Fall is the perfect season for warm, comforting treats that fill your home with the cozy aroma of spices. There's no better way to celebrate the season than by baking a batch of Simply Pumpkin Muffins. These muffins are moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, making them an ideal recipe for both beginners and experienced bakers alike. Read on to discover how to make these delightful muffins, along with tips, variations, and answers to common questions. Let's get baking!

What Are Simply Pumpkin Muffins?
Simply Pumpkin Muffins are a classic fall treat that combines the rich flavor of pumpkin with the warmth of autumn spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. These muffins are light, fluffy, and moist, thanks to the perfect blend of ingredients like pumpkin puree, oil, and sugar. They are a versatile recipe that can be customized with various add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to suit your taste. Whether you're enjoying them for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert, these muffins are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients List for Simply Pumpkin Muffins
To make a batch of these delightful muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 and ¾ cups (219g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the muffins.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the muffins rise.
- 1 and ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 and ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: A blend of spices that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle spicy kick.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil): Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins.
- ⅓ cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 and ½ cups (340g) canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that gives the muffins their signature flavor and moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk (dairy or nondairy): Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Oil Substitutes: If you prefer a healthier option, you can replace some or all of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce. This will reduce the fat content while still keeping the muffins moist.
- Sugar Alternatives: You can reduce the sugar slightly or replace it with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness. However, keep in mind that sugar not only sweetens the muffins but also helps with moisture and texture.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice Alternatives: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can make your own by combining ¼ teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice, along with ½ teaspoon ground ginger.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to add 1 cup of chocolate chips, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or dried cranberries to the batter for added flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to make your Simply Pumpkin Muffins:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). Prepare a 12-count muffin pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, ground ginger, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and milk until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until no flour pockets remain.
- Fill the Muffin Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin liners, filling them all the way to the top. This will help create beautifully domed muffin tops.
- Initial Bake at High Temperature: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven at 425°F for 5 minutes. This initial high heat helps the muffins rise quickly and develop a nice, tall top.
- Lower the Oven Temperature: After 5 minutes, keeping the muffins in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Continue baking for an additional 16–17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
How to Cook Simply Pumpkin Muffins: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Simply Pumpkin Muffins is straightforward, but here’s a more detailed breakdown to ensure you get the perfect result every time:
- Preparing the Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs and milk. This helps them mix together more easily and results in a smoother batter.
- Measuring the Flour: For best results, spoon and level your flour rather than scooping it directly from the bag. This ensures you don’t end up with too much flour, which could make your muffins dense.
- Mixing the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, it’s important not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough muffins.
- Filling the Muffin Liners: Don’t be afraid to fill the muffin liners to the top. These muffins are designed to rise beautifully, so filling them fully will give you those desirable, high-domed tops.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe like this, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overmixing the Batter: As mentioned, overmixing can lead to tough, dense muffins. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can cause the batter to mix unevenly and may result in a dense texture. Make sure everything is at room temperature before you start.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can either cause your muffins to rise too quickly and then collapse, or to not rise at all. Always double-check your oven temperature and follow the recipe’s instructions.
Serving and Presentation Tips
These Simply Pumpkin Muffins are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to take them to the next level:
- Serve Warm: These muffins are best served warm. Reheat them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds if they’ve cooled down.
- Add a Spread: Try serving the muffins with a spread of softened butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a touch of elegance, dust the tops of the muffins with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Simply Pumpkin Muffins
These muffins are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Breakfast: Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
- Snack: Enjoy them as a mid-morning or afternoon snack with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
- Dessert: For a more indulgent treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Presentation Ideas for Simply Pumpkin Muffins
While these muffins are beautiful on their own, here are a few ideas to elevate their presentation:
- Rustic Look: Serve the muffins in a basket lined with a cloth napkin for a cozy, rustic feel.
- Tiered Stand: Arrange the muffins on a tiered cake stand for a more formal presentation, perfect for brunch or a fall gathering.
- Individual Wrapping: For a fun, giftable presentation, wrap each muffin in parchment paper and tie it with a piece of twine.
Simply Pumpkin Muffins Recipe Tips
To ensure your Simply Pumpkin Muffins turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Check for Doneness: Oven times can vary, so start checking your muffins a minute or two before the suggested time. If a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re done.
- Storage: Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture that could make the muffins soggy.
Q: How do I make mini pumpkin muffins?
A: To make mini muffins, prepare the batter as directed and bake in a mini muffin tin at 350°F (177°C) for 11–13 minutes.
Q: Can I add a glaze to these muffins?
A: Absolutely! A simple vanilla or maple glaze drizzled over the top would be a delicious addition.
Q: Can I make these muffins vegan?
A: Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a nondairy milk to make these muffins vegan-friendly.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat frozen muffins?
A: Reheat frozen muffins in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes.
Conclusion
Simply Pumpkin Muffins are the perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall in a simple, satisfying way. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create muffins that are moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. So why not grab your ingredients and get baking? You’ll be glad you did! Enjoy your Simply Pumpkin Muffins warm, with your favorite add-ins, and share them with family and friends. Happy baking!
PrintSimply Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
Enjoy the warm, spiced flavor of Simply Pumpkin Muffins, a perfect blend of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. These muffins are tender, moist, and easy to make, ideal for breakfast or a snack. Customize them with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baked Goods
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 and ¾ cups (219g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 and ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 and ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 and ½ cups (340g) canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk (dairy or nondairy)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, ground ginger, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and milk until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- If desired, fold in any additional mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a healthier version, substitute some or all of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- You can also use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a more natural sweetness.
- To make your own pumpkin pie spice, mix ¼ teaspoon each of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and ½ teaspoon of ground ginger.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 180mg
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