Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

If you’re looking for a delightful way to welcome the cozy vibes of fall, look no further than these Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein). There’s something so comforting about the aroma of pumpkin and warm spices wafting through your kitchen. These muffins are not just a seasonal treat; they are nutritious and packed with flavor, making them perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The best part? They come together effortlessly, so you can enjoy them any time!

These muffins are one of my go-to recipes when I want to whip up something healthy yet indulgent. With a whole can of pumpkin and just the right amount of sweetness from coconut sugar, they provide a delightful balance of taste and nutrition. Each muffin contains 7g of protein, which makes them a great snack or breakfast option!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have warm muffins in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these tasty treats—perfect for sharing!
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy them all week long.
• Festive flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices truly captures the essence of fall.
• Healthy indulgence: Each muffin is a guilt-free treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This recipe uses wholesome, simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need to create these delicious Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein):

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

Mix-ins

• 1 cup paleo chocolate chips (182g)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Change up the sweetener: Swap coconut sugar for maple syrup or honey if you prefer.
• Try different spices: Experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg instead of pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor profile.
• Make it dairy-free: Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free for a completely dairy-free treat.

How to Make Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly from the moment they go in. Don’t forget to line your muffin tin with liners—this makes cleanup much easier!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients until well combined. This step is crucial as it helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour, ensuring that each muffin rises beautifully.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all the wet ingredients until smooth. This includes the pumpkin puree, eggs, coconut sugar, avocado oil, and vanilla extract. Mixing them well ensures that every bite has that rich pumpkin flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Now it’s time to add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture! Stir gently with a spatula until just combined—don’t worry if there are still a few flour streaks visible. Letting your batter rest for about 15 minutes will help develop flavors and improve texture.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Bake

Gently fold in those delicious paleo chocolate chips. Then, divide the batter evenly among your muffin cavities. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle some additional chocolate chips on top before baking! Place them in the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. Remember, they’ll be moist inside—let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy every bite of these delightful muffins!

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

Baking can be both fun and rewarding, especially when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve to ensure the best results!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pumpkin puree and newly opened baking powder can make a noticeable difference in flavor and rise, ensuring your muffins turn out perfectly fluffy.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until the flour is combined helps keep your muffins light and airy. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, which we definitely want to avoid!

• Let the Batter Rest: Allowing the batter to rest for 15 minutes before baking helps hydrate the flour and leads to better texture in your muffins. It’s a simple step that yields delicious results!

• Check for Doneness: Since ovens can vary, start checking your muffins a couple of minutes before the suggested bake time. Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruit can provide extra nutrition and flavor variations that keep each batch exciting.

How to Serve Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

These delightful gluten-free pumpkin muffins are perfect as a snack or dessert, and they can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance their natural flavors.

Garnishes

• Nut Butter Drizzle: A light drizzle of almond or peanut butter adds creaminess and an extra protein boost.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: A dollop of dairy-free coconut whipped cream on top creates a sweet finish that’s perfect for fall gatherings.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and an appealing visual touch.

Side Dishes

• Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the warm spices of your muffins and adds a healthy sweetness.
• Yogurt Parfait: Serve alongside a dairy-free yogurt layered with granola and fresh berries for a balanced breakfast option.
• Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai will harmonize beautifully with the pumpkin flavor, making it an excellent drink pairing.
• Veggie Sticks with Hummus: For those craving something savory, crunchy veggie sticks dipped in hummus provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the muffins.

These serving ideas not only elevate your pumpkin muffin experience but also create delightful combinations that cater to various tastes. Enjoy 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 have delicious, protein-packed snacks ready for the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the muffins to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a 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.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, unwrap and microwave each muffin for about 30-60 seconds until warm.
• If thawed, you can also heat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these yummy muffins!

Can I make Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein) without chocolate chips?

Yes! You can omit the chocolate chips or substitute with nuts or dried fruits for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when my Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein) are done baking?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I use another type of flour instead of gluten free flour?

While this recipe is designed for gluten free flour, you may experiment with other flours; however, results may vary based on the flour’s properties.

What makes these muffins high in protein?

The addition of unflavored collagen peptides contributes significantly to the protein content while keeping the muffins moist and delicious.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins as much as I do! They’re not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying—perfect for any fall occasion or whenever you’re looking for a nutritious snack. Enjoy baking and savoring every bite!