taste + texture
if fall had a flavor, it would be these pumpkin cream cheese streusel muffins.
they’re everything you want in a cozy treat — fluffy, warmly spiced pumpkin muffins with a cheesecake-like dollop of cream cheese on top and a buttery cinnamon streusel that gives the perfect crunch.
the taste is the best of both worlds: sweet and warmly spiced like a classic pumpkin muffin, but with that tangy, creamy contrast from the cream cheese that makes each bite extra indulgent.
the streusel adds a nutty, spiced crunch that balances the softness of the muffin.

why the flours matter
the texture is moist and tender but still light and fluffy, which can sometimes be tricky with gluten-free baking.
that’s where the flours come in. gluten-free 1:1 flour is the foundation — it already contains xanthan gum, which mimics the elasticity of gluten and helps the muffins rise and hold their shape.
almond flour adds extra moisture and fat, keeping the muffins from drying out and giving them that delicate, bakery-style crumb.
together, the two create muffins that are fluffy, not dense, with just the right amount of structure to hold the cream cheese and streusel.

substitution options
if you don’t have greek yogurt, you can use thick dairy-free yogurt, which keeps the muffins soft (we recommend cocojune).
avocado oil or melted coconut oil both work here, and each brings its own touch — avocado oil is neutral while coconut oil adds a subtle richness.
for sweetener, maple syrup gives a lovely fall flavor, but honey could also work if that’s what you have on hand.
for substitutions (excluding flour), you can:
- swap the greek yogurt for thick dairy-free yogurt
- use honey instead of maple syrup for a different natural sweetness
- choose avocado oil or melted coconut oil depending on what you prefer
- add chopped nuts or pumpkin seeds on top of the streusel if you want more crunch
tips + tricks for perfect muffins
- make sure your eggs and yogurt are at room temperature so the batter mixes smoothly.
- don’t overmix the batter — fold just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined for the fluffiest muffins.
- when adding the cream cheese dollop, place it gently in the center so it stays visible on top after baking.
- if your streusel looks too dry, add a touch more melted butter or coconut oil until it clumps together into pea-sized crumbs.
- bake in the center of the oven and don’t open the oven door too early — this helps the muffins rise evenly.

storage
because of the cream cheese filling, these muffins should be stored in the refrigerator.
let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
they’ll last about 4 days chilled. you can bring them to room temperature before serving, or warm them slightly in the oven or microwave. they also freeze beautifully — just wrap each muffin individually, freeze, and thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.
final thoughts
these pumpkin cream cheese streusel muffins are bakery-worthy but made right at home. they’re the perfect cozy fall bake, whether you’re enjoying one with your morning coffee, sharing them with friends, or serving them as dessert.
fluffy, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet, these muffins will be your go-to pumpkin treat all season long.

if you love Incredible Healthy and Gluten Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Streusel Muffins, then try these other recipes from upbeetandkaleingitblog!
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8-Ingredient Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies (No Refined Sugar)
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No Bake Double Chocolate Bliss Rolls
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No Bake Plant Based Vanilla Cinnamon Crumble Cheesecake
Nourishing Vegan Protein Granola Ice Cream & Cinnamon Coconut Sugar Peaches
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Incredible Healthy and Gluten Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Streusel Muffins
Recipe by MaryCourse: Breakfast, Muffins12
servings20
minutes25
minutes331
kcalAPPROXIMATE MACROS per muffin (12)
calories: 331
protein: 4.3 g
carbs: 35.8 g
fat: 18.8 g
Ingredients
muffin batter
1 3/4 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking flour (with xanthan gum)
1/4 cup almond flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2–2 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (depending on spice preference)
2 large eggs, room temp
1 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup plain greek yogurt (or thick dairy-free yogurt)
1/3 cup avocado oil or melted coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
cream cheese filling
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, helps it set better)
streusel topping
1/2 cup gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
1/3 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
4 tbsp melted butter or coconut oiloptional: dusting of powdered sugar
Directions
- preheat oven to 350f and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- make the streusel: mix flour, sugar, and cinnamon. stir in melted butter or coconut oil until crumbly. set aside.
- make the cream cheese filling: in a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, and cornstarch until smooth and creamy. set aside.
- make the batter: in a large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. in another bowl, whisk eggs, pumpkin, maple syrup, yogurt, oil, and vanilla until smooth. fold wet into dry until just combined.
- assemble: fill each muffin liner about 3/4 full with batter. add a large spoonful (about 1 tbsp) of cream cheese filling on top of each muffin. sprinkle generously with streusel.
- bake 25 minutes, until muffins are set and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not cream cheese) comes out clean.
- cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. let cool fully before storing.



4 Responses
Could I use regular all-purpose flour if I don’t need gluten-free?
yes!
for the streusel topping it calls for 4 Tablespoons coconut oil, but I wonder if it should be 4 teaspoons?
tbsp is correct