As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, there’s one treat that signals the arrival of autumn — the Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin. With its tender, pumpkin-spiced crumb and creamy cheesecake center, it’s no wonder this seasonal bakery favorite has a loyal fan base. But what if you could enjoy that same cozy flavor right from your own kitchen?
This homemade Starbucks-inspired Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin recipe gives you all the warmth, spice, and sweetness of the original — made easy for any home baker. Whether you’re treating yourself with your morning coffee or baking for a cozy fall brunch, these muffins bring all the autumn comfort you crave. 🍂
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Coffeehouse-quality muffins at home – Soft, spiced muffins with a creamy center, just like the Starbucks version.
- Simple ingredients – Made with pantry staples like pumpkin puree, flour, sugar, and cream cheese.
- Perfect for fall – Bursting with pumpkin spice flavor and topped with tangy cream cheese filling.
- Make-ahead friendly – Great for prepping ahead for breakfast, snacks, or brunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Muffins
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spatula
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Muffin liners
How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, oil, and milk until smooth.
- Combine the two mixtures. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
- Make the filling. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the muffins. Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with pumpkin batter. Add about a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling to the center of each.
- Bake. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the filling) comes out clean.
- Cool and enjoy. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Perfect Muffins
- Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the muffins soft and fluffy.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- Want bakery-style muffins? Chill the batter for 15–20 minutes before baking for a higher rise.
- Add crunch. Sprinkle chopped pecans or pumpkin seeds on top before baking.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Reheat for 15–20 seconds in the microwave for a just-baked taste.
Why Everyone Loves These Muffins
These copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins bring together warm pumpkin spice, rich cream cheese filling, and the perfect soft crumb — all in a single bite. They’re ideal for cozy mornings, brunch gatherings, or as an afternoon treat with your favorite latte.
Enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own coffeehouse-style muffins at home, and make your kitchen smell like fall with every batch! 🍁