Simply Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

These Simply Pumpkin Muffins are a delightful treat that embodies the essence of fall. With their light, tender texture and deep pumpkin spice flavor, they are perfect for any time of the year when you crave a warm, comforting dessert. The combination of granulated and brown sugars adds a rich sweetness, while the vegetable oil ensures they stay moist and fluffy. The spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice—come together to create a harmonious blend that is both familiar and inviting. These muffins are not just a seasonal delight but also a versatile base for various creative twists, making them a favorite among both bakers and their families.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 can (15-ounce) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 ¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• Coarse sugar, for topping

Instructions

1. : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners to ensure easy removal of the muffins after baking.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the pumpkin puree and vegetable oil, whisking until smooth.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should still be slightly lumpy.

5. Fill Muffin Tins: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Each cup will be quite full, which will result in those tall, bakery-style muffin tops.

6. Top with Coarse Sugar: Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of coarse sugar on top of each muffin. This step is crucial for achieving that sugar-crusted top.

7. Bake the Muffins: Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

8. Cool the Muffins: Once baked, transfer the muffins to wire racks to cool completely. This step is important to ensure the muffins retain their moisture and texture.

Top Tips

1. Don’t Overmix: The key to maintaining the muffins’ light and fluffy texture is not to overmix the batter. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.

2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the eggs, are at room temperature before starting. This helps in achieving a smooth batter.

3. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a stronger or milder spice flavor, adjust the quantities of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice according to your taste.

4. Add Chocolate Chips: For a decadent twist, add ⅔ cup of dark or bittersweet chocolate chips to the batter before baking. This will create delicious pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.

5. Experiment with Nuts: Stir in 1 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

6. Try Fresh Cranberries: Add 1 cup of fresh or dried cranberries for a tart pop of flavor.

Variations

1. Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with 1 cup of whole wheat flour for a heartier, denser muffin.

2. Pumpkin Pie Spice: Instead of using individual spices, substitute with 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice for a convenient and flavorful option.

3. Streusel Topping: Swap out the coarse sugar and add a streusel topping made from flour, sugar, and butter for an extra crunchy layer.

4. Mini Muffins: Divide the batter between mini muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 14-16 minutes.

5. Spice Cake Mix Muffins: Use a box of cake mix and follow the instructions to create a simplified version of these muffins.

Nutritional Guide

Additional Nutritional Notes: These muffins are relatively low in fat and high in carbohydrates, making them a good option for those looking for a sweet treat without excessive calories. The pumpkin puree adds fiber and vitamins, while the spices provide antioxidants. To make these muffins even healthier, consider using unsweetened applesauce or reducing the amount of sugar. Always check the nutritional labels of your ingredients to ensure accurate calculations.