Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins
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These gluten free pumpkin muffins are high in fiber and protein, low in carbs, made with coconut flour, and are absolutely delicious. Double the batch and stick some in the freezer for another time.
Say hello to a gluten free recipe that is delicious and turning into a kid-favorite around our house!
Even my health-food-resistant husband admitted such.
Beyond the delightful slightly coconutty taste and moist texture of these gluten free pumpkin muffins, there are some other key reasons to start making this recipe on a regular basis.
Why Gluten Free Muffins?
I’m becoming more and more convinced that we eat waaaay too much of the same thing.
I know, I know. Michael Pollan actually said that first. Or maybe he was just heard by the masses first. Pollan’s point is that when we’re eating processed foods, all we’re eating is corn and more corn and more corn. But, I’m not just talking about processed foods. I think even families like ours who are trying to eat a real food diet consume too much of the same thing–namely wheat.
I’ve been wondering why it is that we’ve got skyrocketing numbers of children and adults alike with gluten allergies and intolerances now. I’m no expert, but could the gluten problems today be because we consume far too much wheat? Maybe our bodies aren’t made to tolerate it in the mass quantities that we consume it. My own family’s diet is certainly focused around gluten-rich foods, whether it’s bread, pasta, pumpkin pancakes, pizza dough, or a baked good.
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not tossing good old whole wheat out the window. I think there is nutritional value to be found there. But, because I’m convinced we need wider variety in our diet, I’ve been experimenting with baking with different types of flours lately.
Why I Love Coconut Flour
Coconut flour is my newest obsession. It’s
- High in fiber
- High in protein
- Low in carbohydrates
- Gluten-free
I was skeptical that it would bake up nicely, but it worked wonderfully in this gluten free pumpkin muffin recipe I devised.
Although slightly denser than a regular muffin, it still had a nice texture and great flavor.
Sticker Shock Warning
Perhaps I should warn you. When you first go to buy coconut flour in the natural food section, you’ll have a little sticker shock. But, the price isn’t as bad as it seems at first glance.
That’s because you only need a 1/2 cup of coconut flour to produce 12 muffins. A typical wheat muffin recipe would require at least 1 and 1/2 cups.
How to Make Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins
Mix the Ingredients
In a small bowl, mix together the coconut flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, yogurt, maple syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and pumpkin.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and whisk well to combine until no lumps remain and batter is thick. (The great thing about coconut flour is that you can’t over mix it!)
Stir in the chocolate chips to the batter. The batter will be thicker than pancake batter but thinner than your typical muffin recipe.
Divide into muffin cups and bake
Evenly divide the batter into muffin cups. I found that a cookie scoop worked well for this task. Because the batter is a bit runnier than in typical muffin recipes, it often took two scoops to fill the muffin liner.
About Silicone Muffin Liners
I like using silicone muffin liners for many reasons:
- They are sustainable – A one-time purchase of a 12-pack of cups can yield a lifetime of muffin (and cupcake!) baking.
- They’re effective – They release baked goods easily and cleanly. No need to alter cooking times either.
- They’re multipurpose – I often times put my kids’ snacks in them for school lunches. I also use them at mealtimes for things like berries to keep foods separated on the plate.
- They’re easy to wash – While they are dishwasher safe, I prefer to give them a quick scrub in warm soapy water. The crumbs come right off!
Bake the Muffins
Bake for approximately 22-25 minutes, until top and edges begin to turn a light golden brown. The muffin should spring back when you touch lightly on the top.
Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before serving.
Ways to Use Extra Pumpkin
Don’t throw away the pumpkin you didn’t use. You can freeze it and use in recipes like:
How to Freeze Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins
Freeze For Later:
Bake muffins as stated in directions. Place muffins on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flash freeze the muffins long enough to harden them up. Once frozen, transfer them to freezer safe bag or container.
Prepare From Frozen:
Let them thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can also stick them in the microwave for a brief time to warm them up.
Read more here on how to freeze and store muffins.
Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!
Gluten Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
These fall-flavored muffins are high in fiber and protein, low in carbs, gluten free and delicious, too! Try a batch and stick some in the freezer for another time.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 large eggs
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
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Instructions
Make It Now:
- Preheat oven to 350°F degrees.
- Grease your 12 cup muffin tin or use muffin cups.
- In a small bowl, mix together the coconut flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, yogurt, maple syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and pumpkin.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir well to combine until no lumps remain and batter is thick. (The great thing about coconut flour is that you can’t over mix it!)
- Stir in the chocolate chips to the batter. (Note: The batter will be thicker than pancake batter but thinner than peanut butter.)
- Divide the batter between the muffin cups evenly.
- Bake for approximately 22-25 minutes, until top and edges begin to turn a light golden brown. The muffin should spring back when you touch lightly on the top.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before serving.
Freeze for Later: Bake muffins as directed in recipe. Let cool completely. Put muffins in freezer safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Prepare From Frozen: Remove muffins from freezer and thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm them in microwave.
Notes/Tips
Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free yogurt, like So Delicious brand. Use melted coconut oil in place of the butter. Use dairy-free chocolate chips, like Enjoy Life brand.
You may also enjoy our Gluten Free Banana Muffins made in the blender!
Want More Make Ahead Breakfast Ideas?
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These are so moist and delicious!
I didn’t have plain yogurt, so substituted siur cream and used dark chocolate chips instead! Even my picky six year old loves them!
★★★★★
Hi Annette! I always use dark chocolate chips and have substituted sour cream for yogurt on many occasions. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and let others know what worked for you!
These were awesome. Very moist and light. The best coconut flour recipe I have tried yet!
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback. I haven’t tried very many coconut flour recipes myself yet, so I was initially nervous when I created this one. But, our family enjoyed it so much that I thought I’d share. Maybe it was a happy accident, but I’ll take it. 🙂
Hi Rachel! I just found you through your guest post on Kitchen Stewardship and loved it. This recipe looks like a good one to perhaps get my feet wet with coconut flour 🙂 I was wondering if you have ever made it in bread form? For some reason my family thinks it tastes better that way! I’m guessing I’d have to play with the baking temp and time? Let me know what you think
Hi Eliz,
So glad you stopped by! This was one of my first recipes using coconut flour myself, so I’m afraid I can’t offer too many suggestions for you just yet. However, I’ve found that Kelly over at Nourishing Home (www.thenourishinghome.com) understands and can explain the science behind baking with coconut flour. She’s also got some fantastic coconut flour recipes you might want to try. I’m sure if you asked her this question, she would know!
What’s a good sub for the kefir/yogurt? I have a friend I’m making frozen snacks/meals for after her baby’s born, but her family can’t do dairy (or wheat).
Great question. When our family has been dairy-free during different stretches, I found that plain almond milk was a good alternative in most recipes. You might also see if your health food store carries coconut yogurt, as that will provide a richer texture and pair nicely with the coconut flour flavor. Just double check that there is no lactose or dairy ingredients in it.
These look tasty. Save one for me when we visit.
Sorry, Mom, they were gone in just a few short days!