If you’re a fan of fall flavors, you’ll love these Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins! These muffins are soft, moist, and packed with warm pumpkin spice flavors, with a rich and creamy cheesecake-like center. Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast treat or a cozy afternoon snack, this homemade version of Starbucks’ famous muffins will hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Tastes Just Like Starbucks – Save money by making these at home!
✔️ Perfectly Spiced & Moist – Pumpkin puree keeps them soft, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring warmth.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and no fancy equipment required.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch and enjoy them all week!

Ingredients for Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

For the Muffins:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pumpkin Seed Topping (Optional):

¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Spoon the mixture onto a small plate in 12 dollops and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the filling from sinking into the muffins while baking.

Step 2: Make the Muffin Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix!

Step 3: Assemble the Muffins

Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with the pumpkin batter.
Place a frozen dollop of cream cheese filling in the center of each muffin.
If using, mix pumpkin seeds, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then sprinkle on top.

Step 4: Bake & Enjoy!

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

✔️ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps the batter mix evenly and creates a smoother muffin texture.
✔️ Freeze the Cream Cheese First – This prevents it from melting too much into the muffin during baking.
✔️ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make muffins dense instead of soft and fluffy.
✔️ Let Them Cool Completely – This helps the cream cheese filling set properly.

How to Store & Freeze

At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the Fridge: These muffins stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap each muffin individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 30 seconds before eating.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! But make sure to puree and drain fresh pumpkin well to remove excess moisture. Canned pumpkin is more consistent in texture.

2. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

3. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, but it may slightly affect the texture. You can reduce granulated sugar by ¼ cup without a major difference.

4. How do I keep the muffins from sinking in the middle?

Freezing the cream cheese filling before baking prevents sinking and helps it stay creamy inside.

5. What can I use instead of cream cheese?

For a dairy-free option, use a vegan cream cheese like almond or cashew-based alternatives.

Final Thoughts

These Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are easy to make at home and taste just like the café favorite! Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet treat, they’re perfect for fall and beyond. Try this recipe today and let the warm, spiced flavors fill your kitchen! 🍂✨

Easy Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe