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Tim Hortons Pumpkin Spice Muffins Copycat Recipe

As a home baker with over 15 years of experience making seasonal treats and copycat recipes, I love recreating cozy coffee shop flavors at home. Tim Hortons pumpkin spice muffins are a classic fall favorite—moist, warmly spiced, with bursts of pumpkin flavor, a crunchy seed topping, and a surprise cream cheese filling. Growing up near the Canadian border, I remember grabbing one on crisp autumn mornings with a hot cup of Tim Hortons coffee. But nothing beats baking them yourself, where you control the freshness and flavors. This Tim Hortons pumpkin spice muffins copycat recipe delivers the same cozy taste: tender muffins full of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, topped with sugared pumpkin seeds, and filled with creamy icing.

In this complete guide, I’ll show you everything you need to make these copycat pumpkin spice muffins at home. You’ll find the history of this Canadian favorite, a full ingredients list with tips, step-by-step baking instructions, expert advice, creative variations, storage tips, nutrition information, pairing suggestions, and FAQs. This beginner-friendly recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients and makes 12 muffins in about 45 minutes. It’s perfect for fall baking and pumpkin spice lovers who want the Tim Hortons experience at home—no drive-thru required. Let’s bring the warmth and flavor of Tim Hortons straight to your kitchen!

Ingredients for Tim Hortons Pumpkin Spice Muffins Copycat Recipe

To make these Tim Hortons pumpkin spice muffins at home, you’ll need common ingredients for the muffin batter, sugared pumpkin seed topping, and cream cheese filling. This recipe makes 12 standard muffins and uses real pumpkin puree for authentic fall flavor. Fresh spices give the best aroma—grind them if you can.

For the Muffin Batter:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled for tender muffins)
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (adds a caramel-like sweetness)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated for best flavor)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or canola for neutral flavor)
  • 1/4 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra moist muffins)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Sugared Pumpkin Seed Topping:

  • 1/2 cup hulled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • A light spray of oil (helps the sugar stick)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted for smoothness
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (adds tang and thins filling slightly)

These ingredients are easy to find and affordable, though pumpkin puree tastes best in fall. You can make substitutions, which we’ll cover in the variations section.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Copycat Tim Hortons Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Baking these pumpkin spice muffins is easy—no stand mixer needed, just bowls and a whisk. Follow these steps for soft, golden muffins with domed tops, just like Tim Hortons. Preheat your oven first for the best results.

1. Prepare the Topping and Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, toss pumpkin seeds with sugar and cinnamon (optional). Lightly spray with oil and set aside—this will give the muffins a crunchy, sweet top.
For the filling, whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a few drops of lemon juice. Transfer the filling to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even baking. For taller muffin domes, start at 425°F (220°C) and lower to 350°F after 8 minutes. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly. Fill empty cups halfway with water to ensure even heat distribution.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. This spreads the spices evenly for that warm, cozy pumpkin flavor.

4. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in pumpkin puree, oil, milk, and vanilla. The pumpkin adds natural moisture and a mild, earthy flavor.

5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Lumps are fine—overmixing makes muffins tough. The batter should be thick but scoopable.

6. Fill the Muffin Tin and Add Topping
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle the sugared pumpkin seeds generously on top and gently press them in.

7. Bake the Muffins
Bake for 20–25 minutes at 375°F. If using the high-temp method, bake 8 minutes at 425°F, then 15–20 minutes at 350°F. Muffins are done when tops are golden, seeds are lightly toasted, and a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like autumn!

8. Cool and Add the Cream Cheese Filling
Cool muffins in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. After 15 minutes, poke a small hole in each muffin’s center and pipe in 1–2 tablespoons of cream cheese filling for a creamy surprise.

Total Time: 15 minutes prep + 25 minutes bake + 15 minutes cooling ≈ 55 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins

Tips for Baking Perfect Tim Hortons Pumpkin Spice Muffins

After testing this pumpkin spice muffins copycat recipe many times, here are my top tips to get soft, flavorful, bakery-style muffins every time:

1. Avoid Dry Muffins
Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it. Scooping packs in too much flour, which can make muffins dense. If the batter seems too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to keep it moist.

2. Balance the Spices
Use fresh cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for the best flavor. If your spices are older, increase each by 1/4 teaspoon. You can taste the raw batter (it’s safe with eggs) and adjust to your liking.

3. Enhance Pumpkin Seed Crunch
Toast the pumpkin seeds for 5 minutes at 350°F before adding sugar to bring out a nutty flavor. Press the seeds gently onto the muffins so they stay in place while baking.

4. Fill Muffins Cleanly
Cool muffins completely before adding the cream cheese filling. Use a pastry bag for neat results, or a zip-top bag with a small corner cut works well in a pinch.

5. Adjust for Oven Differences
Every oven bakes differently. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy. Start with a higher temperature for bakery-style domes if your oven tends to run cool.

6. Avoid Common Mistakes
Don’t overbake—start checking muffins at 20 minutes. If seeds start to burn, cover the tops loosely with foil halfway through baking.

7. High-Altitude Baking Tips
If you bake above 3,000 feet, reduce baking powder by 1/4 teaspoon and add 1 tablespoon of extra liquid to keep muffins soft.

Tips for Baking Perfect Tim Hortons Pumpkin Spice Muffins

After testing this pumpkin spice muffins copycat recipe many times, here are my top tips to make soft, flavorful, bakery-style muffins every time:

1. Keep Muffins Moist: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it—don’t scoop, or the muffins may turn dense. If the batter feels too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to keep it soft and tender.

2. Balance the Spices: Use fresh cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for the best pumpkin spice flavor. If your spices are older, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of each. You can taste the raw batter (it’s safe with eggs) and adjust the spices to your liking.

3. Make Pumpkin Seeds Crunchy: Toast pumpkin seeds for 5 minutes at 350°F before adding sugar to bring out a nutty flavor. Press them gently onto the muffin tops so they stay in place during baking.

4. Add Cream Cheese Filling Neatly: Cool muffins completely before adding the cream cheese filling. Use a pastry bag for clean results, or a zip-top bag with a small corner cut works fine in a pinch.

5. Adjust for Your Oven: Ovens bake differently. Use an oven thermometer for accurate temperature. Start with a higher temperature if you want bakery-style domes and your oven runs cool.

6. Avoid Common Baking Mistakes: Don’t overbake—start checking muffins at 20 minutes. If pumpkin seeds start to brown too quickly, cover the tops loosely with foil halfway through baking.

7. High-Altitude Baking Tips: If you bake above 3,000 feet, reduce baking powder by 1/4 teaspoon and add 1 tablespoon extra liquid. This keeps muffins soft and fluffy at high altitude.

Variations to Customize Your Tim Hortons-Inspired Pumpkin Spice Muffins

This Tim Hortons pumpkin spice muffins copycat recipe is flexible—try these variations while keeping the classic flavor:

1. Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), swap milk for almond or soy milk, and use vegan cream cheese or plant-based butter for the filling.

2. Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or oat flour. Add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to give the muffins structure.

3. Healthier Twist: Reduce sugar to 1/2 cup, replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, and add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or raisins for extra fiber.

4. Spice Boost or Sweet Add-Ins: Add 1/2 teaspoon allspice or cardamom for a deeper warm flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips for a richer, indulgent muffin.

5. No-Filling Alternative: Skip the cream cheese filling for simple breakfast muffins. Or swirl the cream cheese into the batter before baking for a fun twist.

6. Jumbo Size Muffins: Use a 6-cup jumbo muffin tin, fill each cup completely, and bake 5–10 minutes longer to make oversized muffins, just like Tim Hortons.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Tim Hortons Pumpkin Spice Muffins

These homemade Tim Hortons pumpkin spice muffins stay fresh longer than store-bought ones thanks to the natural moisture in pumpkin.

1. Room Temperature
Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This is perfect for quick snacks or breakfast on the go.

2. Refrigerator
Keep muffins in the fridge for 4–5 days. Chilling helps the cream cheese filling stay fresh. Warm muffins in the microwave for 10 seconds before serving for that fresh-baked feel.

3. Freezing
Cool muffins completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap or foil. If possible, freeze without the cream cheese filling. Place wrapped muffins in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the filling fresh before serving.

Pro Tip: Filled muffins are best eaten the same day to avoid sogginess. Store unfilled muffins and add icing or cream cheese filling as needed for the best texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)

These homemade Tim Hortons pumpkin spice muffins offer a balance of indulgence and nutrients from pumpkin, such as vitamin A and fiber. Values are approximate and may vary depending on brands or substitutions:

  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
  • Carbohydrates: 38g (Sugars: 22g, Fiber: 2g)
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sodium: 220mg

For a lighter version, try the healthier variations above—reducing sugar, using whole wheat flour, or skipping the cream cheese filling can lower calories while keeping the muffins tasty.

Pairing Suggestions and Serving Ideas

Serve these Tim Hortons pumpkin spice muffins copycat warm for the best cozy experience. Top with a light dusting of powdered sugar or extra pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.

Pair the muffins with a cup of Tim Hortons-inspired coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider for a perfect fall treat. They also go well with yogurt for breakfast, on a brunch spread, or as part of a Halloween or autumn-themed party.

For gifting, place muffins in a festive box or bag to recreate the charm of Tim Hortons takeout packs—perfect for neighbors, friends, or colleagues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About This Copycat Recipe

Based on my baking experience and common questions, here are answers to help you succeed:

1. How close are these muffins to real Tim Hortons pumpkin spice muffins?
Very close! The spices, moist texture, and cream cheese filling capture the classic flavor. Homemade muffins often taste fresher than store-bought.

2. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Cook and puree the pumpkin first, making sure it’s smooth and not watery. This keeps the muffins tender.

3. Why is my batter dry?
Check your flour measurement—it should be spooned and leveled. If the batter seems too thick, add a little extra milk. Pumpkin puree moisture can vary by brand.

4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids enjoy mixing the spices and piping the cream cheese filling.

5. What if I don’t have all the spices?
Use 2 teaspoons of pre-made pumpkin pie spice as a quick and easy substitute.

6. Can I bake these ahead for a party or brunch?
Yes. Freeze the muffins without the filling and add it fresh on the day you serve them. This keeps the texture soft and creamy.

These tips make this Tim Hortons pumpkin spice muffins copycat recipe easy to follow and beginner-friendly. Baking these at home fills your kitchen with cozy fall aromas and saves you a trip to the cafe. Try it this autumn and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors with friends and family.

Mark Taylor
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I’m not affiliated with Tim Hortons or any of its official partners. This website is based on my personal experiences, visits, and research across various Tim Hortons locations in Canada. All the information shared here is for general reference and is meant to help fellow coffee and donut lovers make the most of their next visit. Thanks for reading—and enjoy your Tim's run!

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