Pumpkin Spice Muffins Recipe
If you adore the cozy flavors of autumn, then these Pumpkin Spice Muffins are an absolute must-bake in your kitchen. Bursting with warm spices, tender pumpkin, and delightful bursts of pecans and raisins, these muffins bring the perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite. Whether it’s for a morning treat, afternoon snack, or festive gathering, Pumpkin Spice Muffins deliver that comforting hug of flavor that feels like fall wrapped into a muffin cup.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients is the secret to creating Pumpkin Spice Muffins with rich flavor and fluffy texture. Each component plays a special role, from the aromatic blend of spices to the moist pumpkin that ensures every bite stays soft and satisfying.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and crumb for the muffins, ensuring they hold their shape beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the muffins rise to a light, airy perfection without being dense.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness naturally.
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice: This iconic blend brings that unforgettable warm, spicy character essential to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg: Adds a slightly sweet, nutty note that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right; not overpowering but enough to highlight the spices.
- ¾ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist and tender for days.
- ½ cup canned solid packed pumpkin: The star ingredient providing moisture, flavor, and that pleasing orange hue.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and lift the batter for that perfect muffin height.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle sweet fragrance.
- ½ cup chopped pecans: Adds crunch and a buttery richness that pairs beautifully with the spices.
- ½ cup raisins: Bursts of natural sweetness and chewiness that elevate every bite.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Begin by warming up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing a cupcake tin with liners. This sets the stage and ensures your muffins bake evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Plump the Raisins
Place your raisins in a small bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for about five minutes to become delightfully plump and juicy, which prevents them from drying out during baking. Then drain and set them aside for later.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, Pumpkin Pie Spice, and freshly ground nutmeg. This dry mix forms the flavor-packed foundation for your muffins.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. This wet mixture brings moisture and richness to the muffins, complementing the dry ingredients perfectly.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Carefully add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and tender. Then gently fold in the plumped raisins and chopped pecans for texture and bursts of sweetness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly among your muffin cups and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the muffins turn golden brown and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool slightly before diving in.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Garnishes
Enhance your Pumpkin Spice Muffins with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance. Toasted pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top also add wonderful aroma and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, balancing savory and sweet beautifully. For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a yogurt parfait topped with fresh fruit and granola.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange Pumpkin Spice Muffins on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small pumpkins, autumn leaves, and cinnamon sticks. You can also serve them warm with a pat of melting butter or a swirl of honey for an irresistible fall-inspired spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Pumpkin Spice Muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and tasty for up to one week, perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring frozen muffins back to life, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds. You can also warm them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes for a crispy edge and soft center.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter in these Pumpkin Spice Muffins?
Absolutely! Melted butter will add a lovely richness and slightly different texture, making the muffins a bit denser but deliciously flavorful.
Is canned pumpkin the same as fresh pumpkin for this recipe?
Canned pumpkin is preferable here because it has a consistent moisture content and smooth texture. Fresh pumpkin can be used if cooked and pureed well, but adjust moisture accordingly.
Can I omit the raisins or pecans?
Yes, you can customize the muffins to your taste by leaving out raisins or pecans or swapping them for chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or your favorite nuts.
How long do Pumpkin Spice Muffins stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these muffins stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
With a suitable gluten-free flour blend, you can absolutely make this recipe gluten-free. Just ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking Pumpkin Spice Muffins that fill your home with warmth and anticipation. They’re incredibly satisfying, not just for the flavors but for the joy of sharing a slice of autumn goodness with those you love. I honestly can’t recommend enough that you try making these muffins soon—you might just find your new favorite seasonal treat.
PrintPumpkin Spice Muffins Recipe
Delight in the warm flavors of autumn with these moist and flavorful Pumpkin Spice Muffins. Packed with pumpkin, aromatic spices, and studded with plump raisins and crunchy pecans, these muffins make a perfect breakfast treat or cozy snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup canned solid packed pumpkin
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners and set aside to ensure your muffins bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Soften Raisins: Place raisins in a small bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for about 5 minutes until plump, then drain thoroughly and set aside to incorporate soft, juicy raisins in the muffins.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and freshly ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat together the eggs, canned pumpkin, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Blend Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep muffins tender.
- Fold in Add-ins: Carefully fold the plumped raisins and chopped pecans into the batter to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures.
- Bake Muffins: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
- Press the raisins gently after soaking to remove excess water before folding into the batter.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans or substitute with pumpkin seeds.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for a homemade touch, or canned pumpkin for convenience.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer preservation.
- These muffins can be made dairy-free and egg-free by substituting oil with applesauce and using flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Pumpkin spice muffins, pumpkin muffins, autumn recipes, fall baking, spiced muffins, raisin muffins, pecan muffins