Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

Fluffy Pumpkin Muffins Recipe: Fall’s Coziest Breakfast Treat

Cozy autumn mornings demand delightful pumpkin muffins that spark instant comfort and warmth.

Crisp leaves and cool breezes perfectly complement these soft, fragrant treats.

Rustic kitchens come alive with sweet aromas wafting from the oven.

Simple ingredients blend together creating magical morning bites packed with seasonal goodness.

Nutmeg and cinnamon dance through each tender crumb, promising pure deliciousness.

Breakfast tables will feel instantly magical with these homemade delights.

One bite promises to transport you straight into fall’s most delectable moments.

Pumpkin Muffins That Smell Like Autumn Mornings

  • Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, these pumpkin muffins welcome both novice and experienced cooks to create delightful treats without stress.
  • Burst with Seasonal Comfort: Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these muffins capture the essence of autumn in every delectable bite.
  • Customize Your Delight: Flexible recipe allows adding walnuts or pumpkin seeds, making it simple to personalize and match individual taste preferences.
  • Quick Breakfast or Snack Solution: Portable, nutritious, and satisfying, these muffins work brilliantly for busy mornings, school lunches, or afternoon pick-me-ups.

What Goes Into The Best Pumpkin Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base that provides structure and volume to the muffins.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that create a classic autumn flavor profile.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the muffins.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that gives these muffins their signature orange color and rich, earthy flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture and richness.
  • Vegetable Oil: Contributes to the moist texture of the muffins.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle, sweet depth of flavor.
Sweet and Crunchy Additions:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that add different layers of sweetness to the muffins.
  • Walnuts, Pumpkin Seeds: Optional mix-ins that provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

How To Bake Pumpkin Muffins Without Breaking A Sweat

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a standard muffin pan with paper liners or lightly coat with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground cloves
  • Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed and free of lumps.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Granulated sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Create Batter

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir minimally to prevent tough muffins, mixing just until the batter comes together.

Step 5: Add Nutty Crunch

Carefully fold in optional mix-ins:
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Pumpkin seeds

Distribute evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide batter equally among muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full for perfect rise.

Step 7: Add Sweet Topping

Sprinkle brown sugar over each muffin top to create a delightful caramelized crust.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Rest

Remove from oven and let muffins sit in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Enjoy Autumn Goodness

Serve warm or at room temperature, savoring the rich, spiced flavors of these homemade pumpkin muffins.

Pumpkin Muffin Tips You’ll Be Thankful For

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently to keep muffins tender and light, stopping when ingredients are just combined to avoid tough, dense results.
  • Control Moisture: Use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh pumpkin to maintain consistent moisture and prevent watery batter.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast walnuts and pumpkin seeds briefly before adding to intensify their nutty taste and provide extra crunch.
  • Perfect Baking Timing: Check muffins at 18 minutes using the toothpick test, as oven temperatures vary and can affect baking duration.
  • Storing Smartly: Cool muffins completely before storing in an airtight container to preserve texture and prevent soggy bottoms.

Tasty Twists For Classic Pumpkin Muffins

  • Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter, folding them in gently before filling the muffin cups for a decadent chocolate-pumpkin combination.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Muffins: Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and swirl into the batter before baking, creating a tangy and creamy filling within each muffin.
  • Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Muffins: Prepare a crumbly streusel topping with flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and chopped pecans to sprinkle over the muffins before baking for extra crunch and flavor.

Best Bites And Sips To Pair With Pumpkin Muffins

  • Savor Flavor-Packed Companions: Elevate Pumpkin Muffins
  • Brew Bold Coffee Pairing: Rich espresso or dark roast coffee perfectly complements the warm spices and sweet pumpkin notes, cutting through the muffin's richness with robust flavor intensity.
  • Creamy Spread Delight: Whip up a maple-cinnamon butter or cream cheese spread to add luxurious smoothness and enhance the muffin's autumnal warmth, creating a delectable texture contrast.
  • Cozy Beverage Match: Spiced chai latte or mulled apple cider harmonizes beautifully with the muffin's seasonal spices, creating a comforting flavor symphony that celebrates fall's magical essence.

How To Keep Pumpkin Muffins Light And Fresh

  • Store cooled muffins in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, preserving their delicious taste for up to 2 months.
  • Keep muffins in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days, ensuring they remain soft and moist.
  • Warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore freshness and enhance flavor.

Pumpkin Muffin Questions? Let’s Clear Them Up

  • What is the secret to getting moist pumpkin muffins?

The key is not overmixing the batter. Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined, which prevents tough, dense muffins and maintains a tender, soft texture.

  • Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement and contains xanthan gum for better binding.

  • How do I know when the muffins are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the muffins are done. The tops should also be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

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Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

Pumpkin Muffins Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful pumpkin muffins bring autumn’s warmth to your kitchen with spicy, aromatic comfort. Homemade goodness fills each bite, inviting you to savor seasonal magic in a perfectly balanced, moist treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix-Ins and Toppings:

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until the mixture is incorporated without overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
  5. Carefully fold in chopped walnuts (if using) and pumpkin seeds, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Divide the batter equally among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
  7. Sprinkle brown sugar over the top of each muffin for a caramelized, crispy finish.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Serve warm or at room temperature, enjoying the rich, autumnal flavors of these pumpkin muffins.

Notes

  • Toast walnuts or pumpkin seeds before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch.
  • Swap vegetable oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt for a lower-fat version that keeps the muffins moist and tender.
  • For gluten-free options, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Reduce sugar content by using half the amount of granulated sugar and adding mashed ripe bananas or unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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