Save A playful twist on classic pumpkin muffins: moist, spiced pumpkin dough with a creamy cheese filling, coated in Flamin Hot-inspired crunchy topping, served on sticks for easy snacking.
I first tried making these for a weekend movie night, and the combination of creamy filling with spicy crunch made them a hit with everyone. Making pops instead of traditional muffins turned baking into a hands-on activity that got the whole family excited.
Ingredients
- Muffin Batter: 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 2 large eggs, 1 cup (240 g) pumpkin purée, 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil, 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Cream Cheese Filling: 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of salt
- Flamin Hot Crunch Coating: 2 cups (60 g) Flamin Hot flavored corn puffs or chips (e.g. Flamin Hot Cheetos), 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter (melted)
- For Assembly: 12 cake pop sticks or lollipop sticks
Instructions
- Prep Muffin Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with 12 liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, pumpkin purée, oil, milk, and vanilla until well combined.
- Combine Batter:
- Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Prepare Filling:
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Fill Muffin Liners:
- Fill each liner halfway with pumpkin batter. Add 1 heaping teaspoon of cream cheese filling in center, then top with remaining batter to cover.
- Bake Muffins:
- Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted (avoiding center filling) comes out clean.
- Cool Muffins:
- Cool muffins completely on wire rack.
- Make Crunch Coating:
- In a food processor, pulse Flamin Hot corn puffs or chips to fine crumbs. Transfer to a shallow bowl and mix with melted butter.
- Insert Sticks:
- Remove muffin liners. Insert cake pop stick into base of each muffin.
- Coat Muffin Pops:
- Gently brush or spread thin layer of melted butter around each muffin. Roll in Flamin Hot crumb coating to adhere fully.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, or store chilled for up to 2 days.
Save The first batch was devoured before I could take a photo: these sweet and spicy muffin pops quickly became everyone's favorite fall treat at our family game night.
Required Tools
To make these muffin pops, you'll need a muffin pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, food processor, wire rack, and cake pop sticks for easy serving and dipping.
Allergen Information
This recipe uses wheat, milk, and eggs. Flamin Hot snacks may contain traces of soy and other allergens: always check product labels before serving to guests.
Nutritional Information
Each pumpkin muffin pop has around 280 calories, 15 g total fat, 33 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein, making them rich but satisfying for a dessert treat.
Save Enjoy these Cream Cheese Flamin Hot Pumpkin Muffin Pops fresh for best flavor: they're a unique snack that will make your fall gatherings unforgettable.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute regular corn puffs for Flamin Hot snacks?
Yes, regular cheese puffs provide a milder flavor in place of Flamin Hot snacks, making the coating less spicy.
- → How can I make the pops extra spicy?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the muffin batter or use extra spicy Flamin Hot snacks for the coating.
- → Is chilling required before serving?
While not mandatory, chilling helps set the coating and makes pops firmer, especially for easier serving.
- → What tools are needed for assembly?
You will need a muffin pan, mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, food processor, wire rack, and cake pop sticks.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these pops use vegetarian-friendly ingredients, including cream cheese and eggs.
- → Can I store leftovers?
Store chilled pops in an airtight container for up to 2 days for best texture and flavor.