Oh heyyyy I’m back from a summer off from writing up recipes here! Mostly I didn’t create any of my own and also have been a bit basic with my baking (you can check out what I’ve been up to on Instagram if you’re really curious). But it’s now fall and it’s definitely baking season for literally everyone who’s ever been inclined to bake. I think that the cool air has got people enjoying being cozy inside. In light of the holiday and festivities coming in November and December (honestly even October for Halloween I guess), everyone is looking to fall bakes. I find that often times they’re too sugary and sweet for me. I like to have a good balance with healthier foods, so this is my version of a healthy pumpkin muffin! Basically, lower sugar, more pumpkin (it’s a fruit and a good source of fiber), and some nuts to balance it all off. A much healthier alternative to my typical chocolate chip pumpkin muffin with streusel topping.
Traditionally pumpkin breads can be really heavy, like it’s so sweet it really shouldn’t be a breakfast food but yet people call them breads. In all honesty, they’re a dessert. Or maybe you already know that, haha. But I love a good quick bread that’s perfect for any time of day weather for breakfast on the go, an afternoon snack, or even a hiking motivator. These still hit the spot for that slightly sweet tooth but feels jam packed with energy from the nuts and bursts of flavor. You won’t feel bad about eating one muffin and you might even be reaching over for more! These are sooo good!
Some things to note: this is a fairly standard quick bread. Make sure everything is incorporated well so you don’t have lumps of flour. You can put whatever nuts you want in (or none at all), but generally I think pecan works best with pumpkin. I wouldn’t put in walnuts – that’s apple’s companion. Pistachio gives it a nice elevated taste too that really adds depth to the muffin. Truly, I mean it! The combo of the pistachio and pecan is the perfect substitute for using chocolate chips. Plain pumpkin muffins are too boring anyway.
I add a bit of cardamom for that rich pumpkin spice flavor. Technically it’s not in pumpkin pie spice, but it’s one of those spices that work really well in small amounts and complements cinnamon. If you don’t have it, that’s fine, but if you do, worth a try! Oh and before I forget, I also do a little combo with the maple syrup cause, you know, it’s fall. What would fall be without maple syrup? Plus it’s less processed than white sugar. That means healthier, right?
Okay, without further adieu, here’s the recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
P.S. This muffin was super great to take on a hike. Pack it in the top of your bag or put it in a tupperware to prevent from getting squished.
Healthy Nutty Pumpkin Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup unbleached all purpose flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 can pumpkin purée, 15oz (almost 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup milk (I use soy milk)
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup pistachio, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a standard muffin tin (12 muffins).
- In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, baking powder, salt). If you have time, sift it for a lighter batter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and maple syrup. Then combine all the wet ingredients (pumpkin, milk, oil).
- Pour half of the flour mixture into the wet. Mix until just combined. Then pour in the rest of the flour mixture and mix again till combined. No need to over mix.
- Reserve a handful of nuts. Fold in the rest of the nuts (aka mix it in gently).
- Fill each muffin mold about 3/4 full. Top with the reserved nuts. Bake for 25 min or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
- To make into a loaf, bake for 55-65 min (but check that an inserted knife comes out clean)
- Loosely based on Love and Lemon's recipe
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @vanillawhisk on Instagram
