Feel the pull of fall with every bite of these Pumpkin Pecan Muffins—moist, warmly spiced, and studded with crunchy pecans. This easy pumpkin pecan muffins recipe offers that bakery-worthy comfort with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute cozy gatherings.
With just a few pantry staples and under 30 minutes from bowl to table, these muffins fill your home with irresistible aromas and turn everyday moments into autumn memories.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Pecan Muffins
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings.
- Deliciously moist with a delightful crunch from pecans.
- Filled with warm spices that evoke the essence of fall.
- Great for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
- Freezes well, so you can enjoy them anytime!
Pumpkin Pecan Muffins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful recipe for easy pumpkin pecan muffins, perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup of canned pumpkin, or homemade pumpkin puree
- ½ cup vegetable oil (such as canola oil)
- ½ cup chopped pecans (for topping)
- ⅔ cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
- ⅓ cup butter, softened (for topping)
- ⅓ cup flour (for topping)
- confectioners sugar (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line muffin cups with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients together: flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, pecans, and brown sugar.
- In another bowl, prepare the liquid mixture by whisking eggs together until the yolks and whites are blended. Then add vanilla, oil, and pumpkin puree.
- Add the liquid mixture from step 2 to the dry ingredients mixture in step 1. Mix well with a wooden spoon.
- Prepare muffin pan by spraying it with oil or using butter. Fill each muffin cup completely full for a mushroom top or ⅔ full for a normal muffin.
- Prepare the topping by mixing pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour together. Add softened butter and cut it into the dry ingredients until you have a good crumble topping. Sprinkle this mixture over muffins.
- Using a spoon, spread the topping evenly over each muffin.
- Bake until the muffins are springy to the touch and a toothpick comes out clean, for 25 to 35 minutes. Start checking with the toothpick at 25 minutes.
- Allow them to cool for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely. Larger muffin cups may take longer to bake.
- Sprinkle with confectionary sugar if desired.
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, use homemade pumpkin puree.
- Ensure the butter for the topping is softened for easier mixing.
- Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Pecan Muffins, Fall Muffins, Easy Muffin Recipe
Ingredients for Pumpkin Pecan Muffins
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these scrumptious Pumpkin Pecan Muffins. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The base of our muffins, providing structure and a soft texture.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the muffins rise, giving them that fluffy quality we all love.
- Sea salt: A pinch enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: The granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar brings a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- Chopped pecans: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, making each bite a little more special.
- Ground nutmeg and cinnamon: These warm spices evoke the essence of fall, wrapping you in cozy comfort.
- Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and add moisture, ensuring a tender muffin.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin puree: This is the star ingredient, providing moisture and that signature pumpkin flavor.
- Vegetable oil: It keeps the muffins moist and tender, making them irresistible.
- Optional toppings: More chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, softened butter, and flour create a delicious crumble topping that adds texture and sweetness.
- Confectioners sugar: This is optional for a light dusting on top, adding a touch of sweetness and a pretty finish.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing!
How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Muffins
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350ºF. This step is crucial for ensuring your Pumpkin Pecan Muffins bake evenly. While the oven warms up, line your muffin cups with paper liners. I love using colorful liners; they add a cheerful touch! If you don’t have liners, a light spray of oil works just as well. This will help the muffins pop out easily after baking. Trust me, you want to avoid any muffin mishaps!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients. Start with the all-purpose flour, then add the baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and chopped pecans. Use a whisk or a fork to mix everything together. This step is important because it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed. A well-mixed dry blend means fluffy muffins! Plus, the aroma of spices will start to fill your kitchen, making it feel like fall.
Step 3: Prepare Liquid Mixture
Now, let’s move on to the wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs until they’re fully blended. Then, add in the vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and your pumpkin puree. If you’re using homemade pumpkin puree, I promise it will elevate the flavor! Mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy. This liquid mixture is what brings moisture to your muffins, making them soft and delicious. Don’t skip this step; it’s where the magic begins!
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Time to bring it all together! Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon, gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, and we want them light and fluffy! As you stir, you’ll see the colors blend beautifully, and the batter will start to come together. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Step 5: Prepare Muffin Pan
Next, let’s fill those muffin cups! If you want mushroom-topped muffins, fill each cup completely full. For a more traditional look, fill them about two-thirds full. This is key because it allows the muffins to rise without overflowing. If you’re using a non-stick muffin pan, a light spray of oil will help prevent sticking. I always find it helpful to use an ice cream scoop for even portions. It makes the process quick and mess-free!
Step 6: Make the Topping
Now, let’s create that irresistible crumble topping! In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Then, add the softened butter and use a fork or your fingers to cut it into the dry ingredients. You want a crumbly texture that will sit beautifully on top of your muffins. This topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness, making each bite even more enjoyable. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!
Step 7: Bake the Muffins
It’s time to bake! Carefully place your muffin pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, but start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they’re ready! The muffins should feel springy to the touch. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to remove. After that, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little confectioners sugar on top for a sweet finish. These Pumpkin Pecan Muffins are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Enjoy them warm, and watch your family gather around for a taste!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay!
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans before adding them.
- Check muffins at the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Equipment Needed for Pumpkin Pecan Muffins
- Muffin pan: A standard 12-cup muffin pan works best, but you can use silicone molds for easy removal.
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for dry ingredients and a medium bowl for wet ingredients.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs and dry ingredients smoothly.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing the batter without overworking it.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
Variations To Try with Pumpkin Pecan Muffins
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a cup of chocolate chips for a sweet twist that kids will love!
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.
- Spiced Up: Experiment with additional spices like ginger or cloves for a more robust flavor profile.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the pecans and replace them with sunflower seeds for a nut-free treat.
- Maple Syrup Sweetener: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup for a unique sweetness and flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Pecan Muffins
- Pair with a warm cup of spiced chai or pumpkin spice latte for a cozy treat.
- Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream cheese for a creamy contrast.
- For a festive touch, arrange muffins on a decorative platter with fall leaves.
- Enjoy with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- Drizzle with maple syrup for an extra layer of sweetness.
FAQs about Pumpkin Pecan Muffins
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Using fresh pumpkin puree can enhance the flavor of your Pumpkin Pecan Muffins. Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth before adding it to the batter.
How do I store leftover muffins?
To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! These muffins are perfect for meal prep. You can bake them a day or two in advance. Just reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, try using flaxseed meal or applesauce. For each egg, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes. Alternatively, ¼ cup of applesauce works well too!
Can I add other mix-ins to the muffins?
Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even shredded coconut for a fun twist on your Pumpkin Pecan Muffins. Just keep the total mix-ins to about one cup to maintain the right texture.
Conclusion
Baking these Pumpkin Pecan Muffins turns ordinary mornings into cozy experiences. Between their tender crumb and the nutty crunch of fall spices, they’re a breakfast that feels like a hug in every bite.
For even more pumpkin-inspired goodness, don’t miss our silky Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls or the indulgent twist of Pumpkin French Toast. Each adds its own kind of morning magic to your menu.
