Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's also good for you? Look no further! These pumpkin oat muffins are the perfect solution. Bursting with autumnal flavors and the wholesome goodness of oats, they're surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or even a delightful dessert. This recipe delivers a moist, flavorful muffin that’s sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned is fine!)
- ½ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure even baking.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. This step helps to create a smooth batter.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins.
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Add Mix-ins (Optional): Stir in your choice of walnuts/pecans and/or chocolate chips. This adds a delightful textural contrast and boosts the flavor profile.
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Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. Don't overfill, or the muffins will overflow during baking.
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Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can enjoy your delicious pumpkin oat muffins!
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Oat Muffins:
- Use fresh spices: Freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves will significantly enhance the flavor of your muffins.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness. If it comes out with wet batter attached, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cool completely: Allowing the muffins to cool completely prevents them from crumbling when you handle them.
Variations:
- Spiced Pumpkin Oat Muffins: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for an extra warming spice kick.
- Cranberry Pumpkin Oat Muffins: Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries for a burst of tartness.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix a few tablespoons of cream cheese into the batter before baking for a delightful surprise inside each muffin.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Around 5-7 grams
- Fiber: About 3-4 grams
These pumpkin oat muffins are a delightful and healthy addition to your breakfast or snack repertoire. They're easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any time of day! Enjoy!