The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

Sweet & Spiced Homemade Pumpkin Muffins Recipe for Fall Delight

Autumn whispers bring these delectable homemade pumpkin muffins straight to your kitchen counter with irresistible warmth.

Crisp mornings call for something special that fills your home with comforting aromas.

Soft, tender crumbs packed with seasonal spices make every bite a celebration of fall’s bounty.

Carefully selected ingredients transform simple flour and pumpkin into something magical.

Bakers who love comfort food will adore how quickly these muffins come together.

Sweet hints of cinnamon and nutmeg dance through each perfectly rounded treat.

You can smell happiness rising from the oven with these incredible muffins.

Grab a warm mug of coffee and savor every delightful morsel!

Questions About The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins

  • Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree. Roast and blend fresh pumpkin until smooth, then strain to remove excess water.

  • Is pumpkin pie spice necessary?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, make your own by mixing ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in equal proportions.

  • How do I prevent my muffins from being dense?

Do not overmix the batter. Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy.

  • Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to make these muffins gluten-free.

What’s So Good About The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins

  • Boost Family Breakfast: Delightful pumpkin muffins create a warm morning atmosphere that kids and adults will adore, making breakfast more exciting and enjoyable.
  • Seasonal Baking Delight: Perfect fall treat that captures the essence of autumn with rich pumpkin flavor and cozy spices, bringing seasonal comfort to your kitchen.
  • Quick Kitchen Triumph: Simple recipe with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps allows bakers of all skill levels to create delicious muffins without stress or complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Serves multiple people, great for potlucks, school events, or casual gatherings where everyone can enjoy a tasty homemade pastry.

What You’ll Need For The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the muffins.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds warm, classic autumn flavors to the recipe.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture, rich flavor, and natural sweetness to the muffins.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the muffins remain tender and moist.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the muffins' structure.
Topping and Sweetener:
  • Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a sweet and spicy cinnamon-sugar topping that adds extra flavor and texture to the muffins.

Simple Steps For The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F and get ready for some baking magic.

Step 2: Prep Your Muffin Playground

Line your muffin tin with cute paper liners, setting the stage for deliciousness.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Pumpkin pie spice

Set this flavor-packed mixture aside.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a mixer, combine:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Sugar

Blend until everything looks smooth and friendly.

Step 5: Unite Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently – you want a tender muffin, not a tough one.

Step 6: Create Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix sugar and ground cinnamon for a sweet sprinkle.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups

Scoop batter into each liner, filling about two-thirds full.

Step 8: Add Cinnamon Sugar Sparkle

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over each muffin top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. They’re done when golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before devouring.

Good To Know Tips For The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins

  • Measure Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate ingredient proportions for perfect muffin texture.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter just until dry ingredients are incorporated to keep muffins tender and light, avoiding tough results.
  • Check Freshness: Use fresh baking powder and baking soda within six months of purchase for optimal rising and fluffy muffins.
  • Swap Ingredients Smartly: Replace oil with applesauce for a lower-fat version or use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly alternative.
  • Cool Completely: Allow muffins to cool entirely on a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain ideal moisture level.

Ways To Adjust The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Spice Muffins: Swap eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of regular oil to create a plant-based version.
  • Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins: Fold in dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips into the batter for an extra indulgent treat.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Muffins: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sugar to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.

Perfect Matches For The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins

  • Brew Perfect Coffee Companion: Rich, dark roast coffee balances the sweet pumpkin muffins with robust, earthy undertones that complement the warm spices.
  • Create Creamy Beverage Pairing: Chai latte with its blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger mirrors the muffin's spice profile, creating a harmonious taste experience.
  • Enhance Dessert Combination: Vanilla bean ice cream provides a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, spiced muffin, adding a luxurious touch to each bite.
  • Match Seasonal Drink: Warm apple cider with a hint of caramel brings out the autumnal flavors, making the pumpkin muffins taste even more comforting and nostalgic.

How To Store The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins Properly

  • Store muffins in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and preventing staleness.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious flavor and moist consistency.
  • Keep muffins in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and maintain freshness.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and softness.
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The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins Recipe


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4.5 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade Pumpkin Muffins deliver autumn’s warmest embrace, blending spices and sweetness into perfect handheld comfort. Perfectly spiced and moist, these muffins invite seasonal joy with each delightful bite, promising pure delight for anyone craving classic fall flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 15 ounces (425 grams) pure pumpkin
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1 1/4 cups + 1 tablespoon (270 grams) sugar

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and arrange paper liners in muffin tins to accommodate 18 muffins.
  2. Create a dry ingredient blend by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a separate mixing bowl.
  3. In a stand mixer, combine pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and sugar, blending on low speed until thoroughly incorporated.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
  5. Prepare a quick cinnamon-sugar topping by combining remaining sugar with ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
  6. Distribute the batter evenly across muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
  7. Sprinkle the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top of each unbaked muffin.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden brown color and puffy appearance. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center, which should come out clean.
  9. Allow muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely, ensuring a perfect texture.

Notes

  • Achieve tender muffins by avoiding overmixing, which can develop gluten and create tough, dense textures.
  • Swap vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt for a lower-fat version that maintains moisture.
  • Use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned for a more intense, authentic flavor profile and enhanced nutritional value.
  • Customize muffins by adding mix-ins like chopped pecans, dark chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for extra texture and depth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 176 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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