Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: Better Than Starbucks

Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by Chef Josie

If fall had a flavor, it would taste just like these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. Soft, moist pumpkin spice muffins filled with a creamy cheesecake center, every bite feels like autumn comfort. They’re inspired by the famous pumpkin muffins with cream cheese from Starbucks, but this homemade version is even better: fresher, fluffier, and made with simple ingredients from your pantry.

When the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, I can’t resist baking a batch of these muffins. They’re the perfect balance of sweet pumpkin and tangy cream cheese, with a texture so tender you’ll think they came from a bakery. Pair one with a hot coffee, and you have the ultimate fall breakfast or dessert.

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Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

• Creamy surprise inside: A smooth cream cheese filling melts into every bite.
• Super moist: Pumpkin puree keeps the muffins soft for days.
• Better than coffee shop: Skip the line and bake them at home.
• Perfect fall flavor: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice make these irresistible.
• Freezer-friendly: Bake ahead and thaw whenever the craving hits.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
2. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine pumpkin, sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet until just mixed.
5. Prepare filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
6. Assemble: Spoon half of the muffin batter into liners. Add 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling, then cover with remaining batter.
7. Bake: 18–20 minutes or until muffins are set and lightly golden.
8. Cool: Let rest in pan 5 minutes, then move to wire rack.

Notes and Top Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps the muffins light.
• Chill the cream cheese filling slightly before using for easier layering.
• Use a piping bag for neat centers or swirl the filling for pumpkin swirl muffins.
• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Try them with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Variations:

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins: Add a graham cracker crumble topping.
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cupcakes: Top with cream cheese frosting.
• Healthy Version: Use whole wheat flour and maple syrup instead of sugar.
• Fall Muffin Recipes Mix: Add chocolate chips, pecans, or a cream cheese swirl on top.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months.
• Thaw: Refrigerate overnight or microwave 15 seconds before serving.
• Warm: Reheat gently for that fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

1. How do I make the filling stay creamy after baking?
Don’t overbake; remove the muffins once the edges are set but centers still look soft.

2. Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes. Use vegan cream cheese and coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

3. Why are my muffins dense?
Overmixing or too much pumpkin puree can make batter heavy—mix until just combined.

4. Can I freeze the batter?
It’s best to bake first and freeze the finished muffins; the filling doesn’t freeze well raw.

Why You’ll Make Them Again

Once you taste these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, you’ll never need the coffee shop version again. They’re moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced; ideal for any fall morning or dessert spread. Whether you call them pumpkin cheesecake muffins or pumpkin cream cheese cupcakes, this recipe brings cozy fall vibes straight to your kitchen.

If you love pumpkin desserts with cream cheese, try pairing these muffins with a pumpkin spice latte or my favorite pumpkin bread muffins for the ultimate autumn treat.

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