Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with this exquisite Sugar Pumpkin Apple Muffin recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat, these muffins combine the earthy sweetness of sugar pumpkin with the tartness of fresh apples, creating a harmonious blend of seasonal ingredients. With a moist and tender crumb and a hint of warm spices, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins:
- 1 cup finely diced apple (peeled and cored)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter are fine.
- Fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts, if using, until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh, ripe apples for the best flavor and texture in your muffins. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well in this recipe.
- If you prefer a sweeter muffin, you can increase the amount of sugar to 1 1/4 cups.
- For a healthier twist, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour.
- Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion:
These Sugar Pumpkin Apple Muffins are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of the season. With their tender crumb, warm spices, and bursts of apple sweetness, they are sure to become a new fall favorite in your home. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as part of a festive brunch spread, these muffins are a delicious indulgence that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.