Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Streusel Topping

Introduction

Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Streusel Topping are the ultimate autumn comfort bake — soft, fluffy, and infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Each bite is moist, rich, and perfectly balanced with the sweet, buttery crunch of a cinnamon streusel topping.

These muffins capture everything we love about fall — the cozy aroma, the comforting flavor of pumpkin, and that irresistible bakery-style texture. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or with a cup of coffee on a crisp morning, these muffins bring seasonal joy to every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it embodies the essence of fall baking. The combination of pumpkin puree and aromatic spices fills the kitchen with a fragrance that feels like a warm hug. The muffins come out moist and tender every time, thanks to the pumpkin’s natural richness.

The streusel topping is the best part — a crumbly, buttery layer that adds sweetness and crunch. These muffins aren’t just delicious; they’re easy to make, store beautifully, and feel like a bakery treat without the fuss.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect Fall Treat: A quintessential autumn bake filled with pumpkin spice flavor.
• Buttery Crunch: The streusel topping gives the muffins a lovely texture contrast.
• Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or dessert.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and no mixer needed.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves the cozy taste of pumpkin spice!

Recipe Information

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 12 muffins
• Calories: ~280 kcal per muffin
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Breakfast / Dessert / Snack

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• ¼ cup milk (or buttermilk)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix dry ingredients for muffins.
2. Whisk wet ingredients and combine with dry mixture.
3. Prepare streusel topping.
4. Fill muffin cups, top with streusel, and bake until golden.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix — a few lumps are fine.

Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups (about ¾ full). Sprinkle each with streusel topping.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Serve these pumpkin spice muffins warm or at room temperature.
They’re perfect with:

• A drizzle of maple glaze or cream cheese frosting.
• A dusting of powdered sugar.
• A warm mug of coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa.

They make a lovely addition to breakfast spreads, fall brunches, or holiday dessert tables.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the muffins soft and tender.
• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling (which has added sugar and spices).
• Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture.
• Bake at a higher temperature (375°F) for taller muffin tops.
• Make ahead — these muffins taste even better the next day as flavors deepen.

Variations

• Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a spoonful of sweetened cream cheese mixture in the center before baking.
• Maple Glaze: Drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup.
• Nutty Muffins: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Healthy Version: Replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
• Mini Muffins: Bake smaller versions for bite-sized treats (bake 12–14 minutes).

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

FAQ

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
A: Yes! Just roast, mash, and drain fresh pumpkin to remove excess water before using.

Q: Can I skip the streusel topping?
A: You can, but the streusel adds an irresistible crunch and sweetness.

Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Q: How do I make them dairy-free?
A: Use almond milk or oat milk and plant-based butter for the streusel.

Q: Why did my muffins sink?
A: Overmixing or opening the oven door too early can cause them to collapse — mix gently and avoid peeking during baking.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Streusel Topping are the perfect way to celebrate the cozy flavors of fall. Moist, fluffy, and warmly spiced, they’re elevated by that buttery streusel crunch that makes them feel like a bakery indulgence. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or as an afternoon treat, these muffins bring the essence of pumpkin season straight to your kitchen.