Best Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins to Try Now

If you are craving something warm, moist, and packed with the cozy flavors of autumn, these Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins are your ultimate go-to treat. Bursting with inviting spices and topped with a crunchy crumb, these muffins bring that perfect balance of sweet and spicy, making them ideal for cozy mornings or a delightful snack anytime. The Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins are not only flavorful but also wonderfully textured, offering a soft, tender bite in every mouthful along with a satisfying crunch on top. Whether you bake these for a family breakfast, a festive gathering, or just a comforting moment to yourself, they are sure to become an instant favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Autumn Flavors: The warming combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves perfectly complements the natural sweetness of pumpkin.
• Moist and Tender Texture: These muffins remain delightfully soft inside thanks to the pumpkin puree and a touch of plant-based dairy (plant-based) yogurt.
• Crunchy Crumb Topping: A buttery crumb topping with a natural gelling agent adds the perfect crunchy contrast to each muffin bite.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find spices, this recipe is approachable for any home baker.
• Versatile Snack: Great for breakfast, afternoon treats, or even a healthy dessert alternative.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that come together beautifully to enhance the flavor, texture, and color of the muffins. Each pantry staple plays a key role from the pumpkin puree for moisture and flavor to the crunchy topping that seals the deal.

• Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and vibrant orange color packed with subtle natural sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping muffins soft; you can use whole wheat for a nuttier hint.
• Brown sugar: Contributes depth and richness with its molasses undertones.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Help the muffins rise perfectly and stay light.
• Warm spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves brings that signature autumn warmth.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Adds an unexpected umami boost to intensify the pumpkin flavor.
• Plant-based dairy (plant-based) yogurt: Keeps the muffins moist and tender with a subtle tang.
• Vegetable oil: Ensures a moist crumb without any heaviness.
• Vanilla extract (natural): Enhances all other flavors effortlessly.
• For the crumb topping: Brown sugar, cinnamon, oat flour, and cold plant-based butter (plant-based) combined with a natural gelling agent deliver the perfect crisp bite.

Variations for Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins

Feel free to make the Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins your own! This recipe is incredibly adaptable whether you want to switch ingredients, cater to dietary preferences, or explore different flavors. Here are some delicious ideas for you to try.

• Nutty Add-in: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for some satisfying crunch inside the muffins.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs to make each bite a treat.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for allergy-friendly baking.
• Sweet Swirl: Create a swirl of date syrup (natural) or maple syrup (natural) in the batter before baking.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warm, spicy complexity.

How to Make Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the crumb topping

Start by mixing the brown sugar, cinnamon, oat flour, and a small amount of natural gelling agent in a bowl. Cut cold plant-based butter (plant-based) into the mixture using a fork or pastry cutter until it forms coarse crumbs. Set this aside to chill while you make the batter.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and your blend of warm spices. This dry mixture is the base that will provide structure and flavor.

Step 3: Mix wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, plant-based dairy (plant-based) yogurt, vegetable oil, brown sugar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and vanilla extract (natural) until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Bring wet and dry mixture together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Overmixing can lead to denser muffins, so mix only until you see no more dry flour.

Step 5: Bake the muffins

Divide the batter evenly into a lined or greased muffin tin. Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping generously over each muffin. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and enjoy

Allow the muffins to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. These Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins

• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense muffins due to too much flour.
• Mix batter gently: Stir only until ingredients are combined to maintain a tender crumb.
• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend better giving a smoother batter consistency.
• Don’t skip the crumb topping: It adds texture and flavor that truly sets these muffins apart.
• Check muffins early: Start testing for doneness around 18 minutes to avoid overbaking.

How to Serve Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins

Garnishes

Adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of date syrup (natural) on top can elevate the presentation and add a touch more sweetness without overpowering the spices.

Side Dishes

Pairing these muffins with a cup of hot spiced grape juice or a warm bowl of plant-based dairy (plant-based) chai latte complements their rich flavors beautifully for a comforting snack or breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the muffins stacked in a rustic basket lined with a cozy linen napkin or sliced in half with a smear of cinnamon-spiced plant-based dairy (plant-based) cream cheese for a decadent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain their moist texture and keeps the crumb topping crisp.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Warm muffins in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive their fresh-baked softness and crumbly topping.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and helps achieve that moist texture and rich pumpkin flavor in the muffins.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free for a safe and tasty alternative.

How long will the muffins stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these muffins stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature and about a week in the refrigerator.

Can I use a different plant-based dairy (plant-based) yogurt?

Definitely. Whether almond, coconut, or soy-based yogurt, they all work well and contribute moisture while keeping the muffins tender.

What is the natural gelling agent in the crumb topping?

The crumb topping uses a small amount of a natural gelling agent to help bind and create that satisfying, crisp texture on top without affecting flavors.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins perfectly capture the essence of cozy fall mornings and comforting snack times with each bite full of warm spices, moist pumpkin, and a delightful crumbly topping. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your favorites to make year-round. So grab your mixing bowls and enjoy baking these irresistible muffins that bring a little slice of autumn into your kitchen any day you want.

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