Homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Whipping up a batch of homemade Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins can turn an ordinary morning into a delightful autumn experience.

Soft, spiced batter embraces a rich cream cheese center that melts beautifully when warm.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a bakery-style treat right in your kitchen.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweet pumpkin and tangy cream cheese.

Cozy aromas will fill your home with warmth and nostalgia.

Baking these muffins becomes a fun weekend project that impresses everyone around you.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this delectable seasonal delight.

Starbucks-Inspired Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• Craft a Delightful Treat: Whip up a batch of these pumpkin cream cheese muffins that taste just like a Starbucks favorite, bringing cafe-style baking right to your kitchen.
• Master Easy Baking Skills: Perfect for bakers of all levels, this recipe offers simple steps and straightforward techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Celebrate Seasonal Comfort: Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, these muffins deliver ultimate autumn comfort and cozy vibes that everyone will adore.
• Impress with Gourmet Touch: The luxurious cream cheese filling and pepita topping transform ordinary muffins into a bakery-worthy dessert that looks and tastes incredibly special.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure and base for the muffin's tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with moisture and caramelization.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves, Ground Ginger: Create the classic warm and aromatic pumpkin spice flavor profile.

• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, color, and signature pumpkin flavor to the muffins.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the muffins remain moist and tender.
• Eggs, Milk: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy filling that complements the pumpkin muffin.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cream cheese mixture.
• Egg Yolk: Helps to stabilize and enrich the cream cheese filling.

• Pepitas, Sugar: Add crunch, texture, and a sweet, nutty finish to the muffins.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station

Grab your muffin tin and line it with cozy paper liners.

Fire up the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) so it’s ready and waiting.

Step 2: Create Dry Muffin Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Ground ginger

Whisk everything until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Blend until silky smooth.

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Stir just until combined – no overmixing allowed!

Step 5: Craft Creamy Cheese Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Egg yolk
• Vanilla extract

Beat until luxuriously smooth.

Step 6: Build Muffin Layers

Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter.

Drop a spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center.

Cover with remaining batter.

Step 7: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle pepitas and sugar over each muffin for extra texture and sparkle.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide muffins into the oven.

Bake 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese).

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Devour and celebrate your baking triumph!

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Muffins

• Use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version or replace eggs with flax eggs for a vegan alternative.
• Slightly freeze cream cheese filling before adding to muffin batter to help it stay centered during baking.
• Don't overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and avoid tough, dense textures.
• Let ingredients like eggs and milk sit at room temperature for smoother, more even mixing and better muffin texture.
• Toast pepitas briefly before sprinkling on top to enhance their nutty taste and add a delightful crunch.

Variations to Customize Pumpkin Muffins

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil, and substitute cream cheese with cashew-based vegan cream cheese alternative.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate applesauce to maintain moisture.
• Dairy-Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, and replace dairy cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese made from almonds or coconut.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• Festive Fall Breakfast Companion: Pair these moist pumpkin muffins with a warm chai latte or strong black coffee for a cozy morning treat.
• Dessert Transformation: Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent after-dinner dessert that highlights the spiced pumpkin flavor.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange muffins on a rustic wooden board with fresh autumn fruits like sliced pears and sprinkle with additional pepitas for an elegant brunch presentation.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Wrap individually in parchment paper and tie with twine for a charming homemade gift that captures the essence of fall baking.

Storage Advice for Pumpkin Muffins

• Store muffins in an airtight container with a tight-sealed lid for up to 5 days. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. For a crispier texture, use a toaster oven at 300F for 3-4 minutes.

FAQs

• What makes the cream cheese filling unique?

The cream cheese filling is made with cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, creating a smooth, rich center that adds a creamy surprise inside each muffin.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure to strain excess moisture and use a similar consistency to canned pumpkin for the best results.

• Are pepitas necessary for the recipe?

Pepitas are optional but add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the muffins. If you don’t have them, you can skip or substitute with chopped nuts.

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins blend seasonal spices with creamy filling for an irresistible autumn treat. Bakers can easily recreate this popular coffee shop favorite with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. You’ll savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Pumpkin Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange paper liners in a muffin tin.
2. Create a dry mixture by combining flour, white sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger in a large mixing bowl.
3. Separately whisk together pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well integrated.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just incorporated without overmixing.
5. Prepare the cream cheese filling by blending cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until creamy and uniform.
6. Distribute the initial batter evenly, filling each muffin cup halfway, then carefully place a dollop of cream cheese mixture in the center.
7. Cover the cream cheese filling with additional batter, ensuring complete concealment.
8. Generously sprinkle pepitas and sugar across the muffin tops for added texture and sweetness.
9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the muffin’s center (avoiding the cream cheese pocket).
10. Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

• Swap out vegetable oil for healthier alternatives like coconut oil or applesauce to reduce fat content and add natural sweetness.
• Create gluten-free version by using almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Prevent cream cheese filling from sinking by coating it lightly in flour before adding to muffin batter, ensuring even distribution.
• Enhance nutritional value by incorporating ground flaxseed or chia seeds into the dry ingredients for added fiber and omega-3 nutrients.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 215 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 155 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg