Fall is in the air, and that means it’s time for warm, cozy flavors that make you feel like you’re wrapped in a comfy sweater. One of my all-time favorites is the Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin.
I remember the first time I tried one – it was love at first bite. The warm spices, the creamy cheese filling, and that perfect pumpkin flavor had me hooked. But why wait in line at Starbucks when you can make these delectable treats at home?
Today, I’m sharing my perfected copycat recipe that’ll have your kitchen smelling like autumn heaven.
Ingredients and Quantities
Let’s gather our ingredients. Trust me, the aroma alone will have you excited to start baking!
Muffin Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1 1/2 cups pure pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Optional: 2 teaspoons toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk
How to Make Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Now, let’s dive into the fun part – creating these mouthwatering muffins!
Preparing the Muffin Batter
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice. Stir to combine and set aside. This mixture is the foundation of our muffins, so make sure it’s well mixed.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, vanilla, and egg. The smell of pumpkin and vanilla will start to fill your kitchen – it’s heavenly!
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Make a well in the middle of the dry mixture and pour the wet mixture into the bowl. Stir with a large spoon until just combined and there are no dry pockets. Be careful not to overmix – we want these muffins to be tender!
Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
Step 1: Mix the Cream Cheese Ingredients
Place the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and flour into a medium-sized bowl. Using a hand mixer, mix on medium speed until smooth. This creamy filling is what makes these muffins extra special.
Step 2: Prepare the Piping Bag
Place the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner cut off. This will make it easy to add the filling to our muffins.
Assembling and Baking the Muffins
Step 1: Fill Muffin Tins
Fill 12 prepared muffin tins evenly with the muffin mixture. Next, pipe the cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin. I like to make a little swirl on top – it looks beautiful when baked!
Step 2: Add Optional Toppings
If desired, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top of the muffins for added texture and visual appeal. It’s a little touch that makes these muffins look even more enticing.
Step 3: Bake the Muffins
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the muffins for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin (avoiding the cream cheese filling) comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Tips and Variations
Ensuring Moisture and Texture
Use 100% pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling to control the flavor and sweetness. Bring ingredients like eggs and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother batter and filling.
Customizing Your Muffins
Feel free to swirl the cream cheese mixture through the muffin instead of placing it in the center. Leave the pumpkin seeds off if desired, but they add a nice textural contrast and visual appeal.
Final Thoughts
Creating Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins at home is easier than you think, and with these steps, you can enjoy these delicious treats year-round. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, avoid over-mixing the batter, and don’t hesitate to customize the recipe to your liking.
Whether you’re a fan of pumpkin, cheesecake, or just a good muffin, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
The first time I made these at home, the smell of pumpkin and spices filled my apartment, and I couldn’t wait to bite into one. When I finally did, it was even better than I remembered from the coffee shop.
There’s something special about homemade treats, and these muffins are no exception. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t be surprised if your friends start showing up more often for coffee!
