Fall is in the air, and with it comes all the delicious pumpkin-flavored treats we crave this time of year. One of my favorites has always been Starbucks’s pumpkin cream cheese muffin. It’s moist, packed with warm spices, and has a delicious surprise of cream cheese in the center. So, I decided to create my own version at home. This copycat Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffin recipe is easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for satisfying fall cravings.
Ingredients Breakdown
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. Understanding why we use each ingredient will help you create the perfect muffin.
• Cream Cheese Filling: The star of the show! The cream cheese center is sweet and tangy, adding a creamy surprise to every bite. I use softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and a bit of vanilla extract to make it smooth and flavorful.
• Pumpkin Puree: This is what gives the muffins their signature moistness and pumpkin flavor. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.
• Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger brings that warm, cozy flavor we associate with fall.
Instructions: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by making the cream cheese filling. In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a plastic zip-top bag with the tip cut off, then set it aside. This will be piped into the center of each muffin for a delicious surprise.
Step 2: Mix the Muffin Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; this helps keep the muffins light and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Muffins
Fill each muffin cup with the batter, filling about 3/4 of the way. Then, pipe a small amount of the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin. Make sure to push the tip into the batter to ensure the cream cheese is in the middle, leaving a small dollop visible on top.
Step 4: Add the Pumpkin Seed Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the pepitas, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle the topping over each muffin, pressing it down slightly to make sure it sticks. This is an optional step. As you can see from the photos, I skip this step if I don’t have pepitas on hand
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese center) comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Pumpkin Muffins
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 220 grams. If you don't use a scale, gently spoon into measuring cup to prevent packing and adding too much
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Pepitas topping
- 1/4 cup pepitas
Instructions
- In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a plastic zip-top bag with the tip cut off. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
- Fill each muffin cup with batter, filling about 3/4 of the way.
- Pipe a small amount of the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin. Gently push the tip into the batter to ensure the cream cheese goes into the middle, leaving a small dollop visible on top. Add pepitas if using.
- Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- These muffins are best served slightly warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Tips for the Perfect Muffin
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter come together more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
• Make Ahead: These muffins are great to make ahead and freeze! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
FAQs
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?
A: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer. The texture might be slightly less rich, but it will still taste delicious!
Q: Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Q: How do I store these muffins?
A: Store these muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
This copycat Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffin recipe is perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting, pumpkin-flavored treat. With a moist, spiced pumpkin base and a creamy, tangy center, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite. Make a batch today and enjoy the delicious flavors of fall in every bite!
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