Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins (Gluten-Free)

These gluten-free Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a fall-inspired treat, packed with warm spices and a creamy center. Enjoy Starbucks vibes right from your kitchen!

Hold onto your PSLs, friends, because we’re about to dive into the ultimate fall treat—Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. 

But this isn’t just any muffin, oh no. We’re taking the Starbucks classic and giving it a gluten-free makeover, so everyone can enjoy that perfect combo of pumpkin spice and creamy goodness. 

Whether you’re gluten-free by choice or necessity, these muffins are about to become your new fall obsession, and trust me, they’re worth every cozy, pumpkin-filled bite.

Picture this: a soft, perfectly spiced muffin loaded with warm pumpkin flavor. But it has a hidden center of sweet, tangy cream cheese that makes every bite feel like you’re indulging in a mini cheesecake. 

Sound good? Well, it gets better because they’re so easy to make. 

Plus, with no gluten in sight, these muffins are a win for your tummy and your taste buds! 

Whether you’re craving a Starbucks-style treat without leaving your house or just want to bring those pumpkin spice vibes into your kitchen, these muffins are exactly what your fall dreams are made of. 

So, grab your whisk, throw on your favorite fall playlist, and let’s bake up a batch of these irresistible gluten-free goodies. They are sure to steal the show at your next cozy brunch or afternoon snack session!

If you love rich pumpkin flavor you may also enjoy my Gluten-Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars or my Pumpkin Sheet Pan Pancakes.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE GLUTEN FREE STARBUCKS PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE MUFFINS

You’ll love these cream cheese pumpkin muffins because they give you all the cozy, fall flavors you crave, without ever leaving your kitchen. 

They’re soft, perfectly spiced, and packed with real pumpkin goodness. Plus that luscious sweet cream cheese filling adds a delicious, tangy surprise in every bite. 

Not to mention, they’re gluten-free, so you can indulge without the worry. Whether you’re a Starbucks addict or just love a good pumpkin treat, these muffins will hit the spot every single time!

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE HOMEMADE PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE MUFFINS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the Starbucks copycat recipe (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card below):

• Gluten-free all-purpose flour (make sure it has xanthan gum!)
• Baking soda
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Ground cinnamon
• Sea salt
• Pumpkin puree (real pumpkin, not the pumpkin pie filling!)
• Granulated sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Large eggs
• Pure vanilla extract (a must)
• Milk of choice (almond, oat, whatever you like!)
• Pumpkin seeds

For the Cream Cheese Mixture:

• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar 
• Gluten-free all-purpose flour
• Pure vanilla extract

HOW TO MAKE THE COPYCAT STARBUCKS PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE MUFFINS

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Smells like fall already, right?
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix your pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Now, fold the dry ingredients into the wet until combined, but don’t overmix—nobody likes a tough muffin! Let muffin batter sit for 15 minutes.
4. Cream Cheese Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese and granulated sugar using a hand held mixer. Then add in flour and vanilla until creamy. Add to a piping bag with a round tip.
5. Fill Those Muffins: Fill your muffin cups up fully with the pumpkin batter. Then stick your piping bag half way down each muffin and pipe the cream cheese icing, pulling up while pressing the cream cheese into the batter.
6. Top It Off: Sprinkle each muffin with pumpkin seeds for the full Satrbucks effect.
7. Bake: Pop those muffins in the oven for 10 minutes. Then turn down oven to 350 degrees F and bake for another 13-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the pumpkin part (avoid the cream cheese!). Let them cool for a few minutes before diving in—if you can wait that long.

STORING THE LEFTOVER DELICIOUS STARBUCKS PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE MUFFINS

To keep your delicious muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. 

The cream cheese center makes refrigeration essential to maintain freshness. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can freeze the muffins individually by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. 

When you’re ready to enjoy one, just thaw it in the fridge overnight or pop it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds for a warm, bakery-fresh treat!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For that perfect creamy swirl, make sure your cream cheese is softened. This will make it easier to mix and spread evenly into the muffin center.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the muffins dense instead of soft and fluffy.
• Fill Muffin Cups Properly: Fill your muffin liners a little over 3/4 of the way with batter to leave room for the cream cheese center and a beautiful rise while baking.
•  
• Let Muffins Cool: Resist the temptation to eat them right out of the oven! Let the muffins cool for at least 10 minutes so the cream cheese sets and the texture firms up perfectly.
• Customize Your Toppings: For extra crunch, sprinkle pumpkin seeds or crushed pecans on top before baking. It adds a delightful texture and makes them look even more impressive!
• Freeze for Future Pumpkin Cravings: These muffins freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months for a quick, cozy snack whenever the craving hits.

FAQS

WHAT KIND OF PAN SHOULD I USE FOR THIS MUFFIN RECIPE?

Use a standard muffin pan lined with paper liners for easy removal and perfect muffins every time. For even easier cleanup, go for silicone liners!

HOW DO I GET A FLUFFY TEXTURE IN MY MUFFINS?

The key to fluffy pumpkin muffins is not overmixing the batter. Mix just until the ingredients come together and bake in a preheated oven for the best rise.

CAN I USE A HAND MIXER FOR THIS RECIPE?

Yes, a hand mixer works great for making the cream cheese filling smooth and easy to pipe into the muffins. However, mix the muffin batter by hand to avoid overmixing.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO ADD THE CREAM CHEESE TO THE MUFFINS?

To easily add the delicious cream cheese filling, use a pastry bag or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off. Squeeze the filling into the center of each muffin before baking.

HOW DO I MAKE MY MUFFINS LOOK LIKE THEY CAME FROM A BAKERY?

Use a small cookie scoop to evenly portion out your batter, and don’t forget to give your muffins a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds or a bit of brown sugar for that professional bakery look.

More Pumpkin Recipes You May Like To Try!

• Pumpkin Pie Protein Ice Cream
• Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins
• Pumpkin Pie Protein Cheesecakes
• Blended Pumpkin Baked Oats
• Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
• Easy Pumpkin Cake Pops
• Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats
• Keto Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Overnight Oats
• Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake
• Copycat Pumpkin Perfect Bars (Protein Recipe)
• Pumpkin Waffles Recipe Using Pancake Mix

Continue to Content

Yield: 12 muffins

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins (Gluten-Free)

Print

These gluten-free Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a fall-inspired treat, packed with warm spices and a creamy center. Enjoy Starbucks vibes right from your kitchen!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 23 minutes

Total Time 38 minutes

Ingredients

PUMPKIN MUFFINS

• 1 2/3 cups gluten-free all purpose flour (must contain xanthan gum)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (such as canola oil or neutral tasting oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup water

CREAM CHEESE CENTER

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp gluten-free all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

TOPPING

• 2-3 tbsp pumpkin seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour, baking soda, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix your pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and water until smooth. Now, fold the dry ingredients into the wet until combined. Let muffin batter sit for 15 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese and granulated sugar using a hand mixer. Then add in flour and vanilla until creamy. Add to a piping bag with a round tip.
5. Fill your muffin cups a little over 3/4 of the way full with the pumpkin batter. Then stick your piping bag half way down each muffin and pipe the cream cheese icing, pulling up while pressing the cream cheese into the batter.
6. Sprinkle each muffin with pumpkin seeds for the full Starbucks effect.
7. Pop those muffins in the oven for 10 minutes. Then turn down oven to 350 degrees F and bake for another 13-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the pumpkin part (avoid the cream cheese!). Let them cool for 10 minutes in muffin tray before diving in—if you can wait that long.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 292Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 245mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 1gSugar: 24gProtein: 4g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

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