Name: Whole Wheat Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1½ cups All-purpose flour; 1½ cups Whole wheat flour; 1½ tablespoons Baking powder; 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon Pumpkin pie spice; ½ teaspoon Salt; ½ cup Salted butter, melted; ½ cup Granulated white sugar; ½ cup Packed light brown sugar; 2 Large eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; ¼ cup Milk; ¼ cup Heavy whipping cream; 1 cup Canned unsweetened pumpkin puree; 1 cup Powdered sugar; 2 ounces Cream cheese, at room temperature; dash Ground cinnamon; dash Milk (to thin out, as needed)

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There’s something magical about the aroma of Whole Wheat Pumpkin Spice Muffins wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? Each fall, as the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, I find myself reaching for my trusty muffin tin and the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice. It’s a tradition in my home to celebrate the season with these delightful muffins, which are not only wholesome but also ridiculously easy to make. Imagine a lazy Sunday morning, fresh coffee brewing, and the promise of warm muffins just minutes away. These muffins are perfect for sharing with family or enjoying solo with a book!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
180 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Standard

Fat:
5 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Whisk

What I love most about Whole Wheat Pumpkin Spice Muffins is how they capture the essence of fall in every bite. The nutty flavor of whole wheat combined with the warm spices makes for a comforting treat, perfect for breakfast or a midday snack. Each muffin is a little bundle of joy, packed with nutrients and flavor. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up on a whim. You can even get the kids involved, making it a fun family activity. So, whether you’re preparing for a gathering or just treating yourself, these muffins will undoubtedly hit the spot.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
180 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Standard

Fat:
5 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Whisk

Why This Whole Wheat Pumpkin Spice Muffins Shines

Wholesome Ingredients

One of the standout features of the Whole Wheat Pumpkin Spice Muffins is the use of whole wheat flour. Unlike all-purpose flour, whole wheat retains more of the grain’s natural nutrients, making these muffins a healthier option. Plus, it adds a lovely earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Flavor Explosion

The blend of spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice turns these muffins into a flavor explosion. Each bite is filled with warmth and coziness, perfect for fall gatherings or lazy Sunday mornings.

Versatile Treat

These muffins are incredibly versatile. You can serve them for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. They are delightful plain, but a simple glaze takes them to a whole new level. You can also customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat!

Great for Meal Prep

If you’re like me and love to have snacks ready for the week, these muffins are ideal. They store well in the fridge and can be frozen for later. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, and you’ve got a warm treat ready to go!

Healthier Indulgence

Indulging doesn’t have to mean sacrificing health. With ingredients like pure pumpkin puree and less sugar than traditional muffins, you can enjoy the sweet flavors of fall without the guilt. Plus, the addition of heavy whipping cream gives them a moist texture!

What You’ll Need for Whole Wheat Pumpkin Spice Muffins

When it comes to baking, the quality and combination of ingredients make all the difference. For the Whole Wheat Pumpkin Spice Muffins, we’re using a mix of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour, which gives the muffins a perfect balance of flavor and texture. The mix of spices and sweeteners adds depth, while pumpkin puree keeps them moist and flavorful.

1½ cups all-purpose flour: This adds lightness to the muffins.
1½ cups whole wheat flour: For a hearty texture and added nutrients.
1½ tablespoons baking powder: Helps the muffins rise.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm spice that brings comfort.
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A cozy blend of spices.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture.
½ cup granulated white sugar: For sweetness.
½ cup packed light brown sugar: Adds depth and a slight caramel flavor.
2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors.
¼ cup milk: Adds moisture to the batter.
¼ cup heavy whipping cream: Ensures a rich texture.
1 cup canned unsweetened pumpkin puree: The star ingredient!
1 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze.
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature: For a creamy glaze.
dash of ground cinnamon: Just a hint for the glaze.
dash of milk (to thin out, as needed): Adjusts the glaze consistency.

Cooking Method for Whole Wheat Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Baking these muffins is a breeze! I love how quickly they come together, making them perfect for any occasion. Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious batch of Whole Wheat Pumpkin Spice Muffins.

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). It’s essential to get the oven hot before baking to ensure that the muffins rise beautifully.
Next, prepare the muffin tin by spraying it with nonstick spray. Don’t forget to spray the tops too; this prevents the muffins from sticking as they rise and bake.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This mix of dry ingredients will create a flavorful base for your muffins.
In another larger bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the melted butter and both types of sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, making your muffins tender.
Next, mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until combined. The eggs will help bind everything together.
Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk and heavy whipping cream to the butter-sugar mixture. Start with a third of the dry mix, then add half of the wet mix, continuing until all is combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
Finally, add the pumpkin puree and mix just until incorporated. The puree will add moisture and flavor!
Divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin tins. Don’t worry if they’re quite full; they’ll rise nicely!
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary.
Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 15 minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents them from getting soggy.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the glaze: powdered sugar, cream cheese, a dash of ground cinnamon, and enough milk to achieve a drizzleable consistency. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled muffins for an extra touch of sweetness!

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. It should come out clean when they are fully baked.
Cool properly: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to maintain their texture.
Variations: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for a fun twist to the recipe!

Substitutions and Tips

These Whole Wheat Pumpkin Spice Muffins are versatile and can be adjusted to suit your needs. Here are some helpful tips for making the most of this recipe.

Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Freezing: You can freeze these muffins. Once cooled, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw on the counter or microwave for a quick warm-up.
Pairing: Serve with a dollop of cream cheese spread for a delicious addition at breakfast.
Customization: Add nuts or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added texture and flavor.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend if you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free.
Spices: Adjust the spices to your preference—if you love nutmeg, feel free to add it!

Perfect Pairings for Whole Wheat Pumpkin Spice Muffins

When it comes to serving your Whole Wheat Pumpkin Spice Muffins, the opportunities are endless! Here are some delightful ideas:

Breakfast: These muffins make a perfect start to your day, pairing well with coffee or tea.
Brunch: Serve them at a cozy brunch alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced meal.
Snack time: They’re also great for an afternoon snack. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of herbal tea.
Fall gatherings: Bring these muffins to family gatherings or potlucks where they’ll be a sure hit.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and enjoy them for the next few days!

FAQ

Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, you can cook and puree it to use in this recipe. Just make sure to remove any excess moisture to avoid affecting the muffin batter. The flavor will be fresh and delicious!

If you want to make the Whole Wheat Pumpkin Spice Muffins even healthier, consider reducing the sugar slightly. You might also substitute some of the all-purpose flour for more whole wheat flour or a nut flour. Adding nuts or seeds can also boost their nutritional content.

The best way to store your muffins is to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure that your baking powder is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious muffins without gluten!

Conclusion

The Whole Wheat Pumpkin Spice Muffins are a beautiful balance of health and indulgence, making them a perfect treat for the fall season. With their wholesome ingredients and warm spices, they bring comfort and joy to any gathering. I encourage you to try making these muffins—once you smell them baking, you won’t be able to resist! They’re sure to become a beloved staple in your home.