Perfect Fall Mornings: Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Whipping up a batch of starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins brings autumn’s cozy magic right into your kitchen.

Crisp mornings call for something warm and comforting that sparks joy with every bite.

Seasonal spices dance through tender crumb, creating a nostalgic treat that feels like a hug from inside.

Fragrant notes of cinnamon and nutmeg weave through soft pumpkin batter, promising deliciousness in each mouthful.

cream cheese swirls add a luxurious richness that transforms these muffins from simple to spectacular.

Baking these treats connects you with the quintessential flavors of fall, making ordinary moments feel extraordinary.

Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that will become your new seasonal obsession.

FAQs

• Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use a 1:1 ratio and add xanthan gum if the blend doesn’t already include it.

• Is pumpkin pie spice necessary?

No, you can make your own by mixing ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice in equal proportions if you don’t have the pre-mixed spice.

• How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from sinking?

Chill the cream cheese mixture before adding it to the muffins. Also, dust the filling with a little flour before spooning it into the batter to help it stay suspended.

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Highlights

• Craft a Cafe-Style Treat: Recreate the beloved Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffin right in your own kitchen, bringing professional bakery quality to your home with simple ingredients.
• Master Seasonal Baking Skill: Learn an impressive fall-inspired recipe that transforms basic pantry staples into a decadent breakfast or dessert that looks and tastes like a professional pastry.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: Adjust sweetness levels, swap ingredients, or add personal touches like chopped nuts or extra spices to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for satisfying personal cravings.
• Impress with Minimal Effort: Create a stunning bakery-style muffin that looks complicated but requires basic mixing and baking skills, making it an ideal recipe for bakers of all experience levels.

Ingredients for Starbucks Pumpkin Muffins

• Flour: The essential base that provides structure to the muffins.
• Pumpkin Puree: A key ingredient that gives the muffins their signature autumn flavor and moist texture.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy filling that adds a delightful tangy surprise.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the muffins' tender crumb.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A warm blend that brings the classic fall flavor to the muffins.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the recipe.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, moist texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the muffins remain tender and moist.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth batter and adds moisture.

• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the muffins rise and create a light, fluffy texture.

How to Bake Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended and set aside.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

Mix until the ingredients are completely smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Create Muffin Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold and stir until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Spoon batter into each muffin cup, filling them halfway. Add a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center of each, then cover with remaining batter.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Remove muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Pro Tips for Pumpkin Muffins

• Prevent overmixing batter to keep muffins tender and light, stopping as soon as dry ingredients are incorporated.
• Chill cream cheese filling before adding to muffins for easier handling and cleaner layering.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese to ensure smooth, even mixing and consistent texture.
• For gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better structure.
• Test muffins' doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely wet.

Flavor Variations for Pumpkin Muffins

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Autumn Muffins: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil, plant-based milk, and dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweet pumpkin flavor.
• Nutty Protein Boost: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to batter for extra crunch and nutritional value, creating a heartier breakfast muffin.

Serving Ideas for Pumpkin Muffins

• Autumn Breakfast Delight: Serve these warm muffins alongside a steaming cup of cinnamon coffee for a cozy morning treat.
• Dessert Party Platter: Arrange muffins on a beautiful wooden board with dusted powdered sugar and some caramel drizzle for an elegant dessert presentation.
• Gifting Goodness: Package individual muffins in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for a homemade fall gift that friends and family will adore.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning brunch spread by placing muffins on a tiered cake stand with fresh seasonal berries and whipped cream on the side.

Storage Advice for Pumpkin Muffins

• Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days to maintain freshness.
• Refrigerate muffins in a sealed container for up to 5 days to extend their shelf life.
• Freeze individual muffins wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat refrigerated or frozen muffins by microwaving for 15-20 seconds until warm, or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Easy Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins bring autumn’s warmth to home bakers, creating a bakery-style treat that rivals coffee shop classics. Creamy cheese centers and spiced pumpkin crumb make these muffins an irresistible seasonal indulgence you’ll crave all year long.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking powder
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, lightly spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a large mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and milk in a separate bowl until thoroughly blended.
4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender muffin texture.
5. Create cream cheese filling by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky and uniform in consistency.
6. Pour half the muffin batter into each liner, creating a base layer.
7. Dollop a spoonful of cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin, then cover with remaining batter to conceal filling.
8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and muffin tops appear golden and slightly puffy.
9. Remove from oven and let muffins cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling.

Notes

• Boost moisture by not overmixing the batter, which can create tough, dense muffins.
• Freeze cream cheese filling beforehand to prevent it from sinking during baking, ensuring a perfect swirl in every bite.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, maintaining similar texture and taste.
• Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie option without compromising flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg