1½ cups whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option)
1 cup pumpkin puree
½ cup rolled oats
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana
¼ cup maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup coconut oil or vegetable oil, melted
Optional: ½ cup raisins or walnuts for added texture and flavor
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir these ingredients together to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, applesauce (or mashed banana), maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the muffins tough. If using, fold in the raisins or walnuts at this stage.
Step 5: Bake the Muffins
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Step 6: Cooling
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Variation
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins: Add ½ cup of dark chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
Pumpkin Spice Muffins: Increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg, or add ground ginger and cloves for a deeper spice flavor.
Notes
When using coconut oil, ensure it is melted but not hot when added to the other wet ingredients to prevent cooking the eggs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these muffins warm with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or your favorite nut butter for extra indulgence.
They are perfect paired with a cup of coffee or hot tea.
Tips
Use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor, or canned puree for convenience.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help them mix more evenly and rise properly during baking.
