Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the world of delicious and healthier baking with a recipe that's perfect for the cozy fall season. We'll be making Exquisite Pumpkin Muffins and the best part? They're butter-free!
These muffins are a testament to the fact that you don't need butter to create a moist and flavorful baked treat. Instead, we'll be using the natural goodness of pumpkin to achieve that lovely texture and a burst of warm spices to enhance the flavor. So, let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons 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
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. The pumpkin will add moisture to the muffins, so you won't miss the butter.
4. Blend Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine in muffin batter.
5. Fill the Muffin Cups:
- Using a spoon or scoop, divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. This should yield approximately 12 muffins.
6. Bake to Perfection:
- Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The wonderful aroma of pumpkin and spices will fill your kitchen.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
- Once done, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Optional: Add a Dash of Fall Fun:
- You can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for a touch of sweetness, but these muffins are delicious on their own, highlighting the flavors of pumpkin and spices.
Now, you have a batch of Exquisite Pumpkin Muffins that are not only incredibly moist and flavorful but also butter-free! These make for a delightful breakfast, snack, or even a healthier dessert option. Plus, they're perfect for sharing with friends and family during your fall gatherings. Enjoy the warm, comforting taste of autumn with every bite! 🎃🧁