Pumpkin Pecan Muffins Savory and Simple Snack

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If you love fall flavors, you’ll adore these Pumpkin Pecan Muffins! They blend sweet pumpkin and crunchy pecans into a tasty treat perfect for breakfast or snacks. I’ll guide you through simple steps and share the best tips for baking delicious muffins every time. Plus, you can easily swap ingredients to meet your needs. Let’s dive into this easy, savory recipe that will impress any pumpkin lover!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Pumpkin Pecan Muffins

– 1 cup pumpkin puree

– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar

– 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for extra flavor)

– 2 large eggs, at room temperature

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

In this recipe, the pumpkin puree is key. It gives the muffins their moist texture and rich flavor. Brown sugar adds a hint of caramel taste, while granulated sugar balances it out. Vegetable oil helps keep the muffins fluffy. Using eggs binds everything and adds richness. The vanilla extract rounds out the sweet notes.

Dry Ingredients

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

The flour is the base of the muffins, providing structure. Baking powder and baking soda help them rise. The spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—give a warm, cozy flavor. Salt enhances all these tastes, making each bite better.

Add-ins

– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (reserve a handful for topping)

– Optional: 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips for added indulgence

Chopped pecans add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. If you like chocolate, adding chips gives a sweet touch. Reserve some pecans to sprinkle on top for extra texture when baking. These add-ins make the muffins even more special and tasty.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, prepare your muffin tin. Line it with paper liners or grease it lightly with cooking spray or oil. This step helps the muffins come out easily.

Mixing Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to blend these until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and flavor to your muffins.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures that the flavors and leavening agents spread evenly through your muffins.

Combining Mixtures

Next, gradually fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix gently. Stop once there are no dry spots. Overmixing can make your muffins tough, so be careful here.

Filling Muffin Cups

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. If you want, add a few chopped pecans on top for extra crunch and a nice look. This small step makes a big difference in presentation.

Baking

Now, place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This tells you they are ready.

Tips & Tricks

Baking Tips

To avoid dense muffins, use room temperature eggs. Cold eggs can make the batter thick. Also, measure the flour correctly. Too much flour makes muffins heavy. Use the spoon-and-level method for best results.

The key to fluffy muffins is not overmixing the batter. Mix just until the dry ingredients disappear. You want some lumps. Overmixing makes the muffins tough.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your muffins warm for the best taste. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds charm. You can also spread cream cheese on top. For a sweet twist, drizzle honey over each muffin.

Arranging the muffins on a colorful plate makes them more inviting. Adding whole pecans on top gives a nice crunch.

Enhancing Flavor

To change up the flavor, add spices like cardamom or allspice. You can also swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. Adding 1/4 cup of dried cranberries or raisins gives a fruity touch.

For chocolate lovers, mix in some chocolate chips. This adds richness to each bite. You can even try different extracts, like almond or maple. Each choice brings a new twist to this classic muffin.

Variations

Dietary Alternatives

For those with dietary needs, you can make these muffins fit your lifestyle. If you need gluten-free muffins, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many brands have great options that work well in baking.

For vegan muffins, replace the eggs with flax eggs. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also use applesauce or mashed bananas instead of eggs for moisture.

Flavor Variations

Want to change the taste? You can add spices like cardamom or allspice for a warm kick. Try using chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.

If you want something fruity, you can swap pumpkin puree for applesauce or mashed bananas. This will give your muffins a new flavor while keeping them moist.

Seasoning Options

Get creative with your spice blends! Try using pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices for an easy mix. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or even some cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.

These options will help you make pumpkin pecan muffins that suit your taste and dietary needs!

Storage Info

Storing Muffins

To keep your pumpkin pecan muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking. This helps avoid sogginess. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze muffins, let them cool completely first. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To reheat, take them out and let them thaw. You can warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Shelf Life

These muffins stay fresh for about three days at room temperature. After that, they may start to dry out. If you freeze them, they can last much longer, and you’ll still enjoy that fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?

You can use other purees like applesauce or sweet potato. These options give a nice flavor. You can also make your own pumpkin puree by cooking and blending fresh pumpkin.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pumpkin works well. To use it, cook the pumpkin until soft, then blend it into a smooth puree. This can add a fresh taste to your muffins.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

Check the muffins around 18 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready.

Can I make mini muffins from this recipe?

You can easily make mini muffins. Just fill each cup about halfway and reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes. Check them often to avoid overbaking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover muffins?

To reheat, wrap the muffins in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F. This keeps them moist and tasty. You can also use the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

You can make delicious pumpkin pecan muffins using easy steps. Start with the right ingredients like pumpkin puree, sugars, and spices. Follow my clear instructions for mixing, baking, and storing. Remember, avoid overmixing to keep your muffins light. You can customize them with nuts or flavors too. Overall, these muffins are a fun treat for everyone! Enjoy baking and sharing these tasty delights with friends and family.

- 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for extra flavor) - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract In this recipe, the pumpkin puree is key. It gives the muffins their moist texture and rich flavor. Brown sugar adds a hint of caramel taste, while granulated sugar balances it out. Vegetable oil helps keep the muffins fluffy. Using eggs binds everything and adds richness. The vanilla extract rounds out the sweet notes. - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt The flour is the base of the muffins, providing structure. Baking powder and baking soda help them rise. The spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—give a warm, cozy flavor. Salt enhances all these tastes, making each bite better. - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (reserve a handful for topping) - Optional: 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips for added indulgence Chopped pecans add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. If you like chocolate, adding chips gives a sweet touch. Reserve some pecans to sprinkle on top for extra texture when baking. These add-ins make the muffins even more special and tasty. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, prepare your muffin tin. Line it with paper liners or grease it lightly with cooking spray or oil. This step helps the muffins come out easily. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to blend these until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and flavor to your muffins. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures that the flavors and leavening agents spread evenly through your muffins. Next, gradually fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix gently. Stop once there are no dry spots. Overmixing can make your muffins tough, so be careful here. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. If you want, add a few chopped pecans on top for extra crunch and a nice look. This small step makes a big difference in presentation. Now, place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This tells you they are ready. To avoid dense muffins, use room temperature eggs. Cold eggs can make the batter thick. Also, measure the flour correctly. Too much flour makes muffins heavy. Use the spoon-and-level method for best results. The key to fluffy muffins is not overmixing the batter. Mix just until the dry ingredients disappear. You want some lumps. Overmixing makes the muffins tough. Serve your muffins warm for the best taste. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds charm. You can also spread cream cheese on top. For a sweet twist, drizzle honey over each muffin. Arranging the muffins on a colorful plate makes them more inviting. Adding whole pecans on top gives a nice crunch. To change up the flavor, add spices like cardamom or allspice. You can also swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. Adding 1/4 cup of dried cranberries or raisins gives a fruity touch. For chocolate lovers, mix in some chocolate chips. This adds richness to each bite. You can even try different extracts, like almond or maple. Each choice brings a new twist to this classic muffin. {{image_4}} For those with dietary needs, you can make these muffins fit your lifestyle. If you need gluten-free muffins, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many brands have great options that work well in baking. For vegan muffins, replace the eggs with flax eggs. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also use applesauce or mashed bananas instead of eggs for moisture. Want to change the taste? You can add spices like cardamom or allspice for a warm kick. Try using chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor. If you want something fruity, you can swap pumpkin puree for applesauce or mashed bananas. This will give your muffins a new flavor while keeping them moist. Get creative with your spice blends! Try using pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices for an easy mix. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or even some cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. These options will help you make pumpkin pecan muffins that suit your taste and dietary needs! To keep your pumpkin pecan muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking. This helps avoid sogginess. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing. To freeze muffins, let them cool completely first. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To reheat, take them out and let them thaw. You can warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. These muffins stay fresh for about three days at room temperature. After that, they may start to dry out. If you freeze them, they can last much longer, and you’ll still enjoy that fresh-baked taste. You can use other purees like applesauce or sweet potato. These options give a nice flavor. You can also make your own pumpkin puree by cooking and blending fresh pumpkin. Yes, fresh pumpkin works well. To use it, cook the pumpkin until soft, then blend it into a smooth puree. This can add a fresh taste to your muffins. Check the muffins around 18 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. You can easily make mini muffins. Just fill each cup about halfway and reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes. Check them often to avoid overbaking. To reheat, wrap the muffins in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F. This keeps them moist and tasty. You can also use the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You can make delicious pumpkin pecan muffins using easy steps. Start with the right ingredients like pumpkin puree, sugars, and spices. Follow my clear instructions for mixing, baking, and storing. Remember, avoid overmixing to keep your muffins light. You can customize them with nuts or flavors too. Overall, these muffins are a fun treat for everyone! Enjoy baking and sharing these tasty delights with friends and family.

Pumpkin Pecan Muffins

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these delicious pumpkin pecan muffins! Made with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin puree and crunchy pecans, these muffins are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. With a hint of spice and an optional chocolate chip twist, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy baking these delightful treats today!

Ingredients
  

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for extra flavor)

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans (reserve a handful for topping)

Optional: 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips for added indulgence

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing each cup with cooking spray or oil.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a whisk or electric mixer, blend these ingredients together until they are smooth and fully incorporated.

      In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly dispersed throughout the flour.

        Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently combine the ingredients. Mix just until there are no dry spots – be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins.

          Gently fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips if you’re using them, ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout the batter.

            Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Top each muffin with a few extra chopped pecans for a nice crunch and an appealing look.

              Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

                Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This will help them set properly. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 muffins

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the muffins warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. For an extra special delight, pair them with a dollop of cream cheese spread, or even a light drizzle of honey on top! Enjoy these delightful treats with family and friends!

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