Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkins originated in Mesoamerica thousands of years ago. Native American groups first cultivated them, along with other types of squash, and spread them throughout the Americas as a staple food source. Only later did American colonists use it in baking.

Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

2 eggs (see note)

¾ cup sugar

¼ cup melted butter, coconut oil OR olive oil

⅓ cup fresh orange juice

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée (see note)

Pumpkin seeds for decoration

Equipment:

Oven
Muffin pan*
Muffin liners
Small bowl
Large bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Timer

Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

2 eggs (see note)

¾ cup sugar

¼ cup melted butter, coconut oil OR olive oil

⅓ cup fresh orange juice

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée (see note)

Pumpkin seeds for decoration

Equipment:

Oven
Muffin pan*
Muffin liners
Small bowl
Large bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Timer

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350º. Prepare your muffin pans with butter and flour or paper liners.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and then add the sugar. Whisk together for 2 minutes until light in color. Slowly pour in the butter and juice then whisk for 3 more minutes.
  4. Whisk in the pumpkin purée.
  5. With a rubber spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture and mix together just until combined.
  6. Prepare your muffin pans with butter and flour or paper liners.
  7. Fill muffin cups a little more than half way to the top. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds. Bake 15-20 minutes until done. Larger pans will take longer. Have an adult touch the top of the muffin gently. If it springs back, the muffins are done.

Notes:

  • For a vegan version, replace the eggs by soaking 1 tbsp flax seeds in 3 tbsp water for 15 minutes, then using it in the mixture in step 3.
  • You can substitute canned pumpkin with 2 cups of roasted butternut, honeynut or kabocha squash.
  • This recipe also works with other types of pans, such as loaf or cake rounds, also work.