Pumpkin Muffins Flaky Salt

Featured in: Family Comfort Classics

These pumpkin muffins blend warming spices and canned pumpkin purée for moist, tender bites finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Effortless to prepare in under forty minutes, each batch yields twelve portable treats bursting with cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger. For extra crunch, top with turbinado sugar, or stir in toasted pecans or chocolate chips for flavorful depth. Perfect for breakfast, a lunchbox filler, or cozy snacks, they’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and irresistible served warm with butter and honey.

Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:44:00 GMT
Moist pumpkin muffins with flaky salt, perfect for cozy autumn breakfasts and snacks.  Save to Pinterest
Moist pumpkin muffins with flaky salt, perfect for cozy autumn breakfasts and snacks. | recipesforevers.com

Moist, warmly spiced pumpkin muffins topped with a delicate sprinkle of flaky salt for the perfect sweet&salty bite: ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack.

I first baked these muffins for a chilly autumn morning, and they quickly became a family favorite: especially when served warm straight from the oven.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 1 3/4 cups (220 g)
  • Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
  • Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Ground cloves: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Ground ginger: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Canned pumpkin purée: 1 cup (225 g)
  • Light brown sugar: 2/3 cup (135 g), packed
  • Granulated sugar: 1/3 cup (70 g)
  • Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Large eggs: 2
  • Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Turbinado sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional, for crunch)
  • Flaky sea salt: 1 teaspoon (such as Maldon)

Instructions

Prep Oven and Pan:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
Combine Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently with a spatula until just combined: do not overmix.
Fill Muffin Pan:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
Add Topping:
Sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar (if using) and a generous pinch of flaky sea salt.
Bake:
Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Deliciously spiced pumpkin muffins topped with flaky salt, ideal for afternoon tea.  Save to Pinterest
Deliciously spiced pumpkin muffins topped with flaky salt, ideal for afternoon tea. | recipesforevers.com

These muffins remind me of family breakfasts where everyone reaches for seconds as the kitchen fills with the aroma of cinnamon and ginger.

Required Tools

12 cup muffin tin, paper liners (optional), large mixing bowl, medium mixing bowl, whisk, spatula, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs: may contain tree nuts if using pecans. Always check labels for hidden allergens in processed ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 220. Total Fat: 8 g. Carbohydrates: 34 g. Protein: 3 g per muffin.

Warm pumpkin muffins sprinkled with flaky sea salt, perfect alongside coffee or tea. Save to Pinterest
Warm pumpkin muffins sprinkled with flaky sea salt, perfect alongside coffee or tea. | recipesforevers.com

Enjoy these moist pumpkin muffins fresh out of the oven: their sweet and savory top makes every bite memorable.

Recipe FAQs

How do I achieve moist pumpkin muffins?

Use canned pumpkin purée and vegetable oil for a tender, rich texture, and avoid overmixing the batter.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes; roast and mash fresh pumpkin until smooth. Ensure excess moisture is drained for best texture.

What’s the purpose of flaky salt on top?

Flaky salt adds a delicate crunch and balances the sweetness, enhancing each bite’s flavor complexity.

How can I make these muffins healthier?

Replace half the flour with whole wheat for added fiber, or reduce sugar as desired without sacrificing flavor.

Are there any mix-in options for extra flavor?

Fold in toasted pecans, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for added texture and unique taste variations.

Pumpkin Muffins Flaky Salt

Fluffy spiced pumpkin muffins with flaky salt, ideal for breakfast or snacking any time of day.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
22 minutes
Complete Duration
37 minutes


Complexity Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Portions

Dietary Info Meatless, No Dairy

What You Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
08 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
02 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
03 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
05 2 large eggs
06 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping

01 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (optional)
02 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Directions

Step 01

Prepare the Oven and Muffin Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until evenly blended.

Step 03

Blend Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and homogenous.

Step 04

Mix Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 05

Fill Muffin Cups: Divide batter evenly into muffin tin, filling each cup approximately three-quarters full.

Step 06

Top Muffin Batter: Sprinkle each muffin with turbinado sugar (if desired) and a generous pinch of flaky sea salt.

Step 07

Bake: Place muffin tin in oven and bake for 20–22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.

Step 08

Cool Muffins: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire rack and cool completely.

Essential Tools

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Paper liners (optional)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Wire rack

Allergy Details

Be sure to check every item for allergens. If uncertain, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs.
  • May contain tree nuts if pecans or similar additions are used.
  • Verify ingredient labels if using processed items for potential hidden allergens.

Nutrition per serving

Nutrition details are for your reference only. Always speak with a professional for medical concerns.
  • Caloric Content: 220
  • Total Fat: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 34 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams