Tender, warmly spiced pumpkin muffins are filled with sweet cream cheese and topped with crispy praline pumpkin seeds. These are so delicious and perfect for fall! I have many pumpkin recipes here, but I think that this one for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins might be my absolute favorite! Previously, I might have reached for my Pumpkin Banana Muffins recipe or my classic Pumpkin Muffins recipe, but Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are just exceptional. Honestly, all of the baked goods from Starbucks are great, but I get extra excited when this one comes back on the menu in August or September. This is not just a pumpkin muffin recipe – it’s a souped-up version that feels more like dessert than breakfast, with a luscious cream cheese filling and sweet praline pumpkin seeds. Need more pumpkin recipes in your life? I have you covered! Try my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, or another Starbucks favorite, Pumpkin Scones.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe Highlights
Ingredients in Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins
Here’s what you need to make these pumpkin spice muffins with cheesecake filling: Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
For the Filling: This simple, yet delicious creamy filling is made with softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract. For the Praline Pumpkin Seeds: Start with raw pumpkin seeds. We’ll be toasting them in butter with pumpkin spice and brown sugar. Baking Basics: Grab your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for the pumpkin muffin batter. Eggs and Butter: Let the eggs come to room temperature and melt the butter before you start mixing. This will ensure that your batter is smooth and well-mixed. Oil: Canola oil or any light oil such as avocado or vegetable oil will work in this recipe. Pumpkin Puree: I’ve developed this recipe to use one standard 15 oz. can of pure pumpkin, so there’s nothing wasted. Pumpkin Pie Spice: You can buy this at the store, but if you’re planning on doing a lot of baking this fall, you might want to mix up a big batch of your own. My pumpkin pie spice recipe is delicious!
How To Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Recipe Tips
Make the filling and topping first. Once the batter is mixed up, you won’t want to let it sit for too long before baking the muffins. The cream cheese filling and seed topping can be made up to a day ahead of time if needed. Paper liners. I find this to be the easiest way to make muffins, but if you’d rather not use them, be sure to grease the muffin tin very well so that you can remove the muffins easily. Don’t overmix the batter. Add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture and stir just a few times, until you can no longer see any white streaks. The muffin tins will be very full! Typically I’d tell you to fill the cups only part-way, but this recipe cooks best if they are filled. The tops will rise and spread a bit while they bake. Check for doneness. Insert a toothpick into the center of the muffin, trying to avoid the cream cheese filling. When it comes out mostly dry and clean, your muffins are done!
Storing Tips
Because of the cream cheese filling, you should store these muffins in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days if kept in an airtight container. Feel free to enjoy pumpkin cream cheese muffins chilled, or warm them up briefly in the microwave for 30 seconds. Be careful, as the filling can get very hot if you heat the muffins for too long.
What To Serve With Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Is it time for breakfast? Enjoy one of these with your favorite morning drink, like a hot cup of French Press Coffee or a healthy Green Smoothie.
Can Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins be Frozen?
Absolutely! Freeze these in freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before enjoying.
How Much Pumpkin is in a 15-ounce Can?
There is just a little bit less than 2 cups of pumpkin puree in a standard can. If you have a can that’s a different size, just measure out two cups and remove about 2 tablespoons.
Can I Skip the pumpkin seeds?
You can if you like. These muffins will be delicious without the praline topping, but they are extra good with it! It will be so fun and easy to make your favorite fall Starbuck’s pumpkin muffins at home! Save this recipe by pinning it, and share it with all of your baking friends. © Little Sunny Kitchen
