These The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins are a delightful addition to your fall baking repertoire. With their soft and moist texture, these muffins are infused with warm spices that embody the essence of autumn. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a cozy treat during a gathering, they stand out with a delicious cinnamon-sugar topping that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply enjoying a quiet morning at home, these muffins will surely impress.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Muffins
- How to Make The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Step 5: Prepare the Topping
- Step 6: Fill and Bake
- Step 7: Cool and Serve
- How to Serve The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- With Cream Cheese Spread
- Accompanied by a Hot Beverage
- Topped with Whipped Cream
- Served with Fresh Fruit
- Drizzled with Maple Syrup
- How to Perfect The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- Best Side Dishes for The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- Reheating The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins so special?
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
- How do I know when my pumpkin muffins are done?
- Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
- How long will The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins last?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a rich taste that’s perfect for fall.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick steps, you can whip up these muffins in no time.
- Great for Any Occasion: These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an after-school snack.
- Customizable: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: They store well at room temperature and can be frozen for later enjoyment.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your delicious pumpkin muffins, ensure you have the right tools ready to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Muffin pans
- Muffin liners
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes mixing wet ingredients easy and ensures thorough blending without overmixing.
- Muffin pans: Designed specifically for baking muffins, providing the perfect shape and size.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for separating dry and wet ingredients while preventing mess.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins:
For the Muffins
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin (or homemade puree)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups + 1 tablespoon sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with muffin liners to prepare them for the batter.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
5. Pumpkin pie spice
Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Combine pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and 1 1/4 cups sugar.
2. Mix on low speed until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients into the bowl with wet ingredients:
– Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are small lumps.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix:
– The remaining 1 tablespoon sugar
– The cinnamon
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
– Sprinkle each muffin top with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
– Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until muffins are puffed and golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the muffins cool in their pans for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful treats!
How to Serve The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
These pumpkin muffins are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
With Cream Cheese Spread
- Cream cheese adds a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet muffins. Spread a generous layer on top for a delicious treat.
Accompanied by a Hot Beverage
- Pair your muffins with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or apple cider. The warmth enhances the cozy fall flavors.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- For a dessert twist, add a dollop of whipped cream on top. This makes for a delightful afternoon snack!
Served with Fresh Fruit
- Complement your muffins with slices of fresh fruit like apples or pears. This adds freshness and balances the sweetness.
Drizzled with Maple Syrup
- A drizzle of maple syrup can elevate the flavor profile, making it feel like a special breakfast.
How to Perfect The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
To ensure your pumpkin muffins turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on baking powder and baking soda for optimal rise and texture.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your muffins light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
- Room temperature eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps them incorporate better into the batter.
- Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean for perfectly baked muffins.
- Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to add more pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon according to your preference for extra flavor.
- Cool completely before storing: Allow the muffins to cool completely to prevent sogginess when stored.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
These homemade pumpkin muffins pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their delightful flavors. Here are some excellent options.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious complement.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with fruits or nuts pairs nicely and rounds out breakfast.
- Scrambled Eggs: Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses, such as brie or cheddar, adds richness that contrasts well with sweet muffins.
- Salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette provides balance to the sweetness of the muffins.
- Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie topped with seeds and nuts makes an energizing side dish for brunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade pumpkin muffins can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for perfect muffins every time.
- Skipping the measurements: Always measure ingredients accurately. Using too much flour or sugar can lead to dense muffins.
- Not preheating the oven: Preheating your oven is crucial. If you skip this step, your muffins may not rise properly and could turn out unevenly baked.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your muffins tough. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until incorporated for a soft texture.
- Ignoring the cooling time: Letting muffins cool in the pan for too long can cause them to become soggy. Cool them on a wire rack promptly.
- Using old ingredients: Fresh ingredients are key for flavor and texture. Check expiration dates on baking powder and spices before baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Use parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap for optimal freshness.
- Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container, storing them for up to 3 months.
Reheating The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake muffins for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat muffins one at a time on high for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Place muffins in a skillet over low heat, covering them with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins so special?
These muffins are soft, moist, and filled with warm spices that capture the essence of fall, making them a perfect treat any time of year.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! You can make your own puree from fresh pumpkins. Just roast and blend until smooth.
How do I know when my pumpkin muffins are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached when done.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Optional add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips can enhance both flavor and texture.
How long will The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will stay fresh for about three days.
Final Thoughts
These pumpkin muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to suit your taste. Try making The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins today—they’re sure to become a favorite!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 muffins 1x
Description
Indulge in the flavors of fall with The Best Homemade Pumpkin Muffins. These delightful treats are soft, moist, and infused with warm spices that create a rich, comforting taste. Topped with a sweet cinnamon-sugar finish, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or cozy gatherings. Easy to whip up and customizable with chocolate chips or nuts, they’re a must-have in your autumn baking repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet morning at home, these pumpkin muffins will impress everyone around the table.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin (or homemade puree)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups + 1 tablespoon sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two muffin pans with liners.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl.
- In a stand mixer, combine pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and sugar. Mix on low until blended.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix until just combined.
- Fill muffin cups two-thirds full and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (85g)
- Calories: 192
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 154mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg