These healthy pumpkin muffins are a delightful treat perfect for any time of the year. They are made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, pumpkin puree, and sweetened with maple syrup. Ideal for breakfast or a snack, these muffins are moist, flavorful, and easy to make.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to pick up some coconut oil, maple syrup, and pumpkin puree if they are not already in your pantry. Additionally, whole wheat flour and turbinado raw sugar might not be staples in every kitchen, so be sure to look for them in the baking aisle of your supermarket.
Ingredients For Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
Coconut oil: Provides moisture and a subtle coconut flavor.
Maple syrup: Natural sweetener that adds a rich, caramel-like flavor.
Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and add structure.
Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and a wonderful pumpkin flavor.
Milk: Helps to thin the batter and adds moisture.
Pumpkin spice blend: A mix of spices that give the muffins their distinct pumpkin spice flavor.
Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise.
Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Whole wheat flour: Provides a nutty flavor and additional nutrients compared to white flour.
Old-fashioned oats: Adds texture and a slight chewiness.
Turbinado raw sugar: Adds a bit of crunch and additional sweetness on top of the muffins.
One reader, Ethyl Gatewood says:
These healthy pumpkin muffins are a delightful treat! The blend of pumpkin spice and maple syrup creates a perfect balance of flavors. They are moist, not too sweet, and the whole wheat flour adds a nice texture. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack!
Techniques Required for Making Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
How to preheat the oven: Set the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to reach the desired temperature before baking. How to grease a muffin tin: Use butter or non-stick cooking spray to coat the inside of each muffin cup to prevent sticking. How to beat ingredients: Use a whisk to thoroughly combine the oil and maple syrup, then add the eggs and continue whisking until well mixed. How to mix dry and wet ingredients: Combine the flour and oats with the wet mixture using a large spoon, stirring just until the ingredients are incorporated. How to check muffin doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, the muffins are done baking. How to cool muffins: Place the muffin tin on a cooling rack and allow the muffins to cool down before removing them from the tin. Use a butter knife to loosen the edges if necessary.
How To Make Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
Made with pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, oats, and more, these light, tasty, and healthy naturally-sweetened pumpkin muffins will be your new favorite!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ⅓cupcoconut oil,or extra-virgin olive oil, melted
- ½cupmaple syrup,or honey
- 2eggs,at room temperature
- 1cuppumpkin puree
- ¼cupmilk,such as almond milk, or your choice of milk
- 2tsppumpkin spice blend,or 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, and ¼ tsp ground allspice, or cloves
- 1tspbaking soda
- 1tspvanilla extract
- ½tspsalt
- 1¾cupswhole wheat flour,or all-purpose flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ⅓cupold-fashioned oats,plus more, for topping
- 2tspturbinado raw sugar,optional, for topping
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. If necessary, grease all 12 cups of the muffin tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
-
In a large bowl, beat the oil and maple syrup (or honey) together with a whisk. Add the eggs, and beat well.
-
Add the pumpkin purée, milk, pumpkin spice blend, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt.
-
Add the flour and oats to the bowl and mix with a large spoon, just until combined (a few lumps are ok). If desired, add any additional mix-ins like nuts, chocolate, or dried fruit, and fold them in now.
-
Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups. Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with about 1 tablespoon of oats, followed by a light sprinkle of raw sugar and/or pumpkin spice blend, if desired.
-
Bake muffins for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.
-
Place the muffin tin on a cooling rack to cool. These muffins are delicate until they cool down. You might need to run a butter knife along the outer edge of the muffins to loosen them from the pan.
Recipe Notes
- These muffins taste even better after they have rested for a couple of hours. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be kept well in the freezer in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months (just defrost individual muffins as needed).
- To make it egg-free, use flax eggs.
- To make it vegan, use maple syrup, flax eggs, and non-dairy milk.
- To make it dairy-free, simply use your non-dairy milk of choice.
- To make it oat-free, simply omit the oats. No other changes are necessary.
- To make it lower in fat, you can replace the oil with applesauce if you’re following a low-fat diet. Choosing olive oil instead of coconut oil will reduce the saturated fat content. The total fat content will remain the same.
Nutrition
- Calories: 178.24kcal
- Fat: 7.59g
- Saturated Fat: 5.71g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.76g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.52g
- Carbohydrates: 25.59g
- Fiber: 2.72g
- Sugar: 9.55g
- Protein: 3.92g
- Cholesterol: 27.17mg
- Sodium: 169.96mg
- Calcium: 37.86mg
- Potassium: 161.04mg
- Iron: 1.22mg
- Vitamin A: 172.68µg
- Vitamin C: 0.92mg
Crucial Technique for Achieving Perfect Pumpkin Muffins
To ensure your pumpkin muffins have a moist and tender crumb, make sure not to overmix the batter once you add the whole wheat flour and old-fashioned oats. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated, even if there are a few lumps remaining.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Pumpkin Muffins
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the baking process.
Use muffin liners: Skip greasing the muffin tin by using muffin liners, which also makes cleanup easier.
One-bowl method: Mix all wet ingredients in one bowl and then add the dry ingredients to save on dishwashing.
Quick cooling: Place the muffin tin on a cooling rack immediately after baking to speed up the cooling process.
Batch baking: Double the recipe and freeze extra muffins for a quick, healthy snack later.
Substitute Ingredients For Healthy Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
coconut oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthy fat and can provide a similar moisture content to the muffins.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey is a natural sweetener and can be used in the same quantity to maintain the sweetness.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that also adds fiber.
pumpkin puree - Substitute with sweet potato puree: Sweet potato puree has a similar texture and sweetness, making it a good alternative.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a lower-calorie, dairy-free option that works well in baking.
pumpkin spice blend - Substitute with cinnamon and nutmeg: Use 1½ teaspoons of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg to mimic the flavor profile.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 teaspoons of baking powder for every teaspoon of baking soda to achieve a similar leavening effect.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor that complements the other ingredients.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and offers a slightly different mineral content.
whole wheat flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour is gluten-free and adds a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
old-fashioned oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes are a good gluten-free alternative that also adds protein.
turbinado raw sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and provides a similar texture and sweetness.
Presenting Your Delightful Pumpkin Muffins
Use elegant muffin liners: Choose high-quality, decorative muffin liners to give each pumpkin muffin a refined look.
Top with a delicate garnish: After baking, place a small, edible flower or a light dusting of pumpkin spice blend on each muffin for a touch of elegance.
Serve on a fine china platter: Arrange the pumpkin muffins on a pristine, white china platter to highlight their golden-brown color.
Add a drizzle of maple glaze: Create a simple glaze using maple syrup and a touch of milk, then lightly drizzle it over the muffins for added sweetness and visual appeal.
Accompany with a side of spiced cream: Serve a small dish of lightly whipped cream infused with pumpkin spice blend on the side for guests to add as they please.
Use a tiered stand for presentation: Display the pumpkin muffins on a tiered stand to create a visually appealing centerpiece that adds height and dimension to the presentation.
Incorporate seasonal decor: Surround the platter with small, decorative pumpkins and autumn leaves to enhance the seasonal theme and create a cohesive presentation.
Serve with a warm beverage: Pair the muffins with a pot of freshly brewed spiced tea or pumpkin spice latte to complement the flavors and provide a complete sensory experience.
Essential Tools for Crafting the Perfect Pumpkin Muffins
Oven: Used to bake the muffins at a consistent temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Muffin tin: Holds the batter in individual portions to shape the muffins.
Butter knife: Helps to loosen the muffins from the tin after baking.
Cooling rack: Allows the muffins to cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Large bowl: Used for mixing the wet and dry ingredients together.
Whisk: Beats the oil, maple syrup, and eggs together to create a smooth mixture.
Large spoon: Mixes the flour and oats into the wet ingredients without overmixing.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like coconut oil, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and milk.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like pumpkin spice blend, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt.
Non-stick cooking spray: Greases the muffin tin to prevent the muffins from sticking.
Toothpick: Checks for doneness by inserting it into a muffin to see if it comes out clean.
Storing and Freezing Your Pumpkin Muffins
- Let the muffins cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label the bag or container with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, remove the desired number of muffins from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or microwave individual muffins for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.
- For a quick and easy breakfast or snack, you can also reheat frozen muffins directly from the freezer in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, you can also reheat thawed or frozen muffins in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- Avoid refreezing previously frozen muffins, as this can affect their texture and quality.
- If you plan to freeze the muffins, consider using paper liners in the muffin tin for easier removal and wrapping.
How To Reheat Leftover Pumpkin Muffins
To reheat leftover healthy pumpkin muffins, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will ensure that the muffins warm up evenly without burning or drying out.
Place the muffins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan and make cleanup easier.
If you want to add a little extra moisture to the muffins, you can brush them lightly with some melted butter or coconut oil. This step is optional but can help revive muffins that have become slightly dry.
Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet with the muffins inside and bake for 5-7 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of your muffins and how cold they were to begin with.
Another option for reheating is to use the microwave. Place a muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 15-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the muffin, as it can become tough or rubbery.
If you have a toaster oven, you can also use it to reheat your pumpkin muffins. Simply place the muffins on the toaster oven rack and heat them at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to let the muffins cool for a minute or two before biting into them, as the inside can be quite hot. Enjoy your perfectly reheated healthy pumpkin muffins with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra burst of flavor.
Fascinating Fact About Pumpkin Muffins
A random fact about this recipe: Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour increases the fiber content of these muffins, making them a healthier option.
Is Making Pumpkin Muffins at Home Cost-Effective?
This healthy pumpkin muffins recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like pumpkin puree, whole wheat flour, and maple syrup are affordable and often found in bulk, reducing overall costs. Using coconut oil and old-fashioned oats adds nutritional value without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Are Pumpkin Muffins a Healthy Choice?
This healthy pumpkin muffin recipe is a nutritious and delicious treat. The use of whole wheat flour and old-fashioned oats provides a good source of fiber, while the pumpkin puree offers vitamin A and antioxidants. Coconut oil is a healthier alternative to butter, and maple syrup is a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar. The recipe also includes a moderate amount of eggs and milk for protein and calcium.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the milk with a plant-based alternative, such as almond or oat milk, to reduce the saturated fat content and make the recipe suitable for those with lactose intolerance
- Incorporate additional nutrient-dense ingredients, such as:
- Finely grated carrots or zucchini for added moisture and vitamins
- Chopped nuts or seeds for healthy fats and a crunchy texture
- Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for natural sweetness and antioxidants
- Reduce the amount of maple syrup by 1-2 tablespoons and replace it with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce to lower the overall sugar content without compromising moisture
- Experiment with using a combination of whole wheat flour and almond flour or coconut flour to increase the protein and healthy fat content while reducing the carbohydrates
Editor's Take on These Wholesome Pumpkin Muffins
This healthy pumpkin muffin recipe is a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients and seasonal flavors. The use of coconut oil and maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and moist texture, while whole wheat flour and oats add a hearty, nutritious element. The pumpkin spice blend enhances the autumnal essence, making these muffins perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack. The turbinado sugar on top adds a pleasant crunch. Overall, it's a well-balanced recipe that marries health and taste beautifully.
Enhance Your Healthy Pumpkin Muffins Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Pumpkin Muffins
Why trust this Healthy Pumpkin Muffins Recipe:
This recipe combines wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup to create delicious and nutritious muffins. The use of coconut oil and old-fashioned oats adds healthy fats and fiber, making these muffins a great choice for a balanced diet. With the natural sweetness of maple syrup and the warm flavors of pumpkin spice blend, these muffins are both satisfying and guilt-free. Plus, the simple instructions ensure that even novice bakers can achieve perfect results.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe
Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
Easy Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
Pumpkin Muffins with Brown Sugar Streusel Recipe
Diabetic-Friendly Apple Oatmeal Muffins Recipe
Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe
Munchkin Pumpkin Muffin Recipe
Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie Recipe
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe
