Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

If you’re looking for a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall, these Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein) are just what your kitchen needs! I love making these muffins on cozy weekends or during busy weeknights when my family is craving something special yet wholesome. They’re a breeze to whip up and fill your home with the warm aroma of pumpkin spice. Plus, they’re perfect for everything from breakfast on-the-go to a sweet treat after dinner.

What makes this recipe even more exciting is how it combines health and flavor. With each muffin packing in 7 grams of protein, they not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also keep you fueled throughout the day. Whether you’re sharing them at a family gathering or sneaking one as a snack, these muffins are sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These muffins come together in just 10 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for busy schedules.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love the sweetness from the chocolate chips, while parents will appreciate the nutritious ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week for breakfast or snacks!
• Festive Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices brings that cozy fall feeling right into your home.
• High Protein: With 7g of protein per muffin, they’re a healthy choice that keeps you satisfied.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins is simple! The ingredients are wholesome and easy to find. You’ll love how straightforward this recipe is—no complicated steps here!

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cup gluten free 1-to-1 flour (156g)
• ½ cup unflavored collagen peptides (49g)
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 can pumpkin puree (15oz)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup coconut sugar (81g)
• ¼ cup avocado oil (or melted refined coconut oil)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins

• 1 cup paleo chocolate chips (182g)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative and change things up based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nuttiness.
• Swap the Sweetener: Try using maple syrup instead of coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
• Mix in Dried Fruit: Add raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture and more natural sweetness.
• Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice if you love that warm, spiced kick!

How to Make Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your muffins bake evenly and rise perfectly. While the oven heats up, line your muffin tin with liners so they’re ready to go.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients until well mixed. This helps ensure that each muffin has an even distribution of flavors and leavening agents.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, combine all the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth. Mixing the wet ingredients separately allows for better incorporation when combined with dry ingredients later on.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Add the dry mixture into the wet mixture gently using a spatula until just combined—don’t worry if some flour is still visible! Stirring too much can lead to dense muffins. Letting the batter rest for about 15 minutes allows it to thicken slightly, which improves texture.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Bake

Gently fold in those delicious chocolate chips! Then divide the batter evenly among your muffin cavities, topping each with extra chips if desired. Bake in your preheated oven for 22-25 minutes. It’s crucial to let them cool slightly before digging in since they will be moist.

And there you have it! Your Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein) are ready to enjoy warm or at room temperature. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

Baking can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially with these muffins that are perfect for fall! Here are some handy tips to ensure your gluten free pumpkin muffins turn out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree if possible: While canned pumpkin works great, using freshly roasted pumpkin can enhance the flavor and moisture in your muffins.

• Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the batter to rest for 15 minutes helps the gluten-free flour hydrate, resulting in a better texture and rise.

• Measure flour accurately: Spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing and ensures you don’t end up with dry muffins.

• Adjust baking time based on your oven: Ovens can vary, so start checking your muffins a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.

• Store properly: Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage. This keeps them moist and delicious!

How to Serve Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

These gluten free pumpkin muffins are not only tasty but also versatile! You can present them in various ways to enhance your fall gatherings or cozy mornings at home.

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered coconut sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered coconut sugar adds a touch of sweetness and looks pretty too!
• Top with chopped nuts: Adding some toasted walnuts or pecans on top not only enhances the presentation but also adds a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and pomegranates balances the richness of the muffins.
• Coconut yogurt: Serve alongside a dollop of coconut yogurt for a creamy contrast that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Chai tea: The warm spices in chai perfectly complement pumpkin flavors, making it an ideal beverage pairing for these muffins.
• Oatmeal bowl: Offer a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with maple syrup and sliced bananas as a hearty side dish that rounds out a cozy breakfast spread.

These ideas will surely elevate your muffin experience, making it not just about eating but enjoying every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. They stay delicious and moist, making them an ideal snack or breakfast option.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow muffins to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For extended freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat muffins in the oven at 350F for about 10 minutes.
• You can also microwave a muffin for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Enjoy warm for that freshly baked taste!

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones that might help!

Can I make these Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein) vegan?

Yes! You can replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg as a substitute.

How can I increase the protein content of these Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)?

You can add more unflavored collagen peptides or try incorporating protein powder into the dry ingredients. Just be mindful to adjust the liquid components if necessary.

Can I use other sweeteners instead of coconut sugar?

Absolutely! You could substitute coconut sugar with maple syrup or honey, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.

What can I use instead of avocado oil?

If you don’t have avocado oil, melted refined coconut oil or light olive oil works just fine as alternatives.

Are these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is specifically designed to be gluten-free by using gluten-free 1-to-1 flour.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins! They not only provide a festive treat but also pack a healthy punch with high protein content. Enjoy making them and sharing them with loved ones—you might just start a new fall tradition! Happy baking!