Oven & Pan Prep: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) for the initial high-heat bakery rise. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper tulip liners or lightly coat with nonstick baking spray.

Whip the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a medium mixing bowl, beat softened brick cream cheese, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract with an electric hand mixer for 1 to 2 minutes until completely smooth, glossy, and lump-free. Set aside.

Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, fine sea salt, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon until evenly distributed.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, vigorously whisk together the pure pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, melted butter (or oil), 2 whole eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until glossy and fully emulsified (about 1 minute).

Combine Batter: Pour the wet pumpkin mixture into the dry flour bowl. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold just until combined and no dry flour streaks remain. Do not overmix—a gentle hand ensures tall, tender, bakery-style muffin domes.

Fill Muffin Cups & Swirl: Divide the spiced pumpkin batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin liners, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Spoon approximately 1 rounded tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each muffin. Use a toothpick or small wooden skewer to gently drag and marble the cream cheese through the top of the batter in figure-eight motions.

Garnish & High-Heat Bake: Sprinkle the tops with raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and coarse sparkling turbinado sugar. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for exactly 5 minutes, then without opening the oven door, lower temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake for an additional 15 to 17 minutes until the centers are set and a toothpick inserted into the pumpkin crumb comes out clean.

Cool & Serve: Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 5 to 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool slightly. Serve warm with butter or a hot latte, and enjoy the luscious cheesecake center!