Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe

There is something truly magical about autumn mornings made better with a warm, moist muffin filled with the comforting flavors of fall. This Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe captures that cozy feeling perfectly, combining velvety pumpkin goodness with a delightfully crumbly streusel topping that adds just the right amount of sweet crunch. Whether you’re baking these for a weekend breakfast or a seasonal gathering, these muffins deliver irresistible taste and texture that will soon become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing its own character to these Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe. From the rich pumpkin puree adding moisture and color, to the molasses deepening the warm spice notes, every component plays a crucial role in creating a balanced, flavorful muffin.

• ¼ cup butter (softened): Provides creamy richness to the batter and helps create a tender crumb.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning during baking.
• ¼ cup brown sugar: Gives a subtle molasses flavor and enhances the muffin’s moistness.
• 2/3 cup pureed pumpkin: The star ingredient that brings moisture, color, and signature pumpkin flavor.
• ½ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and keeps the muffins wonderfully moist and soft.
• 2 eggs (lightly beaten): Act as binders and add structure to the muffins.
• 2 tablespoons molasses: Deepens the flavor with a rich, slightly sweet, and earthy tone.
• 2 cups flour: Forms the base structure of the muffins.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the muffins rise and become light.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Works with baking soda for perfect lift and fluffiness.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Brings the signature blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to every bite.
• 1/3 cup flour (for topping): Base for the crumbly streusel topping.
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping): Adds sweet, molasses-rich nuggets to the streusel.
• 2 tablespoons butter (for topping): Creates that irresistible buttery crumbliness on top.

How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375F and lining a muffin tin with paper liners. This ensures easy cleanup and helps your muffins release effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important because it creates air pockets, which contribute to the muffins’ light texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Stir in the pureed pumpkin, sour cream, lightly beaten eggs, and molasses. Mixing these together at this stage blends the moisture and rich flavors evenly throughout the batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This blends all dry components and spices, ensuring they’re evenly distributed when added to the wet mix.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture and gently stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as it can make the muffins tough instead of tender and soft.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups

Use a scoop or spoon to fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full. This allows enough room for rising without overflowing.

Step 7: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix together flour and brown sugar. Use a fork to cut in the butter until the mixture looks crumbly. This crumbly topping is what makes this Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe so decadently satisfying.

Step 8: Add the Streusel

Generously sprinkle the crumble topping over each muffin cup, covering the batter completely. This creates a wonderful sweet crust that contrasts with the soft pumpkin interior.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures your muffins are fully cooked but still moist.

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

Let your muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents sogginess and helps preserve the streusel’s crunch.

How to Serve Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of indulgence, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey right before serving. Fresh whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese icing also complements these muffins beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these muffins alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or rich coffee for an inviting breakfast or brunch spread. They also pair wonderfully with a simple fresh fruit salad, helping balance the spices with natural sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe on a rustic wooden board with seasonal decorations like mini pumpkins and cinnamon sticks. For a cozy gathering, wrap each muffin in parchment paper tied with twine for an adorable and giftable breakfast treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll remain fresh and moist for up to three days, perfect for grabbing an easy, delicious snack.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen muffins, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds. For a crispy streusel topping, gently reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350F for 5 to 7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is the most convenient option. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin without added spices or sweeteners for the best results.

What is the purpose of both baking soda and baking powder in the recipe?

Using both helps create the ideal lift and texture. Baking soda reacts with the acidic ingredients like sour cream and molasses, while baking powder provides additional leavening, ensuring the muffins are light but stable.

Can I substitute the sour cream?

Yes, you can replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk. These alternatives maintain moisture and tang, keeping the muffins tender and flavorful.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

With a few swaps, yes! Replace butter with vegan margarine, eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and use plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.

How do I get the streusel topping perfectly crumbly?

Use cold butter cut into the flour and sugar using a fork or pastry cutter. The key is not to overwork the mixture so you retain small lumps of butter, which bake into a delightfully crumbly texture.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of homemade pumpkin treats, and this Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe offers all that and more. Each bite is a celebration of cozy spices, moist pumpkin, and a crunchy sweet topping that’s bound to brighten any morning or afternoon break. Give this recipe a try, and soon you’ll find yourself reaching for these muffins whenever you want a little taste of fall’s magic.

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