These The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins are a delightful treat for any occasion. Moist, fluffy, and bursting with warm spices, they are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or cozy gatherings. Each muffin is topped with a sweet cinnamon-sugar crust, making them irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning at home or bringing a batch to a fall gathering, these muffins stand out for their rich flavor and comforting aroma.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Muffins
- How to Make The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Step 5: Prepare the Topping
- Step 6: Fill and Bake
- Step 7: Cool and Serve
- How to Serve The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- With Coffee
- Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Warm with Butter
- As Part of a Breakfast Spread
- With Whipped Cream
- Served with Hot Apple Cider
- How to Perfect The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- Best Side Dishes for The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- Reheating The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins gluten-free?
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
- What spices can I add to The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins?
- How long do The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins last?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these muffins up in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting taste that captures the essence of fall.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a dessert, these muffins suit any time of day.
- Freezer Friendly: Bake in batches and freeze for later enjoyment—great for busy mornings!
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to make them uniquely yours.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best homemade pumpkin muffins, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Muffin pans
- Muffin liners
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric stand mixer: This tool makes mixing wet ingredients easy and ensures everything is well combined without much effort.
- Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients helps avoid clumping and ensures an even batter.
- Muffin pans: Using quality muffin pans ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect muffin shape.
Ingredients
To create these delicious pumpkin muffins, gather the following ingredients:
For the Muffins
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin (or homemade puree)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups + 1 tablespoon sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line 18 cups of two 12-cup muffin pans with muffin liners.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
* Flour
* Baking powder
* Baking soda
* Salt
* Pumpkin pie spice
Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine:
1. The pumpkin puree
2. Vegetable oil
3. Eggs
4. 1 1/4 cups of sugar
Mix on low speed until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the remaining tablespoon of sugar and cinnamon. This will be used for topping the muffins.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle the tops with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden brown; check with a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
How to Serve The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
These pumpkin muffins are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, serving them creatively can elevate the experience.
With Coffee
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy morning treat.
- Try a flavored latte for added seasonal flair.
Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top for extra richness.
- Add a sprinkle of pecans for crunch.
Warm with Butter
- Serve warm with a pat of butter melted on top.
- This enhances their moist texture and adds delicious flavor.
As Part of a Breakfast Spread
- Include muffins in a breakfast buffet alongside fruits and yogurt.
- They complement other morning favorites perfectly.
With Whipped Cream
- Top your muffin with whipped cream for a light dessert option.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.
Served with Hot Apple Cider
- Enjoy these muffins with a warm cup of apple cider.
- The spices in both items create a harmonious flavor profile.
How to Perfect The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
To ensure your pumpkin muffins turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh baking powder and spices will enhance flavor and rise.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the muffins tender and fluffy.
- Check doneness: Use a toothpick to check if they are baked through; it should come out clean.
- Let them cool: Allow cooling in the pan briefly to set before transferring to a wire rack.
- Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for an exciting twist.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
These pumpkin muffins can be paired beautifully with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some tasty options to consider:
- Greek Yogurt
A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang, balancing the sweetness of the muffins. - Fruit Salad
Fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast, perfect for breakfast or brunch settings. - Maple Syrup Drizzle
A light drizzle of maple syrup can enhance the natural sweetness of the muffins. - Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses pairs well, especially sharp cheddar or creamy brie, adding savory notes. - Oatmeal
A warm bowl of oatmeal complements the flavors and offers additional fiber for breakfast. - Chai Tea
Serving chai tea alongside creates an aromatic experience that echoes the spices in the muffins. - Nut Mix
A mix of nuts adds crunch and protein, making it great for snack time. - Dark Chocolate Squares
For those who enjoy rich flavors, dark chocolate squares provide a decadent pairing without overpowering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making pumpkin muffins can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect their quality. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Using stale ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on your baking powder and baking soda. Fresh ingredients ensure a better rise and texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense muffins. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed for soft, moist pumpkin muffins.
- Not measuring accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. Accurate measurements help achieve the right consistency.
- Skipping the cooling step: Letting muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes helps them firm up. This prevents them from falling apart when transferring to a wire rack.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Ovens can vary, so it’s wise to use an oven thermometer. Baking at the correct temperature is crucial for even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezing The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped muffins in a freezer bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm muffins for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each muffin for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Place muffins in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins gluten-free?
To make gluten-free pumpkin muffins, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! You can use homemade pumpkin puree made from roasted fresh pumpkins. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
What spices can I add to The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins?
You can experiment by adding nutmeg, ginger, or cloves along with pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor.
How long do The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins last?
When stored properly, they last about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
These pumpkin muffins are not only delightful but also versatile. Whether enjoyed as breakfast or a snack, they invite creativity through customization options like chocolate chips or nuts. Try making The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins today!
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The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- Total Time:40 minutes
- Yield:Approximately 18 muffins 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins. These moist and fluffy muffins are infused with rich pumpkin puree and aromatic spices, making them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or cozy gatherings. Topped with a sweet cinnamon-sugar crust, they offer an irresistible treat that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning at home or sharing a batch at a festive gathering, these muffins are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups + 1 tablespoon sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line muffin pans with liners.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and 1 ¼ cups of sugar until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- For the topping, combine the remaining tablespoon of sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Fill muffin cups two-thirds full with batter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mix.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown; check doneness with a toothpick.
- Allow muffins to cool for five minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time:15 minutes
- Cook Time:25 minutes
- Category:Dessert
- Method:Baking
- Cuisine:American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (75g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg