Pumpkin Muffins

Recipe Ingredients

Each ingredient plays a role in the final product, contributing to the muffins' texture, flavor, and overall appeal. The balance of dry and wet ingredients, leavening agents, spices, and the pumpkin itself is what makes these muffins a classic fall treat.

Whole Wheat & All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and texture of the muffins. Whole wheat adds a slightly nutty flavor while all-purpose keeps the muffins light.

Baking Soda: Acts as a leavening agent which makes the muffins rise and gives them a light, airy texture.

Kosher (Coarse) Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients. Salt balances the sweetness and brings out the spices.

Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Ginger: These are the signature spices that give pumpkin muffins their characteristic warm, comforting flavor. They create the "pumpkin spice" profile that's so popular in the fall.

Sugar: Sweetens the muffins and contributes to their moistness and tenderness. Sugar also helps with browning.

Canola Oil: Adds moisture to the muffins, resulting in a tender crumb. Oil, unlike butter, stays liquid at room temperature, which helps keep the muffins moist for longer.

Water: Provides moisture and helps to combine the dry and wet ingredients.

Eggs: They bind the ingredients together and contribute to the overall texture of the muffins.

Pumpkin (Not Pumpkin Pie Mix): The star ingredient! Provides moisture, a subtle sweetness, and that distinctive pumpkin flavor. It also contributes to the muffins' tender texture. Important to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix, which contains added spices and sugar that would alter the recipe.

How to Make Pumpkin Muffins

Here are instructions for making the Pumpkin Muffins, with key information for success. See recipe below for full details.

1. Prep Your Pans

Line two 12-cup muffin pans with paper baking cups or grease the muffin pans well. Lining or greasing prevents sticking and makes removal easier.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together both flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Whisking ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the sugar, oil, water, and eggs until well combined. Stir in the pumpkin puree until smooth. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix.

4. Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir the mixture together just until moistened. This is the most important step to avoid tough muffins! It's okay if there are still some small pockets of flour.

5. Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Even filling ensures uniform baking. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Let the muffins cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage and Reheating

Here are the best ways to store your pumpkin muffins to keep them fresh and delicious.

Room Temperature

Let the muffins cool completely on a wire rack after baking. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. You can line the container with a paper towel to help absorb any excess moisture. Pumpkin muffins will typically stay fresh for 2 to 3 days.

Freezer

Cool the muffins completely. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap. This helps prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing. Frozen pumpkin muffins can last for up to 2-3 months.

Thawing

• Room Temperature: Thaw the muffins at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour.
• Microwave: For a quicker thaw, place a muffin on a microwavable place, heat on high (100%) for 15-30 seconds.