These Pumpkin Apple Muffins recipes are loaded with apples, scented with warm fall spices, and finished with a delicious crunchy pecan & turbinado sugar topping. Perfect for breakfast.
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What is Pumpkin Apple Muffins?
Pumpkin apple muffins are a type of baked pastry or quick bread that combines pumpkin and apple flavors. They are typically made by mixing pumpkin puree, diced or grated apples, and various spices and ingredients to create a moist and flavorful muffin.
Pumpkin Apple Muffins Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Avocado Oil or Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture and fat to the muffins, contributing to their texture and flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the muffins and adds moisture. It also helps with browning during baking.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the muffins.
- Large Egg: Acts as a binding agent and provides structure to the muffins.
- Sour Cream, Buttermilk, or Plain Regular Yogurt: Adds moisture and tanginess to the muffins. It also contributes to their tenderness.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds a nutty flavor and whole-grain goodness to the muffins.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the muffins.
- Baking Powder: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
- Baking Soda: Also acts as a leavening agent and helps the muffins rise. It reacts with the acid in sour cream or yogurt.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins by balancing sweetness and adding a slightly savory element.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice flavor to the muffins.
- Ground Nutmeg: Provides a mild, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor.
- Ground Allspice: Contributes to the muffins' warm and slightly spicy flavor.
- Ground Cloves: Adds a hint of earthy, spicy flavor.
- Baking Apples: Provide natural sweetness and a soft, fruity texture to the muffins. They also add a touch of tartness.
- Lemon Juice: Helps prevent the apples from oxidizing and turning brown.
For the topping:
- Turbinado Sugar or Light Brown Sugar (for topping): Adds a sweet and crunchy topping to the muffins.
- Toasted Pecans (optional, for topping): If included, the pecans provide a nutty crunch and a rich, toasted flavor to the muffin tops.
Tools you'll need
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons
- 12-cup muffin pan
- 12 paper liners
- 2 medium bowls
- Whisk
- Stand mixer with a paddle attachment
- Rubber spatula
- large ice cream scoop
- Wire rack
- Liquid measuring cup
How to Make Pumpkin Apple Muffins
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 375 °F. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan with butter or spray with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the avocado oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until combined, about 1 minute or until fluffy, about 3 minutes (if you're using butter). Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the egg and mix well until combined; scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Finally, beat in the sour cream. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until just combined. (The batter will be very thick) Add the chopped apples and fold in until just combined. Do not over-mix! Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin pan. The cups should be full. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the top.
Bake the Pumpkin Apple Muffins for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove the muffins from the oven, cool them for 5 minutes in the pan, then take them out onto a rack for the Pumpkin Apple Muffins to finish cooling. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Toasted Nut: Instead of pecans, you can use walnuts 0r almonds.
- Avocado Oil: Use any neutral-flavored oil instead of avocado oil.
Variations
- Dry Fruits: Replace the pecans with ⅔ cups of dry fruits such as raisins or cranberry.
- Deluxe: Add ⅔ cranberries or raisins and ½ cup toasted pecans to jazz up your Pumpkin Apple Muffins.
- Topping: Use ½ teaspoon sugar or one teaspoon of nuts per serving.
- Flavor Enhancer: Enhance the flavor by mixing the batter with mix-ins like lemon or orange zest instead of cinnamon.
How to Serve
- Breakfast: Enjoy a Pumpkin Apple Muffin as an easy breakfast option. Pair it with coffee, tea, or your favorite morning beverage.
- Brunch: Serve Pumpkin Apple Muffins as part of a brunch spread. Arrange them with other breakfast items like scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and yogurt on a platter.
- Snack: Pack a Pumpkin Apple Muffin in your lunchbox or enjoy it as an afternoon snack. It's a great pick-me-up treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Dessert: Elevate the muffins to a dessert by serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle caramel sauce or maple syrup over the top for an extra indulgence.
- Party or Gathering: If you're hosting a fall-themed party or gathering, display the Pumpkin Apple Muffins on a dessert table alongside other autumn treats like pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or cider doughnuts.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Pumpkin Apple Muffins, allow them to cool completely, and then transfer them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It's best to arrange them in a single layer to prevent sticking. You can store them at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, individually wrap the muffins in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag to freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Pumpkin Apple Muffins, you have a couple of options. If stored in the refrigerator, you can let them come to room temperature by leaving them on the counter for about 30 minutes to an hour. If you prefer warm muffins, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the muffins on a baking sheet.
Heat them for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual muffins in the microwave. Place one muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 15-20 seconds. Adjust the time based on your microwave's wattage, being cautious not to overheat and dry out the muffins.
Make-Ahead
Pumpkin Apple Muffins can be made a day ahead—store in an airtight container layered with baking parchment. Reheat in a warm oven for 5-8 minutes. Will keep for 2 days in an airtight container in a cool place or 1 week in the refrigerator.
How to Freeze
Scoop the batter into the muffin cups, filling just above three-quarters full. Divide the topping among the muffins, pressing lightly. Freeze until set, about 3 hours. The muffins can be removed to zippered freezer bags at this point and stored for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place the pumpkin apple muffins in a pan and bake until they are lightly golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.
Tips for Making The Best Pumpkin Apple Muffins
- Use fresh ingredients: Choose fresh and ripe apples for the best flavor. Use pumpkin puree without any additives for a pure and authentic pumpkin taste. Freshly ground spices will also enhance the flavor profile of the muffins.
- Properly measure the ingredients: Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial for baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you add the right flour, sugar, and spices—level off the measuring cups with a straight edge for precise measurements.
- Don't overmix the batter: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense and tough muffins. It's okay if there are a few lumps in the batter.
- Use the right apple variety: Choose apples that are crisp and slightly tart, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith. These apple varieties hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Add the pecan and turbinado sugar topping: The crunchy topping adds texture and sweetness to the muffins. Don't skip this step as it elevates the overall taste and presentation. Make sure to evenly sprinkle the topping over each muffin before baking.
- Adjust baking time as needed: Oven temperatures may vary, so keep an eye on the muffins while baking. They should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come clean. If needed, you can bake them for a few minutes longer, but be cautious not to overbake them.
- Let them cool before enjoying: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the muffins to set and prevents them from becoming soggy.
FAQ
What if my muffins are too dry?
Ensure not to over-measure the flours and be careful not to overbake. Add a bit more pumpkin puree for additional moisture if necessary.
Why did my muffins not rise properly?
Check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as it can deflate the leavening agents.
Can I substitute the avocado oil?
Yes, you can use an equal amount of unsalted butter, melted and cooled, or another vegetable oil like canola or coconut oil.
How can I make my muffins moister?
Don't skimp on the wet ingredients, and consider using buttermilk or yogurt for extra tenderness. Also, avoid overmixing once you add the flour.
What type of apples should I use?
Use baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady for their firm texture and balance of sweetness and acidity.
Can I use all-purpose flour entirely?
Yes, you can use only all-purpose flour, though you will lose the nutty flavor and some nutritional benefits of the whole wheat flour.
How do I prevent the apple pieces from sinking to the bottom of the muffins?
Toss the apple pieces in a small amount of the flour mixture before folding them into the batter.
My muffins are too sweet; how can I adjust that?
Reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly, and be mindful of the sweetness of the apples you use.
What if I don't have sour cream?
Plain regular yogurt or buttermilk can be used as a one-to-one substitute for sour cream.
Related Recipes:
- Banana Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Chocolate Banana Muffins
- Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins with Pumpkin Spice
- Pumpkin Muffins with Pecan Streusel
- Strawberry Muffins
- Spiced Apple Muffins
Recipe
Easy Pumpkin Apple Muffins
Tools
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons avocado oil or unsalted butter , at room temperature
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 50 g (¼ cup) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg , room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream , buttermilk, or plain regular yogurt (don't use Greek-style yogurt)
- 125 g (1 cup)whole wheat flour, spooned, leveled off, and sifted
- 125 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour, spooned, leveled-off and sifted
- 5 g 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 5 g 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cups baking apple , peeled, cored, and finely chopped or grated (approx. 2 medium apples) combine with the juice from half a lemon to prevent oxidation.
For the topping:
- 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar or light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons toasted pecans , chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan with butter or spray with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, sift together both flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the avocado oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until combined, about 1 minute or until fluffy, about 3 minutes (if you're using butter). Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the egg and mix well until combined; scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Finally, beat in the sour cream.
- Add the flours mixture and beat on low speed until just combined. (The batter will be very thick) Add the chopped apples and fold in until just combined. Do not over mix! Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin pan. The cups should be full. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the top.
- Bake, the Pumpkin Apple Muffins for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove the muffins from the oven, cool them for 5 minutes in the pan, then take them out onto a rack for the Pumpkin Apple Muffins muffins to finish cooling. Enjoy!
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.