Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

If you’re looking for a warm, cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than these Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein). This recipe has been a favorite in my home for years, and I’m excited to share it with you! With a whole can of pumpkin packed inside, these muffins are not only delicious but also surprisingly nutritious. Each muffin is lightly sweetened with coconut sugar and delivers 7g of protein, making them perfect for busy mornings or an after-school snack.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just looking to enjoy a quiet moment with your coffee, these muffins are the ideal companion. They’re easy to whip up and will fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of pumpkin spice. Trust me; once you try these muffins, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These muffins come together in just about 50 minutes, making them perfect for busy days.
• High Protein Boost: With 7g of protein per muffin, they make a satisfying snack or breakfast option.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the rich pumpkin flavor combined with chocolate chips—it’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week; they store beautifully!
• Deliciously Nutritious: Lightly sweetened and packed with wholesome ingredients, these muffins are a guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein). You might already have most of these in your pantry!

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 wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Swap the sweetener: Use maple syrup or honey instead of coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter for added crunch.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg if you want to switch up the flavor.
• Make it dairy-free: If you prefer, you can swap out avocado oil for any other neutral oil you have on hand.

How to Make Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This step is crucial as it ensures that your muffins bake evenly. While the oven heats up, go ahead and line your muffin tin with liners to make cleanup easier later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all of your dry ingredients until well combined. This helps distribute everything evenly so each muffin is perfectly spiced and textured.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all of your wet ingredients until smooth. It’s important that everything is well mixed at this stage so that you get that lovely pumpkin flavor throughout every muffin.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Now, gently add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Stir until some flour remains visible—you don’t want to over-mix here! Letting it rest for about 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in those delicious paleo chocolate chips! Make sure everything is well combined without over-stirring. This will keep your muffins light and fluffy.

Step 6: Bake Your Muffins

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cavities, topping each one with extra chocolate chips if desired. Bake in your preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. After baking, allow them to cool in the tin for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy each bite!

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

Baking these muffins is a breeze, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even better!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and pumpkin puree to room temperature helps them blend more easily with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother batter and fluffier muffins.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of the light, airy texture we all love.

• Let the batter rest: Allowing your muffin batter to sit for about 15 minutes before baking helps improve texture and height by letting the gluten-free flour hydrate fully.

• Check doneness with a toothpick: Since these muffins are moist, inserting a toothpick into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. This ensures they are baked perfectly without being too dry.

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to swap out or add different mix-ins such as nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for added texture and flavor. Just remember to adjust the quantities so your batter remains balanced.

How to Serve Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

These delightful muffins not only taste great but also look appealing when served right! Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Powdered coconut sugar: A light dusting of powdered coconut sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness while enhancing their fall aesthetic.

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking gives an extra crunch and a rustic charm.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits like apples and pears complements the warm spices of these muffins perfectly.

• Yogurt parfait: Serve alongside a yogurt parfait layered with dairy-free yogurt, fresh berries, and granola for a satisfying breakfast or snack option.

• Hot apple cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider pairs wonderfully with these muffins, enhancing that cozy autumn vibe.

• Nut butter spread: Offer almond or cashew butter on the side for those who enjoy an extra protein boost while adding creaminess to each bite.

With these serving ideas, your Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy them!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time to enjoy throughout the week. With their delightful flavors and high protein content, they make for a great 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 longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Individually wrap each muffin in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• For quick reheating, use the microwave: warm each muffin on high for about 20-30 seconds.
• If you prefer, reheat in the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm muffins for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious muffins!

Can I substitute the gluten free flour?

Yes! You can use other gluten-free flour blends, but ensure they are designed for baking to achieve the best texture.

How much protein do the Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein) contain?

Each muffin contains approximately 7 grams of protein, making them a nutritious choice for any time of day!

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to customize your muffins further.

Are these muffins suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These muffins store well and can be made ahead of time, perfect for busy mornings or snacks on the go.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins as much as I do! They’re not only healthy and packed with flavor but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re savoring one with your morning coffee or packing them as a snack, they’re sure to delight. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!