Whipped cream topping
  • Fresh berries on the side

❓ FAQ

Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes—use vegan cream cheese and coconut oil.

Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes—wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?
Not directly—coconut flour absorbs much more liquid. Stick to almond flour for best results.

Can I swap the sweetener?
Yes—any granulated or powdered keto-friendly sweetener works.

👨‍🍳 How to Make Keto Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Core

Step 1: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, beat 6 oz softened cream cheese, 3 tbsp powdered erythritol, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

cream cheese, powdered erythritol, and vanilla being beaten into a smooth creamy filling in a glass bowl

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups almond flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tsp pumpkin spice, and 1 tsp cinnamon until well combined.

almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon being whisked together in a glass bowl

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup granulated erythritol, 3 eggs, 1/3 cup melted coconut oil, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.

pumpkin puree, erythritol, eggs, melted coconut oil, and vanilla whisked into a smooth orange mixture in a glass bowl

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined into a thick batter.

 thick pumpkin almond flour batter being folded together in a glass mixing bowl, smooth and slightly grainy from almond flour

Step 5: Layer Batter and Cream Cheese Filling

Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Spoon a little batter into each cup, add a spoonful of cream cheese filling, then top with more batter to cover.

muffin tin with pumpkin batter layered with cream cheese filling in the center, ready to be topped with more batter

Step 6: Bake

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20–22 minutes, or until tops are set and lightly golden.

keto pumpkin muffins fresh out of the oven in a muffin tin, golden-brown tops slightly cracked, on a modern stainless steel double oven

Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!