Autumn is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of warm, comforting pumpkin muffins? This recipe, inspired by Libby's canned pumpkin, is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and time. Perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving table, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience the ultimate in homemade cooking with this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounce) can Libby's pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This simple step prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of sugar remaining. This ensures even baking and a smooth muffin texture.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, so be gentle!
Step 4: Add Mix-ins (Optional)
If you're using chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries, gently fold them into the batter now.
Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups
Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full. This allows for proper rising during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your muffins as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Muffins:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh baking powder and soda: Old baking powder and soda can result in flat muffins.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to ensure the muffins are fully baked before removing them from the oven.
- Let them cool completely: Allowing the muffins to cool completely prevents them from crumbling.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Cream cheese swirl: Swirl in a cream cheese frosting after baking for an extra decadent treat.
- Maple flavor: Add 1/4 cup of maple syrup to the wet ingredients for a delicious maple pumpkin muffin.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250 Fat: Approximately 10g Protein: Approximately 3g Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g Fiber: Approximately 2g
These Libby's pumpkin muffins are a quick dinner idea, a perfect healthy meal option, and an easy recipe even for beginner cooks. They are a delicious addition to your fall baking repertoire! Enjoy this best recipe and the wonderful flavors of autumn.