Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the first hints of fall fill the air, I find myself craving the cozy comforts of the season, and nothing says autumn like the warm aroma of freshly baked Soft Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins. These delightful muffins combine a beautifully moist pumpkin base with a spiced crumb topping and a sweet drizzle of maple icing, creating a treat that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. They’re not just easy to make; they also offer the satisfaction of knowing that you’re indulging in a homemade delight, making them a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, with optional dairy-free or vegan adaptations, everyone can enjoy these seasonal gems. So, are you ready to discover how to make the ultimate fall-inspired muffin? Why Will You Adore These Muffins? Irresistible Flavors: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and maple icing makes every bite a cozy, seasonal delight. Customizable Options: Easily adapt these muffins to be vegan or dairy-free without sacrificing flavor. Effortless Baking: Simple steps mean you can whip these up quickly, even on busy mornings. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo with coffee; they always impress. Perfectly Textured: Enjoy the delightful crunch of the crumb topping paired with a moist, fluffy muffin beneath. Homey Aroma: The mouthwatering smell of baking will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to come enjoy! Looking for more comforting fall recipes? Don’t miss out on our delicious Decadent Carrot Cake or indulge in some sweet Strawberry Shortcake Fluff. Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins Ingredients • Here’s everything you need for these delicious pumpkin muffins! For the Muffins • Pumpkin Puree – Moisture and vibrant pumpkin flavor; you can use homemade or canned. • All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and body; try substituting with whole wheat flour for a nutty taste. • Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness; feel free to reduce if the icing’s sweetness is enough for you. • Brown Sugar – This enriches the flavor and moisture; can replace with more granulated sugar if necessary. • Baking Powder – Essential for rising; make sure it’s fresh for best results. • Baking Soda – Works alongside baking powder to help your muffins rise perfectly. • Salt – Enhances all the flavors; cut back if using salted butter. • Pumpkin Pie Spice – A delightful flavor base; mix individual spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger if preferred. • Eggs – Act as a binding agent and add richness; substitute with a flax egg or applesauce for a vegan option. • Vegetable Oil – Keeps muffins moist; melted coconut oil or avocado oil can be good alternatives. • Milk – Combines the batter; almond milk or oat milk work great for a dairy-free version. • Unsalted Butter – Adds rich flavor to the crumb topping; use dairy-free margarine as a substitute. For the Crumb Topping • All-Purpose Flour – Creates the base of your crumb topping; use the same flour as the muffins for consistency. • Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to your crumb topping; you can mix it with brown sugar for depth. • Pumpkin Pie Spice – Ties in the flavors from the muffins; feel free to adjust spice levels for personal taste. • Melted Butter – Binds the crumbs together; you can switch this with coconut oil if dairy-free. For the Icing (Optional) • Powdered Sugar – Basis for a sweet glaze; it dissolves perfectly with maple syrup for a delightful finish. • Maple Syrup – Adds a distinct flavor and sweetness; adjust to achieve desired icing consistency. These Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins promise cozy flavor and delightful textures—time to get baking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins Step 1: Prep Muffin Batter In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes. In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Prepare to unite these mixtures for your delicious Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins. Step 2: Combine Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the vegetable oil and milk, ensuring everything blends smoothly without lumps. The batter should be thick yet pourable, showcasing the beautiful orange hue of the pumpkin. This rich base is what makes your muffins soft and moist. Step 3: Make Crumb Topping In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice to create the crumb topping. Pour in the melted butter and use a fork to mix gently until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly topping will elevate your Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins, adding a delightful sweetness and texture. Step 4: Fill Muffin Cups Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing it thoroughly. Spoon the pumpkin batter into each muffin cup, filling them about two-thirds full. Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over each filled cup, ensuring an even distribution for that perfect crunch on top. The contrasts in texture will make these muffins a hit! Step 5: Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for approximately 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with the enticing aroma of pumpkin and spices, making it hard to resist peeking in on your Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins. Step 6: Cool and Prepare Icing (Optional) Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. If you wish to add a sweet touch, whisk together powdered sugar and maple syrup to form a drizzleable icing. This optional glaze will elevate your muffins even more! Expert Tips for Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature; this helps create a smoother batter and fluffy muffins. Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the batter—gently combine wet and dry ingredients to maintain light and tender texture in your pumpkin crumb cake muffins. Chill the Topping: Chill the crumb topping for a few minutes before sprinkling it on the muffins; this helps it hold together better during baking for that perfect crunch. Don’t Skip the Icing: Drizzling with maple icing can elevate the flavor; adjust the consistency to your preference for a delightful finish. Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to a month to keep the freshness alive! Make Ahead Options These Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prepare the muffin batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Additionally, the crumb topping can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh and crumbly by storing it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy your muffins, preheat your oven, combine the batter, fill the muffin cups, and sprinkle the topping on top before baking. You’ll have warm, delicious muffins with minimal effort, perfect for busy mornings! How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins Room Temperature: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and delicious, ready for a quick snack or breakfast. Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, you can store your muffins in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just ensure they are wrapped tightly to prevent drying out. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave. Reheating: To bring back the fluffy texture, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins! Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins Variations Feel free to explore new dimensions of flavor and texture with these delightful tweaks to the classic pumpkin crumb cake muffins! Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a plant-based twist. Dairy-Free Delight: Use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk and dairy-free margarine instead of butter for those avoiding dairy. Chocoholic Treat: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet contrast with the pumpkin flavor that your sweet tooth will love. Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to boost texture and flavor, making each muffin a nutty, crunchy experience. Warm Spice Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of cardamom to the batter for a warming spice twist that dances on the palate. Oatmeal Crumb Topping: Replace half of the flour in the crumb topping with rolled oats for extra texture and heartiness. Fruit Infusion: Toss in some chopped dried cranberries or raisins for a bit of sweetness and chewy bites that complement the pumpkin beautifully. Herbal Enhancer: Experiment with a hint of fresh ginger or a sprinkle of rosemary in the batter for a unique flavor that will surprise and delight. These muffin variations create endless possibilities for cozy, autumn-inspired baking. Pair them with a cup of coffee or enjoy a slice of Chocolate Brownie Cake for a perfect treat! What to Serve with Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins Indulging in pumpkin crumb cake muffins invites the cozy warmth of fall, and pairing them with complementary dishes elevates your experience. Creamy Maple Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal drizzled with maple syrup echoes the flavors in the muffins while adding a hearty touch. Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in a chai latte harmonize beautifully with the pumpkin and nutmeg notes of the muffins, creating a comforting drink. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of seasonal fruits offers a crisp contrast to the soft muffins, cleansing the palate with each bite. Cinnamon Sugar Toast: This warm, crunchy treat topped with cinnamon sugar mirrors the sweetness of the muffins, enriching your breakfast table. Walnut Coffee Cake: This moist coffee cake with earthy notes complements the pumpkin flavors, making a delightful duo perfect for a fall brunch. Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy yogurt topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon offers a light, wholesome addition to your muffin experience. Warm Apple Cider: Sipping on spiced cider alongside your muffins embraces the festive spirit of autumn and enhances those rich pumpkin flavors. Bourbon Caramel Sauce: Drizzle this luscious sauce over your muffins for an indulgent treat that adds depth and sweetness to each bite. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: A warm salad filled with autumn veggies provides a savory balance to your breakfast, making it a well-rounded meal. Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right pumpkin puree? Absolutely! For the best flavor, use 100% pure pumpkin puree. You can make your own by roasting fresh pumpkin, scooping out the flesh, and blending until smooth. Alternatively, canned pumpkin puree is convenient and works wonderfully—just check the label to avoid fillers. What is the best way to store leftover muffins? To keep your Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days. If you’d like to store them longer, transfer to the fridge, where they can last up to a week—but be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent drying out! Can I freeze these muffins, and if so, how? Absolutely, freezing is a great option! After the muffins have cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a warm treat. What should I do if my muffins are too dense? Very! If your muffins turn out dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter or adding too much flour. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh; old leavening agents can affect rising and texture. Are these muffins suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Yes, indeed! You can easily make these Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins dairy-free by substituting milk with almond milk or oat milk and using margarine in the crumb topping. For a vegan twist, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce. How can I tell when my muffins are done baking? You’ll know your muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, around 22 minutes at 350°F (175°C), to ensure they don’t overbake, which can lead to dryness. Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins: Soft, Spiced Delight Awaits Enjoy the cozy flavors of Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins, a perfect fall treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 22 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 42 minutes mins Servings: 12 muffinsCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanCalories: 210 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Muffins1 cup Pumpkin Puree homemade or canned2 cups All-Purpose Flour can substitute with whole wheat1 cup Granulated Sugar reduce if icing is sweet enough1/2 cup Brown Sugar can replace with more granulated sugar1 tbsp Baking Powder ensure it's fresh1 tsp Baking Soda1/2 tsp Salt cut back if using salted butter2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice or mix individual spices2 large Eggs or substitute with flax egg or applesauce1/2 cup Vegetable Oil or melted coconut oil or avocado oil1/2 cup Milk or almond/oat milk for dairy-free1/4 cup Unsalted Butter can use dairy-free margarineFor the Crumb Topping1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour use same flour as muffins1/4 cup Granulated Sugar can mix with brown sugar1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice adjust spice levels to taste1/4 cup Melted Butter or switch with coconut oilFor the Icing (Optional)1 cup Powdered Sugar dissolves well with maple syrup2 tbsp Maple Syrup adjust to desired consistency Equipment muffin tinMixing bowlsWhiskFork Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsIn a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Whisk until smooth, about 2 minutes.In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.Fold in the vegetable oil and milk until the batter is thick yet pourable.For the crumb topping, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl. Mix in melted butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.Prepare a muffin tin with liners or grease it. Fill each muffin cup with batter about two-thirds full and sprinkle crumb topping evenly.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.Once baked, cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Optionally, whisk together powdered sugar and maple syrup for icing. Nutrition Serving: 1muffinCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, ensure all ingredients are room temperature and avoid overmixing the batter. Store cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
