Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins (Starbucks Copycat)

These Starbucks pumpkin muffins are the perfect bakery-style treat. They are soft, moist, packed with pumpkin spice flavor, and filled with a sweet cream cheese center for a rich finish. So skip the Starbucks line and make these irresistible pumpkin muffins at home instead! 

Why I Love These Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffins

My wife brought home a Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffin the other day, and it was one of the best muffins I've ever had. I mean, pumpkin spice and rich cream cream in a moist muffin-you can't beat that combo!

Since I've made a ton of Starbucks copycat recipes over the years, I had to recreate that decadent muffin. I experimented until I found a way to make the perfect copycat Starbucks pumpkin muffin recipe. The secret turned out to be a creamy cheesecake-style filling instead of frosting, and the right blend of spices to make pumpkin spice seasoning.

Now my wife requests these muffins year-round, not just during the fall, and I love how easy they are to bake fresh anytime we crave that Starbucks experience without leaving home!

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need for these easy Starbucks-style pumpkin muffins:

For the Pumpkin Muffins:

• 1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoon granulated sugar

How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Muffins (In Just 5 Easy Steps!)

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Wet Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree and vegetable oil until smooth. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then add brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until thoroughly combined.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

Divide the pumpkin muffin batter evenly into the muffin liners, filling each liner about ¾ full. Set aside briefly while you make the cream cheese filling.

Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.

Spoon about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin, gently pressing down to partially submerge it into the batter.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your muffins in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese) comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before removing to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Expert Tips for Perfect Starbucks Pumpkin Muffins

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature to blend smoothly, avoiding lumps in your batter and filling.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can cause dense, chewy muffins rather than fluffy, moist muffins.

Fill Muffin Liners Evenly: Using an ice cream scoop can help ensure each muffin liner has the same amount of batter, ensuring even baking.

Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and pumpkin spice amounts to your preference for a stronger or milder pumpkin spice flavor.

Cool Muffins Before Serving: Allow muffins to cool for at least 15 minutes to let the cream cheese filling set properly and avoid a runny center.

Starbucks Pumpkin Muffins Recipe FAQs

Can I freeze these pumpkin muffins?

Yes! These muffins freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently warm in the microwave before serving.

How long do these muffins last?

Stored in an airtight container, these muffins stay fresh for up to 3–4 days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated.

Can I substitute fresh pumpkin puree for canned pumpkin?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree can replace canned pumpkin in equal measure. Just ensure the homemade puree is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your batter.

Do I need to refrigerate muffins with cream cheese filling?

Because of the cream cheese filling, refrigerate any leftover muffins if keeping for longer than a day. You can enjoy them cold or briefly warm them up before serving.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to these pumpkin muffins?

Definitely! Fold in a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips to add extra texture and flavor to your muffins.

My Final Thoughts on These Starbucks Pumpkin Muffins

These copycat Starbucks pumpkin muffins are tender, moist, and wonderfully spiced—the perfect fall treat anytime you're craving bakery-style muffins at home. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, these pumpkin muffins topped with creamy cheesecake filling will quickly become your favorite seasonal bake. Try them today and taste why they're just as good (if not better!) than the original Starbucks favorite.

More Starbucks Copycat Recipes to Try Next

If you loved these Starbucks pumpkin muffins, check out these other delicious Starbucks recipes:

• Starbucks potato cheddar and chive bakes
• Starbucks egg bites
• Starbucks grilled cheese
• Starbucks banana bread
• Starbucks cheese danish