Pumpkin Spice Bread Muffins Recipe

Nothing says cozy like a batch of homemade Pumpkin Spice Bread Muffins fresh from the oven. Moist, warmly spiced, and packed with that rich pumpkin flavor, these muffins are pure autumn magic wrapped up in a tender crumb. Whether you’re easing into a crisp morning or craving a sweet snack, these Pumpkin Spice Bread Muffins deliver that perfect balance of sweet, spice, and everything nice in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in creating the tender texture, vibrant color, and comfortingly spicy flavor of the muffins. From pumpkin purée that brings moisture and earthiness to the blend of warm spices that give each bite its signature autumnal charm, every ingredient counts.

• Pumpkin purée (1 can, 15 oz): Provides moistness, natural sweetness, and that iconic pumpkin flavor for depth and color.
• Sugar (1½ cups): Sweetens the muffins just right and helps keep them tender.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the muffins moist and soft without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
• Water (¼ cup): Adds moisture and helps create the perfect batter consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1½ tsp): Enhances the warm spices and adds a subtle, fragrant sweetness.
• All-purpose flour (1¾ cups): Forms the structure, giving the muffins just the right crumb.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Leavens the muffins, helping them rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
• Baking powder (½ tsp): Supports leavening for an extra lift and light texture.
• Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and heightens the spices.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings warmth and classic pumpkin spice flavor.
• Nutmeg (½ tsp): Adds a hint of sweet earthiness that complements pumpkin perfectly.
• Cloves (¼ tsp): Provides a rich, slightly smoky spice note for depth.
• Ginger (¼ tsp): Lends a mild zing that wakes up the flavor profile.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Bread Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Set your oven to 350°F and line your muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup to prevent sticking. This simple prep step ensures your muffins come out perfectly shaped and easy to remove after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. This wet mixture forms the flavorful base of your Pumpkin Spice Bread Muffins and ensures moistness in every bite.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Whisking these ingredients together ensures your spices and leaveners are evenly distributed, which is key to a consistent muffin texture and flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is fully combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be just blended to keep the muffins light and tender.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Fill your prepared muffin cups about three-quarters full with batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Bread Muffins

Garnishes

The warm, spice-packed nature of these muffins is wonderful on its own, but you can elevate them with a few tasty additions. A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of cream cheese icing adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the spice blend. Chopped toasted nuts on top provide a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

Serve these Pumpkin Spice Bread Muffins alongside a creamy cup of chai tea or a frothy pumpkin latte for an indulgent autumn treat. They also pair beautifully with a smear of butter or a dollop of honeyed yogurt for breakfast or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive fall gathering, line a rustic basket with colorful linen napkins and stack the muffins artfully. You can turn them into mini dessert parfaits by crumbling a muffin into glasses layered with spiced whipped cream or maple syrup drizzle—fun and delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pumpkin Spice Bread Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps keep them moist and flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these muffins later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a zip-top freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat muffins in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This restores their softness and fills your kitchen with that irresistible pumpkin spice aroma.

FAQs

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

Absolutely! Melted butter can add a richer flavor, but keep in mind it may slightly affect the texture, making the muffins a bit denser. Either way, your Pumpkin Spice Bread Muffins will be delicious.

Is canned pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?

Nope! Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. For this recipe, pure pumpkin purée provides the best flavor balance and moisture control.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

Look for a golden top and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep your Pumpkin Spice Bread Muffins tender.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips can add a wonderful texture and flavor twist. Just fold them into the batter before filling the muffin cups.

Are these muffins freezer-friendly?

Yes, they freeze really well! Just be sure they are completely cooled before wrapping and freezing. Thaw gently to enjoy their fresh-baked taste any time.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Pumpkin Spice Bread Muffins, they’ll instantly become a fall favorite in your kitchen. Their perfect balance of moist pumpkin, gentle sweetness, and cozy spices makes them irresistible morning after morning. So go ahead and dig in—you deserve a little comfort in every bite!

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