These Moist Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and earthy pumpkin, offering a sweet and spicy flavor perfect for fall. The combination of cocoa, pumpkin, and warming spices creates a moist, tender muffin that’s ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether you're enjoying them with a cup of coffee or packing them in a lunchbox, these muffins are a must-try seasonal treat!
Key Information:
- Preparation time:
15 minutes
- Cooking time:
20-25 minutes
- Total time:
40 minutes
- Number of servings:
12 muffins
- Serving size:
1 muffin
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories:
220 kcal
- Protein:
4g
- Carbohydrates:
32g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat:
3g
- Fiber:
3g
- Sugar:
18g
- Sodium:
180mg
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 150g (1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 50g (1/2 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) ground cloves (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 200g (1 cup) canned pumpkin puree
- 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 50g (1/4 cup) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 60ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- 120ml (1/2 cup) milk or dairy-free alternative
Mix-Ins:
- 100g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate chips (optional)
Method of Preparation:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper
liners or lightly grease it.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda,
baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt until well
combined. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated
sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually
stir in the milk until the wet mixture is fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture,
stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can
result in dense muffins.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips (if using),
ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill Muffin Tins:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4
full.
- Bake:
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes
out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan
for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently mix the batter until just combined to avoid
tough muffins. Overmixing can make them dense.
- Room Temperature Eggs:
Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate more smoothly into the
batter, resulting in fluffier muffins.
- Pumpkin Puree Consistency: Make sure to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie
filling, as the latter is sweetened and spiced.
- Add Texture:
For added texture, sprinkle extra chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top
of the batter before baking.
- Test for Doneness:
Check the muffins a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time;
ovens vary, and you don’t want to overbake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I freeze these muffins? Yes, these muffins freeze beautifully. Let them cool
completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up
to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for
a few seconds.
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Absolutely! Just be sure to puree the cooked pumpkin
until smooth, and drain any excess moisture before using.
- Can I make these muffins gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a
gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 ratio for best results.
- What can I use as an oil substitute? You can use melted butter, coconut oil, or even
unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat alternative, though applesauce may
make the muffins slightly denser.
- Are these muffins dairy-free? Yes, as long as you use a dairy-free milk alternative
and dairy-free chocolate chips, this recipe is completely dairy-free.
These Moist Chocolate Pumpkin
Muffins are the ultimate fall treat, offering the rich flavor of chocolate combined
with the subtle warmth of pumpkin and spices. Perfect for cozy mornings or a
sweet afternoon snack, these muffins will quickly become a seasonal favorite
you’ll want to make again and again.