If you’re craving something warm, soft, and full of fall flavor, this pumpkin muffin recipe is just what you need. These muffins are moist, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, making them ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. With the rich taste of pumpkin and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, they bring comfort with every bite.
Pumpkin muffins are not just for autumn — you can enjoy them any time of the year. They’re easy to make, use simple ingredients, and can be customized with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a streusel topping. Follow this step-by-step guide to bake the most delicious pumpkin muffins at home and fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fall!
Ingredients You Will Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- Streusel topping or powdered sugar for decoration
How to Make Pumpkin Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs, pumpkin puree, oil, sugars, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
Step 4: Combine
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
Step 5: Add Extras
If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this stage.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Pan
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Muffins
Use Pure Pumpkin Puree
Make sure you use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing can make the muffins tough. Stir just until the flour disappears.
Make Them Healthier
Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, and use less sugar if desired.
Add a Topping
Sprinkle with oats, nuts, or a crumb topping before baking for extra texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Warm and Comforting
The perfect blend of pumpkin and spices creates a cozy flavor you’ll love.
Quick and Easy
No fancy equipment or techniques — just simple mixing and baking.
Customizable
Add nuts, chocolate, or even a cream cheese filling to make them your own.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Serve at brunch, pack in lunchboxes, or enjoy as an afternoon treat.
Storage and Freezing
How to Store
Keep the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing
Place the cooled muffins in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before eating.
Reheating
Microwave for 10–15 seconds to enjoy warm, or heat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–10 minutes.
Nutritional Highlights
- Pumpkin: Rich in fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness.
- Spices: Add antioxidants and depth of flavor.
- Eggs: Provide protein and help bind the muffins together.
- Oil: Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
Variations to Try
Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and mix in chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
Nutty Pumpkin Muffins
Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch and added flavor.
Cream Cheese Swirl
Swirl a spoonful of sweetened cream cheese into the batter before baking for a rich surprise.
Mini Muffins
Use a mini muffin pan and reduce the baking time to about 12–15 minutes for bite-sized treats.
Serving Suggestions
Classic
Serve warm with butter or a drizzle of honey.
Fancy
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light glaze for a more elegant presentation.
With Drinks
Pair with coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy snack.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Roast and puree fresh pumpkin, then use the same amount as canned puree.
Can I make these muffins vegan?
Absolutely. Replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and opt for vegetable oil or vegan butter.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. You can cut down on sugar and still get delicious results, especially if you like less sweetness.
Why are my muffins dense?
Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make muffins heavy. Mix gently and measure ingredients accurately.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the muffins right after mixing the batter. But you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking.
Why Make Pumpkin Muffins at Home?
Healthier Choice
You control the ingredients, making it easy to adjust sugar, fat, and add wholesome extras.
Budget-Friendly
Homemade muffins cost much less than bakery or store-bought versions.
Fun to Bake
A simple recipe that’s perfect for beginner bakers and enjoyable to make with kids.
Amazing Aroma
Your kitchen will smell like a bakery with the warm scents of pumpkin and spices.
Related Recipes
- French Toast Pizza Bake: A Delicious Twist on Breakfast
- Best Banana Bread Bites Recipe
- Baked Oats with Blueberries and Almonds Recipe
Final Thoughts
This pumpkin muffin recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall anytime you want. Soft, moist, and bursting with warm spices, these muffins are a treat for your taste buds and your senses. Whether you enjoy them plain, dressed up with toppings, or packed with mix-ins, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone.
So grab a can of pumpkin, preheat your oven, and bake up a batch of these delightful muffins today. They’re easy, delicious, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!
If you’d like, I can also help you create a printable recipe card or a short social media caption for sharing your homemade pumpkin muffins. Just let me know!
Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, brown sugar, white sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed—do not overmix.
- Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack
Notes
- For added texture, mix in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.
- Muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
DID YOU MAKE THIS EASY RECIPE?
If you have, then share it with us by sending a photo. We’re excited to see what you’ve made 🙂
