Pumpkin Muffins – Soft, Moist & Full of Fall Flavor

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There’s something magical about the smell of pumpkin muffins baking in the oven – warm, spiced, and inviting. These golden treats are a perfect way to welcome the fall season or to bring a taste of autumn into your kitchen any time of year. With their moist texture, rich pumpkin flavor, and cozy spices, they’re a timeless recipe that has been loved for generations. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, snack time, or a festive gathering, these muffins are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

pumpkin muffins

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

  • Quick & Easy – Simple steps and minimal prep mean you can enjoy fresh muffins in under an hour.
  • Wholesome Ingredients – Packed with real pumpkin puree and warm spices for that authentic fall flavor.
  • Perfectly Moist – The pumpkin keeps these muffins soft and tender for days.
  • Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for a fun twist.
  • Freezer-Friendly – Make a big batch and freeze for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.

Ingredients Needed for Perfect Pumpkin Muffins

Key Ingredients in Pumpkin Muffins

  • Pumpkin Puree – The heart of the recipe, giving natural sweetness, moisture, and a rich orange hue.
  • Brown Sugar – Adds depth of flavor and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
  • Warm Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice infuse cozy fall aromas into every bite.
  • Eggs – Bind the batter together and add structure to the muffins.
  • Oil or Melted Butter – Keeps the muffins moist and tender even after a couple of days.

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pumpkin Muffins

  1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, and oil until smooth.
  4. Bring It Together – Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Fill & Bake – Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool & Enjoy – Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Expert Tip: For bakery-style domed tops, start baking at 400°F for the first 5 minutes, then lower to 350°F for the remaining time.

Recipe Tips & Variations

  • Chocolate Lovers – Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
  • Nutty Crunch – Add chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
  • Healthy Swap – Replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option.
  • Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

How to Store & Reheat

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
  • Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

Similar Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy these pumpkin muffins, you’ll love trying more fall-inspired pumpkin treats from our kitchen:

pumpkin muffins

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
A: Yes! Roast and mash fresh pumpkin until smooth, then use the same amount as canned.

Q: How do I make pumpkin muffins more moist?
A: Use oil instead of butter, avoid overbaking, and don’t overmix the batter.

Q: Can I make mini pumpkin muffins with this recipe?
A: Absolutely – reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes for mini muffins.


If you’re craving a warm, spiced, and moist treat, these pumpkin muffins are the perfect choice. They’re quick to make, packed with fall flavor, and easily customizable to your taste. Bake a batch today, and don’t forget to share your creations – because nothing says autumn like the smell of pumpkin muffins fresh from the oven!

Pumpkin Muffin

These pumpkin muffins are soft, moist, and bursting with warm fall spices. Quick to make with simple ingredients, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting during the holiday season.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 muffins
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  • In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
  • In another bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, and oil until smooth.
  • Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
  • Bake 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For extra sweetness, fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
Use half applesauce and half oil for a lighter option.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Keyword autumn recipes, easy muffins, fall baking, moist pumpkin muffins, pumpkin muffins