Posted Oct 04, 2020, Updated Mar 19, 2024 Fall baking is my favorite (hello pumpkin bread), but sometimes I want to make lighter versions of my favorite recipes, like these Healthy Pumpkin Muffins. They’re tender and moist with a beautiful crumb, naturally sweetened, perfectly spiced and made with whole wheat flour but you’d never guess they’re good for you! This healthy pumpkin muffin recipe is easy to make in 30 minutes – including baking time. You can top them with raw sugar (or not), or add your favorite mix-ins to make them extra-special! Serve them warm with a generous slather of this homemade cinnamon honey butter and you’ll experience breakfast nirvana!
Healthy Pumpkin Muffin Recipe: Ingredients & Substituions
Pumpkin Puree. Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling). Fresh or canned both work well. Salted Butter. Unsalted butter, coconut oil, ghee, etc. can be used in place of salted butter if desired. Vanilla Greek Yogurt. Any yogurt variety works well in this healthy pumpkin muffin recipe. I prefer vanilla Greek yogurt for the extra protein, flavor and sweetness. I also love using vanilla bean Icelandic yogurt! Maple Syrup. I’ve used honey in place of maple syrup with great results, however I prefer syrup because the maple flavor screams “fall.” Eggs. You can use chia or “flax” eggs by combining 2 Tablespoons ground chia seeds or flaxseed meal and 5 Tablespoons warm water and letting it set for 10 minutes, then use in the recipe. The muffins might bake flatter if you do this. Whole wheat flour. All-purpose, spelt, whole wheat pastry flour, white whole wheat flour, etc. can be used in place of regular whole wheat flour. Pumpkin Pie Spice. Use store bought or make your own with this recipe: homemade pumpkin pie spice. Mix-ins. You can add up to 1 cup of mix-ins of your choice, I will discuss options later in this post!
How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
This healthy pumpkin muffin recipe is easy to make and takes 30 minutes from start to finish. As always, we’ll walk through the recipe step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video. Begin by combining the whole wheat flour, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt. Set aside.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
If you’d like to make your own pumpkin pie spice, use this recipe: homemade pumpkin pie spice. Then use 2 tsp of the mixture in the recipe and save the rest for your other pumpkin recipe endeavors (like this pumpkin pie, paleo pumpkin bread, or pumpkin baked oatmeal). Then, whisk the pumpkin puree, melted butter, yogurt, maple syrup, eggs and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth. Once the wet ingredients are smooth, add the dry ingredients and stir until mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.
Optional: Add mix ins
If desired, add mix-ins of your choice, here are some suggestions:
Chocolate chips Cinnamon chips (YUM) White chocolate chips Dried cranberries or rasins Nuts: pecans, walnuts, etc.
Bake
Measure 3-4 Tablespoons of batter into each well of a standard muffin in. If desired, sprinkle the tops of the muffins with raw sugar. I prefer to generously grease my muffin tins instead of using cupcake liners, but you may bake them either way. Bake the healthy pumpkin muffins in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes, or until the tops spring back when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center of the muffins comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool
Let cool in the pan for 2-5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, using a spoon or knife to release the sides from the pan and gently remove them.
Serve
Serve these healthy pumpkin muffins warm with a generous slather of cinnamon honey butter, homemade peanut butter, apple butter, or homemade vanilla almond butter.
Store
Store these healthy pumpkin muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freeze
Reheat
Reheat the healthy pumpkin muffins in one of three ways: If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
