Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins

Soft and moist, Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the warm flavors of pumpkin pie spice with a sweet crumble topping. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, these muffins bring seasonal comfort to any table. With a drizzle of maple icing, they offer a unique twist that makes them stand out from ordinary muffins. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something delicious, these muffins are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a rich and comforting taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can whip up these muffins effortlessly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These muffins are great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra touch of flavor.
• Moist and Tender Texture: Each bite is soft and satisfying thanks to the perfect blend of ingredients.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your muffins, gather the essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Muffin pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Fork
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Muffin pan: Ensures uniform shape and cooking time for each muffin.
• Mixing bowls: Different sizes help separate wet and dry ingredients efficiently.
• Whisk: Ideal for mixing ingredients quickly and thoroughly without lumps.

Ingredients

Soft and moist pumpkin crumb cake muffins with pumpkin pie spice and maple icing topping.

For the Muffins

• 1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) canola or vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 and 1/2 cups (340g) canned pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk, at room temperature

For the Crumb Topping

• 3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice
• 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Maple Icing

• 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar
• 2 Tablespoons (30ml) pure maple syrup
• 2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk

How to Make Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or line it with cupcake liners. Since this recipe yields 15 muffins, prepare a second muffin pan in the same manner.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:
* 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
* 1/2 teaspoon salt

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together:
* 1/2 cup canola oil
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1 and 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree
* 2 large eggs
* 1/4 cup milk

Once combined, pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Prepare Muffin Batter

Spoon the batter into the prepared liners, filling them almost full.

Step 5: Make Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
* 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Using a fork, lightly mix in:
* 6 tablespoons melted butter

Continue mixing until crumbs form; avoid over-mixing. Spoon these crumbs evenly on top of the muffin batter, gently pressing them down.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes at 425°F. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C), keeping the muffins inside. Bake for an additional 16–17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The total baking time should be around 21–22 minutes. Allow cooling in the pan for about ten minutes while you prepare the icing.

Step 7: Prepare Maple Icing

In a bowl, whisk together:
* 1 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
* 2 tablespoons maple syrup
* 2 tablespoons milk

Once smooth, drizzle over warm muffins before serving.

These Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins will surely delight anyone lucky enough to try them! Enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins

These pumpkin crumb cake muffins are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Enjoy with Coffee

• Pair your muffins with a warm cup of coffee for a comforting morning treat. The flavors of pumpkin and spices complement the rich coffee perfectly.

Serve with Cream Cheese Spread

• A light layer of cream cheese spread adds creaminess and tang, balancing the sweetness of the muffins. It also makes for an indulgent afternoon snack.

Top with Whipped Cream

• For a dessert twist, top your muffins with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds lightness and pairs beautifully with the spices in the muffins.

Accompany with Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or berries for a refreshing contrast. The natural sweetness of the fruit enhances the muffin flavor.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• For an extra special treat, enjoy your muffins warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The melt-in-your-mouth combination is irresistible!

How to Perfect Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins

To ensure your pumpkin crumb cake muffins turn out soft and delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing eggs and milk to room temperature helps them combine better, resulting in a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients until just combined to keep your muffins tender and fluffy.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense muffins. Too much flour can lead to dryness.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off to prevent overbaking. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
• Store Properly: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for short-term freshness or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. A bit more cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins

These muffins can be complemented by several delicious side dishes that enhance their flavors. Consider these options for a complete meal or snack.

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a nutritious side that balances sweetness.
2. Chai Tea: The spiced notes in chai tea pair wonderfully with pumpkin flavors, making it an ideal beverage choice.
3. Maple Oatmeal: Serve warm maple-flavored oatmeal alongside your muffins for a cozy breakfast option.
4. Cinnamon Applesauce: A side of cinnamon applesauce offers moisture and sweetness that complements the muffin’s texture.
5. Roasted Nuts: A small bowl of roasted nuts provides crunch and protein, creating a satisfying contrast to soft muffins.
6. Fruit Salad: Brighten up your plate with a colorful fruit salad that adds freshness and acidity to balance the richness of the muffins.
7. Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate makes for a comforting pairing during chilly days, enhancing the muffin experience.
8. Cheese Board: Create a small cheese board with mild cheeses that won’t overpower the flavor but will provide savory notes alongside sweet muffins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes can make your Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins turn out perfectly. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or milk can affect the batter’s consistency. Always make sure to bring these ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones. Mix just until combined to keep your muffins tender.
• Not accurately measuring flour: Too much flour can make your muffins dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for precise measurements.
• Ignoring oven temperature adjustments: Baking at incorrect temperatures can alter the texture and doneness. Follow the recipe’s instructions carefully, especially when reducing the temperature partway through baking.
• Using stale spices: Fresh spices add flavor, so always check that your baking spices, like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, are fresh for the best taste.
• Forgetting to cool before icing: Icing warm muffins can cause it to melt away. Allow them to cool slightly before drizzling on the icing.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep muffins at room temperature for optimal texture.

Freezing Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins

• Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat muffins for 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual muffins on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins moist?

To ensure moisture, use canned pumpkin puree and avoid overbaking. Keeping your ingredients at room temperature also helps achieve that perfect texture.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option while still maintaining good texture in your Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins.

What spices work well with Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins?

In addition to pumpkin pie spice, consider adding nutmeg or ginger. These spices enhance the flavor profile beautifully!

How long do Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins last?

When stored properly, they last up to 2 days at room temperature and up to 3 months when frozen.

Can I customize my Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit for a twist on this classic recipe.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins are not only soft and moist but also bursting with warm flavors from pumpkin pie spices. They are perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack throughout the day. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings—this recipe is versatile enough to satisfy any palate!

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