Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with paper liners.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, maple syrup (or honey), and Greek yogurt until combined. Add vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth and uniform.
- Step 3: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Ensure everything is well-distributed.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until the batter is just combined with no more streaks of dry flour. Do not overmix.
- Step 5: Scoop batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Let the muffins cool in the muffin pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Substitutions & Additions: You can use brown sugar (½ to ¾ cup) instead of maple syrup/honey. All-purpose flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can substitute whole wheat flour. Enhance spice with a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, or allspice, or use 1 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice. Full-fat Greek yogurt or regular plain yogurt can be used. Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips, chopped pecans/walnuts, or dried cranberries. For a crunchy crust, sprinkle turbinado sugar on top before baking, or add a streusel topping.
Tips for Success: Do not overmix the batter; a few lumps are normal. Use room temperature egg and Greek yogurt for a smoother batter. Fill muffin cups about three-quarters full for nicely domed tops. Always use the toothpick test to confirm doneness. Cooling in the pan for 10 minutes helps them set, and then on a wire rack prevents soggy bottoms. Prep ahead by whisking dry ingredients the night before.
How to Store: Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days (place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture). For extended freshness, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze completely cooled muffins in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently.
