The Perfect Pumpkin Muffins Recipe for Fall Baking Joy

My weekend baking adventures always include these delightful simply pumpkin muffins that surprise everyone with their incredible taste.

Autumn mornings call for something warm and comforting straight from the oven.

Soft, fragrant spices dance through each tender bite, creating memories that linger long after breakfast.

Cozy kitchen moments feel magical when these muffins fill the air with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Unexpected guests will adore how quickly you can whip up these delectable treats without complicated steps.

Perfectly moist and not too sweet, they complement your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

FAQs

• Why start baking at a high temperature of 425°F and then reduce to 350°F?

The initial high temperature creates a tall, domed muffin top by quickly activating the leavening agents, while the lower temperature ensures even baking without burning.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

While fresh pumpkin can be used, canned pumpkin puree provides consistent moisture and texture. If using fresh, ensure it’s well-drained and pureed smoothly to match the recipe’s requirements.

• How do I know if the muffins are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the muffins are fully baked. The total baking time is around 21-22 minutes.

• What happens if I overmix the batter?

Overmixing develops gluten, which can make muffins tough and dense. Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender, soft texture.

Why Simply Pumpkin Muffins Are So Cozy

• Quick Comfort Treat: Prepare a delicious batch of moist, spiced muffins that bring warmth and happiness to any moment.
• Family-Friendly Delight: Packed with wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavors, these muffins appeal to everyone from kids to adults.
• Versatile Snacking Option: Enjoy as a breakfast companion, afternoon pick-me-up, or sweet treat that works for casual gatherings and cozy weekends.

Key Ingredients in Simply Pumpkin Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: A basic pantry staple that provides structure to the muffins.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon: A warm, sweet spice that adds classic autumn flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of warm spices that brings cozy fall taste.
• Ground Ginger: A spicy and aromatic ingredient that enhances the pumpkin flavor.
• Salt: Helps balance and enhance the overall taste of the muffins.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with texture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that gives the muffins their signature pumpkin flavor.
• Eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth batter and adds moisture.

• Nonstick Spray or Cupcake Liners: Prevents the muffins from sticking to the pan.
• Toothpick: Used to check if the muffins are fully baked.

How to Bake Simply Pumpkin Muffins with Ease

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 425°F.

Grab your muffin pan and give it a quick spritz of nonstick spray or line it with cute cupcake liners.

This will make sure your muffins don’t stick and come out looking picture-perfect.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Ground ginger
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re well combined and looking smooth.

Set this bowl aside for now.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs
• Milk

Whisk everything until it’s nicely blended and looks super smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour your wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredient bowl.

Gently fold everything together.

Be careful not to overmix – you want the batter to look just combined with no flour lumps hiding around.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Liners

Spoon that gorgeous pumpkin batter into your muffin liners.

Fill them right to the top for those beautiful, bakery-style muffin tops.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the muffin pan into the oven.

Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 350°F.

Continue baking for 16-17 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins hang out in the pan for about 5 minutes.

Then pull them out and get ready to devour these delicious pumpkin treats!

Helpful Tips for Moist Pumpkin Muffins

• Start baking at a high temperature to create a dramatic rise, then lower the heat to ensure even, fluffy muffin tops without burning.
• Avoid overmixing the batter; fold ingredients gently to keep the muffins light and tender, stopping when just combined.
• Replace oil with applesauce for a lower-fat version, or use gluten-free flour to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation without losing their soft, delicious texture.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries into the batter for an extra layer of deliciousness and personal touch.

Best Storage and Reheat Tips for Pumpkin Muffins

• Store leftover muffins in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve freshness.
• Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, or microwave for 30-45 seconds until soft and warm.

Pairing Ideas for Pumpkin Muffins

• Pair Creamy Chai Latte: Complement the warm, spicy pumpkin muffin with a smooth, aromatic chai tea latte that echoes the muffin's cinnamon and ginger notes.
• Balance Maple Cream Cheese Spread: Create a decadent topping by mixing softened cream cheese with pure maple syrup, enhancing the muffin's sweet and earthy pumpkin flavor.
• Elevate Caramel Pecan Drizzle: Top the muffin with a homemade caramel sauce and sprinkle chopped pecans for added crunch and rich, buttery depth that complements the spiced pumpkin base.
• Enhance Salted Butterscotch Sauce: Drizzle a light salted butterscotch sauce over the muffin to add complexity and contrast to the warm, comforting pumpkin spice profile.

Pumpkin Muffin Mix-Ins and Flavor Ideas

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same rich pumpkin flavor.
• Low-Sugar Spiced Muffins: Substitute granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the classic autumn taste.
• Vegan Pumpkin Breakfast Muffins: Use coconut oil instead of regular oil, swap eggs with flax eggs, and choose plant-based milk to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free alternative that's perfect for plant-based diets.
• Protein-Packed Pumpkin Muffins: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder and chopped nuts to increase protein content, making these muffins a more substantial breakfast or post-workout snack.

Simply Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Delightful simply pumpkin muffins bring autumn’s warmth to your kitchen with rich, spiced goodness. Moist crumb and comforting flavors invite you to savor seasonal baking bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (340g) canned pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 0.25 cup (60ml) milk

Sweeteners:

• 0.5 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 0.33 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar

Spices and Dry Ingredients:

• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1.5 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly mix dry ingredients including flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, ginger, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring even distribution of spices.
2. Combine wet components in a separate bowl: vegetable oil, white sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and milk, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Gently fold liquid mixture into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender muffin texture. Stop mixing once no flour streaks remain.
4. Prepare a 12-cavity muffin tin by coating with nonstick spray or inserting paper liners.
5. Distribute batter generously into muffin cavities, filling them completely to the rim for classic, high-topped muffins.
6. Heat oven to a scorching 425°F for initial high-temperature baking phase.
7. Place muffin tin in preheated oven, immediately reducing temperature to 350°F after 5 minutes to promote ideal rising and even browning.
8. Continue baking for approximately 16-17 minutes, monitoring for golden edges and checking center with a toothpick for complete doneness.
9. Remove from oven and let muffins rest in pan for 5 minutes, allowing structural stabilization before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

• Boost rising power by ensuring baking soda is fresh and not expired for maximum muffin volume.
• Avoid overmixing batter to prevent dense, tough muffins; gently fold ingredients until just combined.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum.
• Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor complexity without compromising moisture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 21-22 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg