Disney Recipe: Disney Parks Gingerbread-Cream Cheese Muffin Recipe

Looking to get into the holiday spirit any time of year? Disney has shared a gingerbread recipe that is sure to please everyone. Learn more below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Karen McClintock:

National Gingerbread Day is November 21, and we have a delicious recipe to celebrate the day and gear us up for the holiday season – Gingerbread-Cream Cheese Muffins!

Let’s face it, the scent and taste of freshly baked gingerbread screams HOLIDAY and this spiced gingerbread muffin with cream cheese filling is the perfect bundle of holiday goodness! Want to enjoy this gingerbread treat in our parks? Head on over to Isle of Java and Harambe Fruit Market at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park starting December 1 through January 2.

GINGERBREAD-CREAM CHEESE MUFFINS

Isle of Java and Harambe Fruit Market, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Makes 12

CREAM CHEESE FILLING

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

GINGERBREAD MUFFINS

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup canola oil (1/4 cup butter, softened, may be substituted)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Reserved cream cheese filling

FOR CREAM CHEESE FILLING:

1. Combine sugar and butter in bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment and beat on low speed until there are no lumps. Add cream cheese and mix on medium speed for 3 minutes, until smooth.
2. Reduce speed to low. Add egg and lemon juice and mix until smooth.
3. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, up to 3 days, until ready to use.

FOR GINGERBREAD-CREAM CHEESE MUFFINS:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Prepare a muffin pan with 12 liners and set aside.
2. Sift flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into medium bowl and set aside.
3. Combine oil or butter, brown sugar, molasses, honey, and egg in bowl of electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Mix on medium speed until combined. Reduce speed to low and add buttermilk until incorporated.
4. Add flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined. Scrape sides of mixer and mix an additional 30 seconds. Batter will be slightly lumpy.
5. Scoop batter into prepared muffin pan, filling each cup 3/4 full.
6. Place reserved cream cheese filling in piping bag fitted with large round tip. Insert piping tip into the center of each muffin, piping about 1 tablespoon into the center, then pipe a swirl around the top of the muffin.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until top of muffin is firm when touched.
8. Cool before serving.

Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.