Indulge your senses with the warm, inviting flavors of fall by baking a batch of Brown Sugar Pecan Pumpkin Muffins! These delightful treats are not just muffins; they're a celebration of autumn in every bite. With a perfect balance of rich pumpkin puree, sweet brown sugar, and crunchy pecans, they make for an irresistible breakfast or snack. Ready in just 35 minutes, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand for those cozy mornings or unexpected guests. Trust us, once you taste these muffins, you’ll be dreaming of pumpkin spice season all year round!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. Ensure there are no lumps in the dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough.
- Gently fold in 3/4 of the chopped pecans, reserving some for topping.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 to 3/4 full.
- Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top of each muffin for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for extra sweetness before serving.
Tips
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: If possible, opt for fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned for a richer flavor. Just roast and blend your pumpkin to achieve that perfect texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so be kind to your batter!
- Pecan Substitutes: If you're not a fan of pecans, feel free to swap them out with walnuts or even chocolate chips for a different twist.
- Add Spice: For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dry ingredients. This will enhance the autumnal essence of your muffins.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your muffins a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time. They’re ready when a toothpick comes out clean!
- Storage: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage. Just pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 40mg
