Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Fall is in the air, and with it comes the return of all things pumpkin. One of the most beloved fall treats is Starbucks’ Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, a deliciously moist and spiced muffin filled with a rich cream cheese center.

This muffin, with its warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin, paired with the creamy sweetness of the filling, is a fan favorite for good reason. Whether you’re a frequent Starbucks visitor or just someone who loves the cozy taste of fall, these muffins can become a seasonal craving.

For me, recreating this recipe at home was a fun challenge – one that allowed me to enjoy this treat anytime, not just when Starbucks decided to bring it back. Plus, there’s something special about baking them fresh in your own kitchen.

In this article, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to make your very own Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins at home. From choosing the perfect ingredients to mastering that cream cheese swirl, this copycat recipe will give you all the deliciousness of the Starbucks original, right from your oven!

P.S. In a hurry? Click “Jump to Recipe” to head straight to the recipe!

Ingredients for Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

This list includes all the essentials for recreating Starbucks’ Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, complete with the optional streusel topping!

For the Muffin Batter:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Optional Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For a Simple Sugar Topping (alternative to streusel):

• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

The Importance of Each Ingredient

Main Muffin Ingredients

To recreate the Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins at home, you’ll need some classic baking staples, along with a few special ingredients to bring out that signature pumpkin spice flavor. Start with all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for sweetness and structure. The star of the show is pumpkin puree (make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar).

To get that warm, spiced flavor, you’ll need a mix of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a dash of cloves. The eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract will add moisture and richness to the muffin batter.

Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients

For the creamy center, all you need is cream cheese, granulated sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract. The tangy cream cheese balances the sweetness of the muffins perfectly, giving them their distinctive flavor.

Topping Ingredients

For an optional streusel topping that adds a delightful crunch, use a mix of flour, sugar, butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. If you prefer a simpler approach, you can top the muffins with coarse sugar for a bit of sparkle and texture.

Ingredient Tips: You can easily substitute certain ingredients based on dietary needs, such as using gluten-free flour or a sugar alternative. If pumpkin puree is hard to find off-season, you can use homemade puree or freeze it in bulk to enjoy these muffins year-round!

How to Make the Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Now – the moment you’ve all been waiting for! Here’s how to make those iconic Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins that we all know and love:

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

To begin, you’ll want to prepare the cream cheese filling so it’s ready to go when you assemble the muffins. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. The goal is to have a lump-free, velvety texture.

Once combined, place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill slightly while you prepare the muffin batter. This step ensures the filling remains firm when baking, creating that signature creamy center.

2. Make the Pumpkin Muffin Batter

Next, it’s time to whip up the flavorful pumpkin muffin batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 1¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves.

In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: 2 large eggs, 1 cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk these until well blended and smooth. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, making sure not to overmix. The batter should be thick but not too stiff. Overmixing can cause the muffins to become dense, so stir just until combined for a light, tender texture.

3. Assemble the Muffins

Now, it’s time to assemble your muffins. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the tin. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the pumpkin batter.

Next, add about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling to the center of each muffin. You can gently press the filling into the batter or leave it on top for that signature swirl. If you’re adding the optional streusel topping, sprinkle it generously over the tops of the muffins.

4. Baking the Muffins

Place the muffin tray in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (away from the cream cheese center) comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown with slightly domed tops. Let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Baking Tips and Tricks for Perfect Muffins

These tips will help you perfect and preserve your muffins, making them an excellent choice for make-ahead breakfasts or fall treats!

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in your muffins is key to making them irresistibly moist and tender. One essential tip is to avoid overmixing the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense muffins, which is the opposite of the light, fluffy texture you’re aiming for.

To ensure a moist muffin, the use of pumpkin puree adds natural moisture without being too heavy. Additionally, using vegetable oil instead of butter helps retain a soft texture even after the muffins cool.

Storing the Muffins

To keep your muffins fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container. If you plan to eat them within 2-3 days, they can be left at room temperature. However, because of the cream cheese filling, they will last longer (up to 5 days) in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before enjoying them again.

Make-Ahead Options

If you want to prep ahead, both the batter and the cream cheese filling can be made the night before. Store the batter and the filling in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply fill the muffin tins, assemble the muffins, and bake them fresh!

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins