Description
Dive into the warm, comforting embrace of autumn with these heavenly Pumpkin Streusel Magic Muffins. Infused with fragrant spices and topped with a delightful crunchy streusel, these muffins are the perfect companion for your pumpkin cravings. Whether you’re serving them up for a fall brunch or enjoying a quiet moment with your favorite book and a cup of tea, these muffins promise a bite of seasonal bliss in every mouthful. Let the aroma fill your kitchen and delight your senses!
Ingredients
Muffin Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
Streusel Topping Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. This step ensures that your muffins bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This creates a uniform dry blend, essential for evenly flavored muffins.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture brings moisture and flavor to your muffins.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. You want to avoid overmixing to ensure a tender muffin texture. Gently fold in the chopped nuts for added crunch.
Step 5: Prepare Streusel Topping
For the streusel topping, mix the flour, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 6: Fill and Top Muffins
Fill each muffin liner about ⅔ full with the batter. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each muffin to create that delightful crunch.
Step 7: Bake Muffins
Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. This will ensure your muffins are fully cooked and ready to delight.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling them fully enhances their flavor and texture.
Notes
Choosing the Right Pumpkin
Using canned pumpkin puree is ideal for this recipe due to its smooth consistency and rich flavor. However, if you choose to use fresh pumpkin, make sure it is properly pureed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture which could affect the final texture of your muffins.
Nutty Alternatives
Feel free to substitute the walnuts or pecans with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for a slightly different crunchy texture and flavor profile. Ensure the nuts are finely chopped for even distribution throughout the muffin.
Dairy-Free Option
For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute the milk with almond milk or any other non-dairy milk alternative. The result will be equally delicious while accommodating any dietary needs.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to three months, just ensure they are fully cooled before freezing to maintain their texture.
Spice It Up
The pumpkin pie spice can be adjusted to your taste. If you like a spicier flavor, consider adding an extra pinch of nutmeg or cloves. This slight tweak can bring out a fuller autumnal aroma and taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes