Pumpkin Apple Spice Muffins are the quintessential autumn treat, merging the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin with the sweet crispness of fresh apples. These muffins are moist and fluffy, spiced with a harmonious blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that evoke the cozy essence of fall. The addition of pumpkin not only enhances the flavor but also gives these muffins a rich, tender texture, while chunks of apple provide a delightful contrast with their slight crunch and natural sweetness. Perfect for a quick breakfast, a seasonal snack, or a festive addition to any brunch table, these muffins capture the spirit of the season in every bite.
Recipe: Pumpkin Apple Spice Muffins
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups well with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, mix together the melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, egg, and milk until well combined.
- Add Apples:
- Fold the chopped apple into the wet mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined and there are no streaks of flour. It’s important not to overmix to ensure the muffins stay fluffy.
- Fill Muffin Tin:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Enjoy your Pumpkin Apple Spice Muffins warm or at room temperature. They can be stored in an airtight container for several days or frozen for longer storage.
These Pumpkin Apple Spice Muffins are sure to become a fall favorite, offering a delicious way to enjoy the bounties of the season. Their spicy aroma and sweet, hearty flavor make them a perfect pick-me-up on a chilly day.
