Okay, friend, let’s talk Pumpkin Muffins!
Okay, friend, let’s talk Pumpkin Muffins! I remember the first time I tried making them. It was a chilly October afternoon, the leaves were falling, and my little ones were underfoot, “helping” in the kitchen. Let’s just say flour ended up EVERYWHERE. But the smell of pumpkin spice filled the house, and when we finally pulled those warm Pumpkin Muffins out of the oven? Pure magic.
It was one of those moments where the beautiful chaos of motherhood felt… perfect. It was a memory I still cherish, even if it was a bit messy. Those moments are what it is all about, and it’s why I’ve made it my mission to share recipes like these easy Pumpkin Muffins with you, the real MVP, so that you don’t have to worry if you have a Pinterest-perfect life, just real life.
Making Pumpkin Muffins has become a tradition, and I’ve tweaked the recipe over the years to make it even easier and healthier without sacrificing flavor. Because, let’s be honest, mama doesn’t have time for complicated! If that sounds like your kind of recipe, then keep reading, my friend.
I’m so excited to share my family’s go-to recipe with you, my fellow kitchen warriors. Let’s get baking!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Okay, friend, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these sanity-saving Pumpkin Muffins. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some easy swaps and budget-friendly options.

- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our Pumpkin Muffins. No worries if you need gluten-free Pumpkin Muffins, though! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is what gives our Pumpkin Muffins their light and fluffy texture. Always check that yours is fresh.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Hello, warm and cozy! Cinnamon is a must for pumpkin spice muffins.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a little bit of depth to the Pumpkin Muffins flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: A touch of cloves adds a hint of warmth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in our Pumpkin Muffins.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key!
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the Pumpkin Muffins moist. I often use melted coconut oil.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star of the show! Make sure it’s pumpkin puree and NOT pumpkin pie filling.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little vanilla boosts the flavor.
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional): Because, why not? I like the semi-sweet for that little extra something in my Pumpkin Muffins.
Mom Hacks and Shopping Tips
- Pumpkin Puree Hack: Stock up on pumpkin puree in the fall when it’s on sale! I grab a bunch and store it in my pantry for all my pumpkin needs.
- Budget-Friendly Tip: Making healthy pumpkin muffins doesn’t have to break the bank. Look for store-brand spices – they taste just as good!
- Chocolate Chip Swap: No chocolate chips? No problem! Use chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even sprinkles.
- Storage Wisdom: These Pumpkin Muffins are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Trust me, this Pumpkin Muffins ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! And now, let’s get to the fun part.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, fellow kitchen warriors, let’s get baking! Here’s how to make these super easy Pumpkin Muffins. I’ve broken it down step-by-step, so even on your most chaotic days, you can pull these off.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. I prefer paper liners – less mess to clean up!
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined. This ensures even distribution of the spices in the recipe for Pumpkin Muffins.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. I like to use a hand mixer for this step, but a whisk works just fine too.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – this can lead to tough muffins!
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips (if using). Don’t be shy with the chocolate chips – my kids always appreciate a generous amount in their Pumpkin Muffins!
- Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. I use an ice cream scoop to make sure they’re all the same size.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your Pumpkin Muffins should be golden brown on top and spring back when lightly touched.
- Let the Pumpkin Muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from getting soggy.
Mom Confessions and Time-Savers
- My Confession: I used to always overmix the batter, resulting in dense, hockey-puck Pumpkin Muffins. Learning to mix until just combined was a game-changer!
- Timing Tip: In my chaotic kitchen, this Pumpkin Muffins recipe usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for when the kids are “starving.”
- Laundry Time: While your Pumpkin Muffins are baking, it’s the perfect time to fold that laundry pile or unload the dishwasher. Multitasking at its finest!
- Sensory Cues: Your kitchen should smell amazing by now! The aroma of pumpkin spice is one of my favorite things about fall. If your Pumpkin Muffins don’t smell amazing, check that your baking soda is fresh!
And there you have it! Perfectly baked Pumpkin Muffins, ready to be devoured. Let’s talk about how to serve them and make them disappear!
How We Love to Eat This!
Now that you’ve got a batch of warm, delicious Pumpkin Muffins, let’s talk about how to enjoy them! Here’s how my family devours these, along with some kid-approved sides and serving suggestions.
- Kid-Approved Sides: The kids devour these Pumpkin Muffins when I serve them with a side of yogurt and fresh berries. It’s a quick and easy breakfast or snack.
- Perfect Occasions: This Pumpkin Muffins recipe is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and satisfying. They’re also great for school lunchboxes or weekend brunch.
- Presentation Tips: I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top of the Pumpkin Muffins before serving. It adds a nice touch!
- Leftover Ideas: If you happen to have any leftover Pumpkin Muffins (which is rare in my house!), crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a delicious treat.
- Seasonal Variations: In the fall, I love to add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for some extra crunch. You can also drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. For more great pumpkin ideas, check out this recipe for Pumpkin Streusel Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling.
- A Family Favorite: My family always raves about my muffins and love my Pumpkin Muffins.
Guest Reactions
I brought these Pumpkin Muffins to our neighborhood potluck last year, and they were gone in minutes! Everyone loved the moist, flavorful muffins, and several moms asked for the recipe. It’s always a hit!
As much as I love to just eat them and enjoy them, I know questions can come up! Let’s answer those.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Okay, friend, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about making these Pumpkin Muffins. I’ve been there, made the mistakes, and learned from them – so you don’t have to!
- Can my picky eater handle these Pumpkin Muffins? Absolutely! The subtle sweetness and soft texture make them a hit with even the pickiest eaters. You can also sneak in some extra veggies like grated zucchini or carrots for added nutrients.
- What if I burn my Pumpkin Muffins? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!) We’ve all been there! If your Pumpkin Muffins start to brown too quickly, tent a piece of foil over the muffin tin for the last few minutes of baking.
- Can I make this Pumpkin Muffins ahead for meal prep? Yes! These Pumpkin Muffins are perfect for meal prep. Bake them on the weekend and store them in an airtight container for a quick and easy breakfast or snack during the week.
- Can I freeze these Pumpkin Muffins? Absolutely! Let the Pumpkin Muffins cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
- What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice? If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by combining cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Can I use honey instead of sugar? Yes, you can use honey instead of sugar, but the texture of the muffins might be slightly different. Try using about ¾ cup of honey in place of the sugar.
- Can I make vegan pumpkin muffins? Yes! Simply replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). You can find a great vegan recipe for pumpkin spice muffins here: Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins (with Chocolate Chips).
- Can I make gluten-free pumpkin muffins? Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Another great recipe for gluten-free pumpkin muffins is here: Vegan Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins – Beaming Baker.
I hope these answers help you feel confident and ready to tackle this Pumpkin Muffins recipe!
Final Thoughts:
These Pumpkin Muffins are more than just a recipe to me – they’re a symbol of cozy fall days, happy kids, and the simple joys of motherhood. I hope they become a tradition in your family too!
My Pumpkin Muffins Mom Hacks:
- Double the Batch: Always double the batch! These Pumpkin Muffins disappear quickly, and they freeze well for future snacks.
- Get the Kids Involved: Let your kids help with measuring and mixing. It’s a fun way to spend time together in the kitchen.
- Embrace the Mess: Don’t stress about the mess! Baking with kids is all about the experience, not perfection.
Family-Tested Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Lover’s Version: Add extra chocolate chips for an even more decadent treat.
- Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
My daughter loves the chocolate chip version, while my son prefers the nutty delight. As for me? I’m a fan of all of them! This easy pumpkin muffins recipe is fun for the whole family!
I truly hope you give this recipe for Pumpkin Muffins a try. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making it your own. Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to suit your family’s tastes. And most importantly, have fun! And if you are looking for something else with pumpkin that is gluten free check out this Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe.

I believe in you, fellow kitchen warrior! You’ve got this! Happy baking! And if you want something that is similar, then give these Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups a whirl!
Pumpkin Muffins
Enjoy these moist and flavorful pumpkin muffins, perfect for a fall breakfast or snack. These muffins are easy to make and filled with warm spices and pumpkin puree.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, and eggs. Beat until well combined.
- Add the pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra flavor, add chocolate chips or a cream cheese frosting to the cooled muffins.