Dessert

Starbucks-Style Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

ByLily Monroe October 19, 2025October 19, 2025

Introduction

These Starbucks-inspired Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are moist, flavorful, and perfect for cozy autumn mornings. With a tender pumpkin base and a luscious cream cheese filling, they bring a delightful twist to your usual muffin routine.

A group of eleven freshly baked muffins arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. Each muffin is wrapped in light brown parchment paper that folds around the sides in loose, petal-like shapes. The muffins have a golden-brown top layer with a soft, slightly cracked texture. In the center of each muffin, there is a round dollop of creamy white filling, smooth and slightly sunken into the muffin top. The light casts warm highlights and shadows, giving the muffins a home-baked, inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda or baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
1/2 teaspoon fine grain salt
15 oz pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted unsalted butter)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with paper liners or grease it well.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup vegetable oil. Mix until well blended.
Step 3: Add 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 15 oz pumpkin puree to the sugar-oil mixture. Whisk until fully combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin spice, and 1/2 teaspoon fine grain salt.
Step 5: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender and moist.
Step 6: Scoop the pumpkin batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Step 7: In a small bowl, mix 4 oz room temperature cream cheese, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 teaspoon milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 8: Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe a dollop of the filling into the center of each muffin cup.
Step 9: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Allow the muffins to cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cream cheese filling set properly.
Step 11: Enjoy your muffins warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best texture and flavor.
Substitute melted unsalted butter for vegetable oil for a richer flavor.
Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
To make piping easier, chill the cream cheese filling slightly before filling the bags.

Storage

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze muffins for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving to restore softness and flavor.

How to Serve

A close-up of a woman's hand with pink painted nails holding a split cupcake against a soft-focused background of warm yellow and orange leaves. The cupcake consists of two layers: the bottom layer is a moist, crumbly, light brown cake with visible air pockets, and the top layer is a thick, creamy white frosting with a fluffy texture. The scene has a cozy autumn feel, highlighted by the soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sweeteners that can alter the muffin’s texture and flavor. Use plain pumpkin puree for best results.

How can I tell when the muffins are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The cream cheese filling should be set but still soft.