Pumpkin Muffin Top recipe is perfect for a delightful fall treat, with the inviting warmth of pumpkin and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. The richly flavored muffin tops, crowned with a deliciously crumbly streusel topping, are sure to be a hit with family and friends. It's definitely a recipe to keep for special occasions or simply when you're in the mood for a tasty pumpkin delight.
The ingredients for this recipe are quite common and should be readily available in your pantry. However, one ingredient that you might need to source is pumpkin puree which can be found in the canned foods section of your local supermarket. Also, for the streusel topping, old fashioned rolled oats are recommended over instant oats for their texture and flavor. Make sure to get unsalted butter as the salt is already accounted for in the recipe.
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Muffin Top.
sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the muffin tops.
brown sugar: Brown sugar introduces a molasses note to the flavor.
vegetable oil: Vegetable oil adds moisture to the muffin tops.
baking soda and baking powder: These are leavening agents that make the muffin tops rise.
spices: Allspice, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg provide the warm, comforting flavors.
pumpkin puree: Pumpkin puree is the star ingredient that gives the muffin tops their distinctive taste and color.
eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together.
flour: Flour forms the base of the muffin tops.
rolled oats: Rolled oats add a delightful crunch to the streusel topping.
pecans: Pecans contribute a nutty flavor to the streusel topping.
butter: Butter makes the streusel topping crumbly and delicious.
One reader, Briana Keegan says:
These pumpkin muffin tops are a game-changer! The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, and the blend of spices creates the perfect autumn flavor. They're easy to make and taste amazing. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a delicious treat that everyone will love!
Techniques Required for Perfect Pumpkin Muffin Tops
How to prepare the batter: Mix together the sugars and oil until blended. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients and then add to the sugar/oil mixture. Beat until blended, then add the pumpkin puree and eggs. Mix in the flour until combined.
How to make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle melted butter over the top and stir to combine. Sprinkle the streusel over the muffin tops batter before baking.
How to bake the muffin tops: Drop ¼ cup of batter onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or into a greased muffin tops pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until done.
How To Make Pumpkin Muffin Top
A muffin top is the best part of a muffin. This recipe has pumpkins spiced with fall flavors- allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupssugar
- 1cupbrown sugar,packed
- ¾cupvegetable oil
- 1½tspbaking soda
- 1tspbaking powder
- 1tspsalt
- ½tspallspice
- ½tspcinnamon
- ½tspginger
- ½tspnutmeg
- 15ozpumpkin puree
- 2eggs
For Streusel Topping:
- 3½cupsflour
- ½cupold fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓cupall purpose flour,leveled off
- ⅓cuplight brown sugar,packed
- ⅓cuppecans,finely chopped
- 1¼tspground cinnamon
- ⅛tspsalt
- 4tbspunsalted butter,melted
Instructions
-
In a large mixing bowl. beat together sugar, brown sugar and oil, until blended.
-
In a separate bowl, mix baking soda, baking powder, salt, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Add to sugar/oil mixture and beat until blended. Add pumpkin puree and eggs. Beat until combined and mix in flour.
-
Drop ¼ cup of batter, 2 inches apart, on baking sheets lined with parchment paper (or into greased muffin tops pan).
-
In a medium bowl, make the streusel by combining oats, flour, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle melted butter over the top and stir to combine. Sprinkle over the muffin tops batter.
-
Bake at 375 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes or until done.
Nutrition
- Calories: 548.82kcal
- Fat: 21.26g
- Saturated Fat: 3.91g
- Trans Fat: 0.27g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.58g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.52g
- Carbohydrates: 85.69g
- Fiber: 2.92g
- Sugar: 50.37g
- Protein: 6.21g
- Cholesterol: 36.84mg
- Sodium: 368.33mg
- Calcium: 70.38mg
- Potassium: 175.23mg
- Iron: 1.65mg
- Vitamin A: 319.71µg
- Vitamin C: 1.57mg
Key Technique for Achieving the Best Pumpkin Muffin Tops
When making the streusel topping for your pumpkin muffin tops, ensure your butter is cold before you start. Cut it into small pieces and then work it into the dry ingredients with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will result in a crumbly, crunchy topping that perfectly complements the soft, moist muffin underneath.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pumpkin Muffin Tops
Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and equipment before you start to save time and avoid any last-minute rush.
Use canned pumpkin puree: Using canned pumpkin puree saves time compared to making your own puree from scratch.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra muffin tops for a quick and convenient breakfast or snack option.
Invest in a muffin top pan: Using a muffin top pan can help you achieve uniform shapes and sizes for your muffin tops, saving time on shaping and baking.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly mix the batter and make the streusel topping, saving time and effort.
Substitute Ingredients For Pumpkin Muffin Top Recipe
vegetable oil - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a healthier alternative to vegetable oil in baking recipes, adding moisture and a subtle sweetness to the muffin tops.
allspice - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, making it a suitable replacement for allspice in this recipe while enhancing the pumpkin flavor.
light brown sugar - Substitute with dark brown sugar: Dark brown sugar has a higher molasses content, which can add a richer flavor and moisture to the muffin tops.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can provide a similar nutty flavor and crunch to the streusel topping, complementing the pumpkin muffin tops perfectly.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used to add a nuttier flavor and additional nutrients to the muffin tops, while still providing the necessary structure for the recipe.
Presenting Your Pumpkin Muffin Tops
Elevate the plating: When presenting the pumpkin muffin tops, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a clean, white plate to provide a striking contrast to the warm tones of the muffin tops.
Incorporate seasonal elements: Integrate seasonal elements such as small decorative pumpkins, autumn leaves, or edible flowers to add a touch of sophistication and tie in with the flavors of the pumpkin muffin tops.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the muffin tops to stand out. This will create a sense of balance and draw attention to the delicious muffin tops.
Garnish with finesse: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of caramel sauce to the plate for a touch of sweetness and an extra layer of flavor. This will enhance the overall presentation and provide a delightful finishing touch.
Consider texture and color contrast: Incorporate elements that provide both visual and textural contrast, such as a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, to complement the pumpkin muffin tops and elevate the overall dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Pumpkin Muffin Tops
- Mixing bowl: A large, round bowl used for mixing ingredients together, such as the batter for the muffin tops.
- Baking sheets: Flat, metal sheets used to bake the muffin tops in the oven.
- Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used to line the baking sheets and prevent the muffin tops from sticking.
- Muffin tops pan: A specialized pan designed to bake muffin tops, but not essential for this recipe.
- Medium bowl: A bowl used for mixing the streusel topping ingredients together.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients.
- Oven: Used for baking the pumpkin muffin tops at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Storing and Freezing Your Pumpkin Muffin Tops
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for the pumpkin muffin top recipe:
- Allow the pumpkin muffin tops to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or sticky.
- To store the muffin tops, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the pumpkin muffin tops. Wrap each muffin top individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen pumpkin muffin tops will keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, remove the desired number of muffin tops from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
- To reheat the muffin tops, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual muffin tops for 15-20 seconds, or until warm.
- If you find that the streusel topping loses some of its crunch after freezing and thawing, you can refresh it by placing the muffin tops under the broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
How To Reheat Leftover Pumpkin Muffin Tops
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pumpkin muffin tops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method will help restore the texture of the streusel topping and give the muffin tops a freshly baked taste.
For a quicker option, you can use a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the muffin tops on the wire rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and the streusel topping is crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover pumpkin muffin tops on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 15-20 seconds. Check if they are heated through and repeat in 5-second intervals if needed. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can make the muffin tops tough and rubbery.
For a more indulgent treat, cut the leftover muffin tops in half horizontally and spread a thin layer of butter or cream cheese on the cut sides. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the butter or cream cheese is melted and bubbly. This method will add a rich, creamy flavor to the reheated muffin tops.
If you have a few leftover pumpkin muffin tops, you can transform them into a delicious bread pudding. Cut the muffin tops into bite-sized pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over the muffin pieces and let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread pudding is set and golden brown on top.
Interesting Fact About Pumpkin Muffin Tops
The pumpkin muffin top recipe is a delicious way to use pumpkin puree and create a tasty treat. It's a great way to enjoy the flavors of fall and indulge in a sweet and satisfying snack.
Is Making Pumpkin Muffin Tops at Home Cost-Effective?
This pumpkin muffin top recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields a large batch, making it suitable for a family. The use of pumpkin puree and spices adds depth of flavor without requiring expensive ingredients. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Are Pumpkin Muffin Tops Healthy or Unhealthy?
This pumpkin muffin top recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The high sugar content (2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of brown sugar) is a major concern, as excessive sugar consumption can lead to various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The recipe also calls for a significant amount of vegetable oil, which is high in calories and may contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
On the positive side, the recipe does include some beneficial ingredients like pumpkin puree, which is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. The whole wheat flour and oats in the streusel topping also add some nutritional value in the form of complex carbohydrates and fiber.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar by at least half, and experiment with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates
- Replace some or all of the vegetable oil with healthier alternatives such as applesauce, mashed bananas, or Greek yogurt
- Increase the amount of pumpkin puree to boost the nutritional value and moisture content
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content
- Add more spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can enhance the flavor without adding calories
- Reduce the amount of streusel topping or omit it altogether to cut down on added sugar and calories
Editor's Opinion on This Pumpkin Muffin Top Recipe
The pumpkin muffin top recipe is a delightful combination of warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor. The use of both granulated and brown sugars adds depth, while the streusel topping provides a delightful crunch. The baking instructions are spot on, ensuring a perfect texture and doneness. This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall and would make a delightful addition to any brunch or afternoon tea.
Why trust this Pumpkin Muffin Top Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted favorite among home bakers, featuring pumpkin puree for a rich, moist texture and delightful flavor. The combination of allspice, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg creates a warm and comforting aroma. The streusel topping, made with rolled oats, pecans, and a hint of cinnamon, adds a delightful crunch. With careful attention to detail and a balance of flavors, these muffin tops are a surefire hit for any occasion.
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