Easy Homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Autumn whispers through my kitchen when these delectable pumpkin cream cheese muffins emerge from the oven.

Crisp morning air carries hints of cinnamon and warmth.

Sweet spices dance around the edges of perfectly golden pastries.

Memories of cozy coffee shops blend seamlessly with homemade comfort.

Layers of rich cream cheese nestle between soft, fragrant pumpkin cake.

Baking these muffins feels like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket of seasonal delight.

Whip up a batch and savor every delicious moment.

What Makes Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins So Popular

• Master Bakery-Style Dessert: Impress friends and family with professional-looking muffins that taste just like the cafe version, without needing advanced baking skills.
• Create Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable recipe perfect for breakfast, brunch, potlucks, or afternoon snacking that appeals to all ages and tastes.
• Enjoy Simple Seasonal Comfort: Packed with pumpkin and cream cheese, these muffins deliver warm, rich flavors that make everyone feel instantly happy and nostalgic.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the muffins.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the golden brown color.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become fluffy.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Provides warm, classic autumn flavors to the muffins.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.

• Pumpkin Puree: Brings moisture, rich color, and signature pumpkin flavor to the muffins.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and contributes to the tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the muffin's flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, tangy filling that complements the pumpkin muffin base.
• Sugar, Flour, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Smooth out the cream cheese and create a consistent, spreadable filling.

How to Bake Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Line a muffin tin with paper liners, ensuring each cup is perfectly positioned for golden-brown muffins.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Blend these ingredients until they form a uniform mixture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree
• Egg
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the ingredients are smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Create Muffin Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender and light.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

• Sugar
• Flour
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Assemble Muffins

Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter.

Add a generous spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center.

Top with remaining batter, covering the cream cheese completely.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying your homemade Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.

Pro Tips for Perfect Muffins

• Stir batter gently until just combined to keep muffins tender and avoid tough, dense texture.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for easier blending and lump-free filling.
• Insert toothpick near center to ensure muffins are fully baked without overbaking.
• Let muffins cool completely before slicing to maintain their shape and prevent crumbling.
• Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Variations on Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free option that maintains the rich, autumnal flavor.
• Vegan Pumpkin Spice Muffins: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and swap cream cheese for cashew cream cheese to create a dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Muffins: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate Greek yogurt for added moisture and protein.
• Nut-Infused Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch and nutty depth to the classic recipe.

Serving Ideas for Pumpkin Muffins

• Cozy Fall Breakfast Pairing: Serve these muffins alongside a warm cup of spiced chai tea or pumpkin-flavored coffee for the ultimate autumn morning treat.
• Festive Dessert Platter: Arrange muffins on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks, caramel drizzle, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a stunning holiday presentation.
• Brunch Showstopper: Create a brunch spread with these muffins as the centerpiece, accompanied by crispy bacon, fresh fruit, and whipped maple butter for a delightful weekend gathering.
• Make-Ahead Morning Delight: Pack these muffins in individual wrap for quick grab-and-go breakfasts or school lunches, perfect for busy mornings when time is tight.

How to Store Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator 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 zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Remove muffins from freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, microwave for 20-30 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Warm muffins in the oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked texture. For a quick option, use the microwave in 10-second intervals to avoid overheating.

FAQs

• Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese without significantly affecting the texture or taste of the muffins.

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

Ensure the cream cheese mixture is thick and cold, and don’t overmix the batter when adding the filling to help it stay in place.

• Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

• Can I freeze these pumpkin cream cheese muffins?

Absolutely! Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins deliver autumn’s warmest embrace with a rich, spiced crumb and silky cream cheese center. Bakery-worthy treats welcome cool mornings and comfort-seeking palates, inviting you to savor seasonal bliss in every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Muffin Base:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (for topping or extra flavor)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and arrange paper liners inside a muffin tin.
2. Create the dry mixture by thoroughly whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. In a separate container, blend pumpkin puree, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, mixing minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
5. Craft the cream cheese filling by vigorously beating cream cheese, sugar, flour, milk, and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, homogeneous blend.
6. Distribute the initial batter evenly, filling each muffin cavity approximately halfway.
7. Delicately add a generous spoonful of cream cheese filling into the center of each partially filled muffin cup.
8. Cover the cream cheese layer with remaining batter, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center.
10. Allow muffins to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to enhance flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking.
• Avoid overmixing the batter, which can lead to tough, dense muffins – stir just until ingredients are combined.
• Create a swirl effect with cream cheese filling by gently running a toothpick through the batter before baking.
• Sprinkle pepitas or chopped nuts on top for added texture and a crunchy element.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 165 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg