As the crisp air of Autumn approaches, it’s the perfect time to embrace all the warm, comforting flavours that the season brings—like pumpkin! Pumpkin is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for your family’s meals and snacks. One of the best ways to enjoy this seasonal ingredient is by baking these Pumpkin Muffins. They are soft, moist, and full of cozy flavours like cinnamon and brown sugar, which are guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Muffins
Nutritious and Delicious
Pumpkin is a powerhouse of vitamins, like Vitamin A (great for eye health) and fibre (which is fantastic for digestion). These muffins are an easy and tasty way to pack in some extra nutrition without compromising on flavour.
Quick and Easy to Make
This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or equipment. In just under an hour, you can have a batch of warm, fluffy muffins ready to go.
Kid-Friendly
The mild flavor of pumpkin and the sweetness of cinnamon and brown sugar make these muffins a hit with kids. Plus, they’re easy to hold and eat, making them perfect for little hands!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional for richer flavour)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C. Line a muffin tin with paper liners, or lightly grease it if you prefer. This will ensure your muffins don’t stick and are easy to remove after baking. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk them together until everything is well distributed. - Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter), milk, and vanilla extract. Once everything is well combined, stir in the pumpkin puree. You want a smooth, even batter, so take your time mixing it thoroughly. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently as you go. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix! Overmixing can result in dense muffins, and we want them to be light and fluffy. - Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter into your muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 of the way. This will give your muffins enough room to rise without overflowing. - Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden brown, and your kitchen smells like pumpkin spice heaven. - Cool & Enjoy
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. But don’t wait too long! These muffins are best served warm with a little pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Muffins
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough muffins.
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: While canned pumpkin works perfectly fine, using homemade pumpkin puree can add a depth of flavor that makes your muffins extra special. To make your own, roast pumpkin slices in the oven until soft, then puree in a blender or food processor.
- Add-ins: Feel free to customise these muffins! Add chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or even dried cranberries to give them a fun twist. If your kids love raisins or sultanas, those would work wonderfully, too.
- Storage: These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can freeze them for up to a month. To freeze, simply wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to warm them up.
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin muffins are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with some fun additions:
- For Breakfast: Serve alongside a smoothie or a cup of milk for a wholesome morning meal.
- For School Recess: Pair with a dollop of yogurt for a more filling snack.
- For Dessert: Warm them up and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat
Happy Baking!
