Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Name: Pumpkin Spice Muffins With Crumble Topping
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour*; 1 cup all-purpose flour*; 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats (quick oats work fine, too); 3 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups (or one 15-ounce can) pumpkin puree; 1 cup sugar (use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative); 2/3 cup avocado oil or melted coconut oil; 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons butter, softened; 1/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats (quick oats will work, too); 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour

4.9 /5

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By: Polly ConnerPosted: 9/26/21Updated: 6/17/25

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This tried and true Pumpkin Spice Muffins recipe will quickly become part of your fall baking rotation. Imagine all the delicious flavors of autumn packed into a fluffy, moist, nutritious muffin. The sweet and slightly crunchy crumble topping takes these to the next level.

You also might like our Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies!

Pumpkin Spice Muffins with a crumble topping sitting on a cooling rack with parchment paper.

“Great for breakfast. My husband loves to take them to work for a morning snack. So easy to make.” – Judith

Table of Contents

Reasons You’ll Love this Recipe

Say hello THE pumpkin muffin of the season. Here are a few reasons you’ll love this recipe:

They are absolutely delicious! Thanks to the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves this pumpkin muffin has so much depth of flavor. Top that off with a crumble topping and you will find yourself clamoring for more!
This recipe uses a whole can of pumpkin. Yay for minimal waste!
They are a great make-ahead breakfast recipe.
They are a kid-favorite meal around our house. I even pack them in their lunch boxes.
They are freezer-friendly breakfast. I make a big batch and freeze these in freezer bags.
Savory muffins pair perfectly with smoothies. A few mornings a week, I blend our Tropical Smoothie, reheat a few of these muffins in the microwave (only takes 90 seconds), and pass them off as he’s heading out the door.

Key Ingredients

Old fashioned rolled oats – quick oats work fine!
Spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, ground ginger
Pumpkin puree – This recipe uses a whole can. We love when a pumpkin recipe minimizes waste.
Unsweetened applesauce – Aa healthy substitute for some of that oil. If you don’t have this one hand, you can substitute oil or butter.

A pumpkin spice muffin cut in half with a stack of pumpkin muffins in the background.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Muffins

As with most muffin recipes, you’ll mix together the wet ingredients in one bowl, and dry ingredients in another. Then combine just until mixed together (don’t overdo it or they will get tough).

If you’re using coconut oil, be sure to melt it first and drizzle it in as you’re whisking the wet ingredients. That way it won’t clump up on you.

Dry Ingredients for pumpkin spice muffins in a mixing bowl.

Tips for the Crumble Topping

While the crumble topping on these muffins is entirely optional, I’d highly recommend including it.

It adds extra flavor and texture which I think takes these muffins to the next level.

One tool I use to make crumbling up that topping easier is a pastry cutter. It gets the butter mixed in quickly and it’s just fun to use! If you don’t have one, just use a fork.

Crumble topping for pumpkin spice muffins in a mixing bowl.

Baking Tips

I personally love using silicone muffin liners when I make muffin recipes. The muffins slide out of them so easily and they clean quickly in soapy water.
While we give a fairly accurate baking time, it’s important to know that your timing might be a bit different depending on your oven and your altitude. The best way to check is to give the middle of the muffins a gentle tap. If they don’t sink in from the light pressure, they are done!
Let muffins cool in the muffin tin for 10-15 minutes before trying to remove them.

A stack of pumpkin spice muffins with crumble topping.

How to Freeze Pumpkin Muffins

Freeze For Later:

Bake muffins as directed. 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 this entire post on how to store and freeze muffins for more info!

Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Crumble Topping in a freezer bag.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Muffins

While these healthy muffins have enough nutrition to stand alone as their own breakfast, here are some great recipe ideas to serve alongside them:

Brown eggs on a rack inside an Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

Fruit salad in a white serving bowl with a wooden spoon.

Classic Fruit Salad

How to Bake Bacon in the Oven

7 Frozen Smoothie Packs (+ Printable with Shopping List)

FAQs

What’s the best way to store muffins?

You can store these at room temperature, in the fridge, or freeze them. Use an airtight container and line them with paper towels to absorb moisture.

Do I have to use the crumble topping?

No, the muffins are still flavorful and delicious without it but after trying both ways I much prefer them with the crumble topping. (My kids do too!)

Can I make these mini muffins?

Yes! In fact, I usually double the recipe and make on batch regular sized and one batch mini muffins. They will cook much faster (10-15 minutes) so keep an eye on them!

Polly Conner

As co-founder of Thriving Home, Polly’s passionate about helping busy parents get dinner on the table. With a house full of kids, dogs, and (usually) a DIY project in the works, she knows firsthand how every minute (and every dollar) counts. As a business owner, she enjoys wearing multiple hats and serves best as a project manager for Thriving Home.