15 October 2020

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Pumpkin Spice Muffins - makes 18 and uses whole can of pumpkin / www.delightfulrepast.com

Pumpkin Spice Muffins are my less-sugar, more-pumpkin, "healthier" alternative to my light and fluffy Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

After all, autumn is well underway and cannot go by without at least one pumpkin recipe! As always, I developed my recipe to avoid waste; so it makes precisely 18 standard muffins and uses the whole can of pumpkin.

Pumpkin Spice Muffins - makes 18 and uses whole can of pumpkin (this image a watercolor sketch of a pumpkin) / www.delightfulrepast.com
Didn't actually use this pumpkin in the muffins, but wanted to include
a seasonal watercolor sketch.


Of course, you can make your own pumpkin purée, if you like. See the directions above the muffin recipe.

The texture of these muffins is wonderful. The key to proper texture of any muffin is not overmixing, not developing the gluten in the batter. So I've included some tips in the directions.

Despite the less than typical amount of sugar I use (2 teaspoons per muffin, in case you limit your sugar intake as I do), you could easily slap some frosting on these and call them cupcakes!

What is your favorite way to enjoy pumpkin? And only in autumn or year-round?

Fresh Pumpkin Purée

Look for a pumpkin that is unblemished and firm with a sturdy stem. A 2-pound pumpkin (or part of a larger pumpkin) should yield 1 3/4 cups (as in a 15-ounce can) of purée.

Preheat oven to 400F/205C/Gas6. Scrub the outside well and cut off the stem. Cut the pumpkin in half and scrape out the seeds and stringy bits. Leave the skin on. Place cut-side down on parchment-lined 15x10x1-inch baking sheet. Roast for 45 to 60 minutes, until fork tender and very soft. Let cool.

Scrape out the flesh, place in food processor or high-powered blender, and puree until smooth. If the consistency is looser than canned pumpkin, put the puree in a mesh yogurt strainer or cheesecloth-lined colander to drain. Store in an airtight container (I like canning jars) for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.


Pumpkin Spice Muffins - makes 18 and uses whole can of pumpkin / www.delightfulrepast.com


Pumpkin Muffins


(Makes 18)

2 dip-and-sweep cups (10 ounces/283 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons non-GMO baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 stick (4 ounces/113 grams) unsalted butter
3/4 firmly packed cup (5.25 ounces/149 grams) dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 15-ounce can (or 1 3/4 cups fresh) pumpkin puree

Optional: 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans

1 Preheat oven to 400F/205C/Gas6. Spray a 12-cup and a 6-cup standard muffin tin with cooking spray or line with paper liners. In 1-quart glass measure or bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. If adding nuts, stir in the finely chopped nuts.

Note: What led me to the Nordic Ware muffin tins was an almost fruitless search for ones that did not have hard-to-clean seams around the muffin cavities. I also love that the 12-cup pan has a lid, making it easy to transport decorated cupcakes.

2 In 2-quart glass measure or bowl, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla extract. Beat in eggs, beating well. Stir in the pumpkin puree. Add thoroughly whisked flour mixture to thoroughly whisked wet mixture, and stir with spatula or large spoon just until combined, about 15 to 20 gentle strokes circling the bowl; do not overmix. 

3 Using a 1/4-cup measuring cup, divide batter between cups. Scoop the batter from the edge of the bowl so as not to further mix the batter. Bake for about 18 to 22 minutes, or until a center muffin tests done with a toothpick.

4 Cool in pans on wire rack not more than 5 minutes. Turn out onto a pristine kitchen towel. Place on wire rack to cool for a few minutes before serving. The muffins will keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon .com and affiliated sites. We are a ThermoWorks affiliate, earning a small commission at no cost to you on purchases made through our links. This helps cover some of the costs of running the blog. Thank you for your support. 

Jean

78 comments:

Angie's Recipes said...

I have been enjoying lots of squashes and pumpkins lately. However, still haven't baked any muffin with it yet. These look terrific!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Angie. Glad to find another pumpkin and squash fan. What's not to love about squashes?

Vee said...

It certainly is the season and so many are limiting sugar intake. Besides, where it lacks in sweetness, one can make up in butter spread over a warm muffin straight from the oven. 🧡

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

These muffins look so good and thanks for sharing the recipe to make them Jean!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Vee, thank you. Exactly right--I have no butter limit!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Julie. I hope you'll try them soon.

Louca por porcelana said...

Hi Jean! I really appreciate the pumpkin Season in Blogland: The cozy decoration with Fall colors,those fabulous red and yellow trees, the delicious food with pumpkin and also pumpkins teas(I learn it with Margie!).Although we are in Spring,even in Autumn this cheerful Pumpkin festival doesn't make part of our culture.Your recipe looks great! My Mom makes a delicious dessert with pumpkin,coconut,sugar and cinnamon and I just love it!It turns me a child again,magical...Hugs!

Thomas "Sully" Sullivan said...

Word has it in the patch that the Great Pumpkin never misses your column. You not only create the art of food, you make food into art. I refer primarily to your photography, but of course you create the models in an artistic way. Jangles at least four of my five senses awake (if muffins speak, they must speak louder to me). Thanks for the holiday preview. No tricks, just treats.

Richard Sheppard said...

Yummy! I never tire of pumpkin though I do tend to focus my baked goods made of it in the fall. Thai chicken pumpkin curry is a dish I eat all year. When I whip up my next batch of muffins, I'll try out this new low sugar recipe for sure. Oh, and you pumpkin watercolor so cute!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Maristella. Yes, Margie will be bringing out the pumpkin teas right about now! :-) Happy Spring to you!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Sully. I rarely take photos of anything but food, maybe the occasional cat. And it seems I'm following the same pattern with painting! :D

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Richard! I have such fun painting the groceries! Wanted to bake another batch of these, but the day has already gotten away from me. Maybe tomorrow. That curry sounds wonderful!

TONY said...

I like the pumpkin painting Jean. You really must put all your paintings together in an online gallery. That would be amazing.
Those ingredients!! You describe your cakes as ,"Pumpkin Spice Muffins." The ,"spice," part has definitely grabbed my taste buds.

"1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg..... and vanilla too."

Blimey.
I can smell the muffins, just thinking about them.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you so much, Tony! I thought perhaps I'd gone overboard on the spices, but Mr Delightful said they were perfectly spiced. He also wants to see my fruit and vegetable paintings all lined up--but on the kitchen walls!

Kitchen Riffs said...

I haven't had a pumpkin muffin in forever! Been two or three years at least. Love how you've flavored yours -- all those nice warming spices we often associate with pumpkin. Like that this isn't way too sweet, too. Very nice -- thanks.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Jean, your muffins look scrumptious! I love a good muffin and pumpkin happens to be one of my favourites. I like the idea of less sugar too. I would have to say that pumpkin pie is my favourite pumpkin treat and I can eat it any time of year. Yes, even in the summertime! I will definitely try these muffins; 'tis the season!

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Jean,
Especially the less sugar is so important!
Ought to be adapted by a lot more people, for fighting obesity.
Hugs,
Mariette

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, KR. I hate things that are too sweet, so we rarely have any desserts I didn't make myself.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Sandi. And I agree, I'm a pumpkin fan year-round, too!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Mariette, thank you. And it's quite easy--once you've limited your sugar intake (https://www.delightfulrepast.com/2016/09/sugar-toxin-or-treat.html) for a week, cravings are eliminated.

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Absolutely Jean and only if most people run into serious health issues, they will search for these common sense tips...

ellen b. said...

Tis the season for pumpkin anything!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Sad but true, Mariette.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Ellen!

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

💞

Nellie said...

Pumpkin muffins! A favorite here! These sound great!

Tamago said...

Your pumpkin spice muffin looks so yummy! Great less-sugar, no waste recipe. And I love the watercolor sketch! I like all things pumpkin - muffin, pound cake, soup, etc :-)

Margie said...

We both have pumpkins on the brains this week.

It's funny because I'm not a big fan of pumpkin pie (I think it's the texture?), but I do enjoy pumpkin in other dessert forms...like your muffin or cupcakes!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Nellie!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Tamago, thank you AND for noticing my little painting! You'll find several more pumpkin recipes here, too.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Margie. I hope you'll give them a try and let me know what tea you paired them with!

Sherry's Pickings said...

once again, i absolutely love your sketch/watercolour. so beautiful. i blush at how sad my own drawings on my blog are! pumpkin scones/biscuits are big in australia, but i'm not sure about muffins. i'm sure they're tasty tho.
cheers
sherry

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Sherry, thank you so much! But your own drawings on your blog are wonderful, not sad at all! They're a different style from mine, but a style I like very much. That's what's wonderful about art--a bunch of people can all draw/paint the same thing and no two will be alike.

Dee | GrammysGrid.com said...

YUM! Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 17. Shared. Perfect recipe for my upcoming themed party (Pumpkin Recipes).

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks so much, Dee!

Gloria Baker said...

Jean absolutely love these muffins, look wonderful!!!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Gloria, thank you so much!

Victoria Zigler said...

I love pumpkin spice anything. I keep it for the Autumn months though, because it feels Autumnish to me.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Victoria, I think we do enjoy foods more when we have them in their season. So maybe I should stop my year-round pumpkin eating!

Chef Mimi said...

You’re a very talented artist! I used to make pumpkin bread and muffins all the time when my kids were growing up. Pancakes, too. I just don’t even think about making them any more, but I should!

Jeanie said...

This looks like a hit (although I think I'll probably just buy the can of pumpkin) I'll have to put a can on my shopping list. I'm in a baking mood these days. Up north I never seemed to have the right stuff but now that I'm home I can dig in. This just feels so seasonally perfect! (And I adore your painted pumpkin!)

Cheryl said...

I am a pumpkin girl myself, so I am glad you didn't let autumn go by without posting a new pumpkin recipe! Just this week I have tried TWO new pumpkin recipes: one for pumpkin pancakes (soooo good!) and another for no churn pumpkin ice cream (also good). Perhaps I'll finish out the week with your pumpkin muffins. Can't go wrong there! I appreciate the fact that this recipe uses an entire can of pumpkin.

Cocoa and Lavender said...

While I am not a pumpkin spice fanatic, as so many are, I do like the combination and a half a batch of 18 muffins? Sounds fantastic! Please remind me a bit of my mothers pumpkin bread, but quite a bit healthier!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Mimi, thank you so much! You're very kind. Yes, make some pumpkin treats for yourSELF!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Jeanie! It's as fun to paint with the seasons as it is to cook with the seasons!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Cheryl! I love to make pumpkin ice cream, but I've never had a pumpkin pancakes before. But what's not to love about anything pumpkin?!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

David, thank you. Yes, I always aim for healthier. Mostly I only eat things that are both pretty healthy and very tasty. If it's not both, I pass.

Sherry's Pickings said...

love your sketch jean. just delightful. anything with cream cheese on top is a winner for me!

Sherry's Pickings said...

oh i meant to say thanks so much for your kind words about my little drawing! very sweet of you. oh and i forgot that i'd already commented before. crumbs i am going gaga in my old age.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Sherry, no worries—I think a lot of us are a little gaga at any age right now! And I don't think anyone would object to being complimented twice! :D

Lowcarb team member said...

Yummy in my tummy ... as my grand-daughter would say, and they certainly do look yummy :)

All the best Jan

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Jan. And all the best to you and your granddaughter! :-)

R's Rue said...

Yum.

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

I love all things spicy, especially in the Fall, Jean! Your pumpkin watercolor is amazing!! Happy Baking!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

TY, Rue!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks so much, Kitty! I'm having a lot of fun with the watercolors, as well as in the kitchen. Happy October!

Dee | GrammysGrid.com said...

Visiting again to say thanks so much for linking up with me at #AThemedLinkup 31 for Pumpkin Recipes. Love the sketch too! Shared.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

These look perfect for a chilly, fall morning, Jean! I love all things pumpkin and using the whole can of pumpkin is an added bonus. You are a talented artist! xx Karen

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks so much, Dee!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Oh, Karen, you're too kind. But I'm having a lot of fun painting! And thank you for noticing the use of the whole can of pumpkin, too, because too often people don't find a use for the leftover amount!

Miz Helen said...

Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday,506. Hope you are having a great week and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Miz Helen. Hope you're enjoying the cooler weather on your porch!

Janie Junebug said...

Those muffins are as golden as can be. They're gorgeous, and I'm sure they're delicious. Thank you for the help with second cousins, once removed. I hope I have it all correct now.

Love,
Janie

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Janie. And glad I could help with the "removed" cousins! :-) Happy Autumn!

Phil in the Kitchen said...

Those muffins do sound perfect for the autumn. I've been using pumpkin in warming savoury dishes lately but you've made me realise that I'm missing out on sweet treats.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Phil. But you've made me realise I've been missing out on the savoury pumpkin dishes I like so well!

Jo said...

I love cooking with pumpkins and muffins are one of my favourites, cookies too.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Jo. Yep, love pumpkin cookies, too!

The Lazy Gastronome said...

Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party! Hope to see you every Sunday!!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, LG. See you Sunday (if I remember!).

Theresa said...

Thank you for visiting my blog today. It is nice to meet you too :)
These muffins sound delicious. I avoid eggs and am trying to lose weight so have been making pumpkin muffins with a cake mix and a can of pumpkin. I usually cook from scratch but this is a "diet" recipe ;)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Theresa. Since you mentioned you're trying to lose weight, I should tell you about two of my health posts: https://www.delightfulrepast.com/2018/04/intermittent-fasting-168-its-not-just.html and https://www.delightfulrepast.com/2016/09/sugar-toxin-or-treat.html

Shelbee on the Edge said...

Jean, these look amazing! I love pumpkin baked goods! Not so much pumpkin flavors in my coffee though. A pumpkin spiced muffin though, yes please! Thanks for sharing and linking with me.

Shelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Shelbee. And I agree--no pumpkin spice flavors in my coffee (or tea), just in my baked goods!

Lynn and Precious said...

Jean, I will definitely try these muffins. I have to use GF flour, but I am
sure it will work out fine. Love pumpkin pie, cookies, bread, fudge and muffins!
Fall is not the same without to me. Thanks for the work making the recipes and
sharing. Lynn

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Lynn, thank you so much. I have a whole Gluten-Free category on my Recipes index page. In this case, if you're not using a GF blend such as Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1, you could use: 3/4 cup sorghum flour, 3/4 cup potato starch, 1/2 cup tapioca flour, 1 teaspoon xanthan gum. Happy Fall!

Gemma said...

These sound delicious! I love autumnal flavours.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Gemma! They definitely taste like autumn!