Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Topping

Why These Pumpkin Muffins Are Your New Fall Favorite

When fall arrives, nothing beats the comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin treats. These Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Topping deliver all the cozy autumn vibes you crave. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm pumpkin spice flavor, these muffins are elevated with a buttery cinnamon streusel topping that gives them that irresistible bakery-quality crunch.

Whether you’re looking for an easy breakfast option, a sweet snack to pair with your coffee, or a show-stopping addition to your fall brunch table, these pumpkin muffins fit the bill. They are simple to make, use pantry staples, and can be whipped up quickly for busy mornings.

In this article, you’ll find a thorough recipe, expert baking tips, ingredient substitutions, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions. Plus, we’ll discuss storage ideas and serving suggestions to help you enjoy these muffins at their best.

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Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Perfect Pumpkin Muffins

For the Muffins:

• All-purpose flour: The base for the muffin batter.

• Pumpkin purée: Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.

• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and rich sweetness.

• Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and creates structure.

• Vegetable oil: Keeps muffins moist and tender.

• Eggs: Bind and provide richness.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps with texture.

• Baking powder & baking soda: Leavening agents that help muffins rise.

• Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to give that classic fall flavor.

• Ground cinnamon: Enhances the spice profile.

• Salt: Balances the flavors.

• Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor.

For the Streusel Topping:

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the crumb topping.

• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture.

• Ground cinnamon: Essential for that warm, spicy flavor.

• Cold unsalted butter: Cut into small pieces; creates the buttery crumb topping.

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Step-by-Step Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe

Preparing Your Muffin Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients: pumpkin purée, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix — a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough muffins.

Making the Streusel Topping

5. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold butter pieces, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assembling and Baking

6. Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.

7. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over each muffin.

8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

9. Cool the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tips for Bakery-Style Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel

• Use room temperature eggs and milk for better batter consistency.

• Do not skip the oil; it keeps the muffins moist and tender.

• Cold butter is key for the streusel topping to create a crumbly texture.

• Add-ins: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips for extra texture.

• Test doneness early: Ovens vary, so start checking at 18 minutes.

• Let muffins cool fully before storing to avoid sogginess.

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Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• Vegan Pumpkin Muffins: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a plant-based milk.

• Maple Streusel Topping: Add 1 tbsp maple syrup to the streusel mixture before baking for extra sweetness.

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins: Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a decadent twist.

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Storing and Freezing Pumpkin Muffins

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigeration: Keeps muffins fresh for up to a week but may dry them out slightly. Rewarm before serving.

• Freezing: Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Topping

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

No, canned pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that can affect the texture and flavor. Always use pure pumpkin purée.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can make your own blend: 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ginger, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum or another binder.

How can I make the muffins more moist?

Don’t overbake and be sure to include oil or butter in the batter. Also, avoid overmixing.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips after mixing the batter.

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Why Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Are the Ultimate Fall Breakfast

These muffins perfectly balance soft, tender crumb with a crunchy, buttery streusel topping, evoking that bakery-style experience we all crave. The warm spices combined with pumpkin’s natural moisture create a treat that’s both comforting and satisfying. Plus, they’re portable and easy to enjoy on-the-go or with your favorite coffee.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese.

• Pair with a hot latte, chai tea, or apple cider.

• Pack them for breakfast on-the-go or as a school lunchbox treat.

• Make a brunch spread with fresh fruit and yogurt alongside.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Muffin)

• Calories: 250

• Fat: 11g

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Protein: 3g

• Sugar: 18g

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Topping recipe offers a bakery-quality treat that’s simple enough to make any day of the week. The combination of soft, fluffy muffins with a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping makes these perfect for cozy fall mornings, easy breakfasts, or delightful snacks.

With straightforward ingredients, easy instructions, and customizable options, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe all autumn long. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the warm, inviting aroma of fall baking in your own kitchen!

If you’re ready to impress your family or guests with a bakery-style pumpkin muffin that’s bursting with flavor, this recipe is your new go-to.