Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Cozy Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe From Home

Autumn’s embrace brings a delightful rush of comfort with these homemade Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins that capture the essence of cozy mornings.

Warm spices weave through soft, tender crumbs, creating a bakery-worthy treat right in your kitchen.

The cream cheese center adds a luxurious surprise to each bite, melting into rich pumpkin batter.

Fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg dance alongside the deep, earthy pumpkin flavor, promising a sensory experience that rivals any coffee shop treat.

These muffins blend nostalgia with deliciousness, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable breakfast or afternoon snack.

Baking these will fill your home with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the kitchen.

You won’t be able to resist breaking open a warm muffin and savoring its perfect balance of spice and sweetness.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Starbucks-Style

  • Elevate Your Baking: Transform ordinary muffins into a gourmet treat with this Starbucks-inspired recipe that brings cafe-quality delights right to your kitchen.
  • Burst of Seasonal Comfort: Packed with pumpkin pie spice and warm cinnamon, these muffins capture the cozy essence of autumn in every delightful bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Texture Magic: Enjoy the perfect balance of soft, moist muffin base with a creamy cream cheese center and crunchy streusel topping that creates a symphony of textures.
  • Simple Skill Builder: Perfect for bakers of all levels, this recipe offers straightforward steps that guarantee impressive results without requiring professional pastry skills.

List of Ingredients for Pumpkin Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the muffins.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb.
  • Brown Sugar: Contributes a rich, caramel-like flavor and moisture to the muffins.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the muffins rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Provides a warm, autumnal blend of spices characteristic of pumpkin baking.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, flavor, and a beautiful orange color to the muffins.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the muffins remain moist and tender.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
  • Milk: Helps to create a smooth, consistent batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
Cream Cheese Filling and Streusel Topping:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy filling that contrasts with the sweet pumpkin muffin.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the streusel topping.
  • Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the streusel topping.

Steps for Baking Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a muffin tin and line it with cozy paper cups that will cradle your delicious muffins.

Step 2: Create Magical Muffin Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together these dry teammates:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Pumpkin pie spice
In a separate bowl, blend these liquid heroes:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Gently marry the wet and dry ingredients until just combined – no overmixing allowed!

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Filling

Grab your mixer and beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until silky smooth.

This dreamy filling will be the heart of your muffins.

Step 4: Build Your Muffin Layers

Scoop batter into each muffin cup, filling them halfway.

Drop a dollop of cream cheese mixture right in the center, then blanket with more batter.

Step 5: Craft Irresistible Streusel Topping

Mix these crumbly ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Cinnamon

Shower the streusel generously over each muffin, creating a crispy crown.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

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

Step 7: Cool and Celebrate

Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Allow them to cool completely before devouring these autumn treasures.

Muffin Tips for a Bakery-Style Finish

  • Stir the batter gently until ingredients are just combined to keep muffins tender and avoid tough, dense texture.
  • Replace cream cheese with coconut cream and use plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly version that maintains rich flavor.
  • Insert toothpick near the muffin's edge, not the cream cheese center, to accurately test baking completion.
  • Use a small spoon or piping bag to center the cream cheese filling, ensuring even distribution in each muffin.
  • Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months, perfect for quick breakfast or snack options.

New Twists for Pumpkin Muffin Fans

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: Replace all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil, and replace dairy cream cheese with vegan cream cheese alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Dairy-Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: Use coconut cream cheese, almond milk, and dairy-free butter for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Serving Pumpkin Muffins at Brunch

  • Cozy Morning Companion: Pair these muffins with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful breakfast experience.
  • Dessert Upgrade: Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
  • Festive Party Platter: Arrange muffins on a rustic wooden board with seasonal decorations like mini pumpkins or autumn leaves for a stunning presentation.
  • Gifting Delight: Package individually in clear cellophane bags tied with a burlap ribbon for a homemade gift that feels extra special during fall gatherings.

Pumpkin Muffin Storage for Days of Enjoyment

  • 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 drying out.
  • Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Warm muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Check internal temperature to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • Can I use homemade pumpkin pie spice?

Yes, you can easily make your own by mixing ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in equal proportions.

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

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that maintains a similar texture.

  • How do I prevent the cream cheese from sinking to the bottom?

Coat the cream cheese filling in a little flour before adding it to the muffin batter to help it stay suspended in the middle.

  • Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, these muffins freeze wonderfully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Print
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Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins blend seasonal spices with rich cream cheese for an irresistible autumn treat. Warm, comforting flavors and bakery-style texture invite you to savor each delightful bite of this homemade coffee shop classic.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups (219 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
  • 1 cup (245 grams) pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese and Dairy:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and positioning a muffin tin with paper liners to ensure smooth muffin extraction.
  2. Create the foundational muffin mixture by whisking dry ingredients in one vessel: flour, sugars, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice should be thoroughly combined.
  3. In a separate container, blend liquid components including pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until uniformly incorporated.
  4. Gently fold wet and dry mixtures together, stirring minimally to prevent dense texture, maintaining a slightly lumpy consistency.
  5. Craft the cream cheese filling by whipping cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until silky and spreadable.
  6. Fill muffin cups halfway with batter, strategically depositing a dollop of cream cheese mixture in the center of each compartment.
  7. Cover the cream cheese center with additional batter, ensuring complete concealment.
  8. Construct the streusel topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly and textured.
  9. Generously scatter streusel across muffin surfaces, creating a rustic, crackled appearance.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick into the muffin’s body (avoiding cream cheese center) and confirming it emerges clean.
  11. Allow muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal flavor development.

Notes

  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
  • Use fresh pumpkin pie spice to maximize flavor depth and aromatic qualities.
  • Avoid overmixing batter to prevent tough, dense muffins – stop when ingredients are just combined.
  • Softly fold cream cheese filling into batter to create beautiful marbled effect without deflating air pockets.
  • Test muffins with toothpick near outer edges, not cream cheese center, for accurate doneness.
  • Consider using gluten-free flour blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals.
  • Swap regular sugar with coconut sugar for lower glycemic index option.
  • Store muffins in airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
  • Freeze unbaked streusel topping separately to maintain crisp texture when needed.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 253 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 142 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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