The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
If you’re craving the cozy flavors of fall, this Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. These muffins are soft, moist, and loaded with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making them perfect for chilly mornings or a comforting afternoon snack. What sets them apart is the buttery crumb topping — it adds just the right amount of crunch and sweetness to every bite.
Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or just to enjoy with your morning coffee, this recipe brings that homemade bakery feel right into your kitchen. The best part? They’re easy to make and smell amazing while baking.
If you love pumpkin desserts but want something a little more versatile and less fussy than pie, this Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your fall baking lineup. Get ready for your home to smell like a warm autumn hug.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins are a cozy fall treat that blend the warm spices of the season with the perfect amount of sweetness and texture. These muffins are soft, moist, and topped with a buttery crumb that adds just the right crunch. Before you get baking, let’s break down the ingredients that bring this seasonal favorite to life.
For the Muffin Batter
Pumpkin Puree:
The star of the show! Use pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) to add moisture, flavor, and that rich orange hue. It’s packed with nutrients and gives the muffins their iconic taste.
All-Purpose Flour:
A baking staple that gives the muffins structure. Make sure to measure it correctly for the best texture.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar:
A combination of white and brown sugar provides sweetness while the brown sugar adds a hint of molasses and extra moisture.
Eggs:
These help bind everything together and contribute to the muffins’ fluffy texture. Room-temperature eggs blend better with the other ingredients.
Vegetable Oil:
Oil keeps the muffins extra moist. You can substitute with melted butter or coconut oil, but vegetable oil gives a neutral flavor and smooth texture.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda:
These leavening agents help the muffins rise and become light and airy.
Pumpkin Pie Spice & Cinnamon:
No fall recipe is complete without warm spices. Pumpkin pie spice (a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves) adds depth and warmth, while extra cinnamon enhances the overall flavor.
Vanilla Extract:
A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and adds a comforting aroma.
For the Crumb Topping
Flour, Brown Sugar, and Cinnamon:
The base of the crumb is a mix of these dry ingredients for sweetness and spice.
Butter (Melted):
Melted butter binds the crumb ingredients together and creates that golden, crunchy texture we all love on top.
Optional Glaze
Powdered Sugar, Milk, and Vanilla:
Drizzle a simple glaze over the muffins for extra sweetness and visual appeal. It’s a lovely touch, especially if you’re serving these for guests or a fall gathering.
Equipment Needed
Before you start whipping up a batch of warm, spiced Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins, it’s essential to gather the right tools. Having everything on hand not only streamlines your baking process but also ensures that your muffins turn out perfectly moist with that irresistible crumb topping. Here’s what you’ll need in your kitchen.
Baking Essentials
Mixing Bowls:
You’ll need at least two medium to large mixing bowls—one for your wet ingredients and one for your dry. If you’re also making the crumb topping separately, an extra small bowl will come in handy.
Measuring Cups and Spoons:
Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use dry measuring cups for ingredients like flour and sugar, and a liquid measuring cup for oil or milk. Measuring spoons will ensure your spices and leavening agents are precisely added.
Whisk and Silicone Spatula:
A whisk is great for combining wet ingredients and breaking up any lumps in the pumpkin puree. A silicone spatula is perfect for folding the batter and scraping down the sides of bowls so nothing goes to waste.
Muffin-Specific Tools
12-Cup Muffin Pan:
A standard 12-cup muffin pan is ideal for this recipe. Make sure it’s nonstick or use muffin liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cookie or Ice Cream Scoop:
To ensure each muffin is evenly sized, use a scoop to portion out the batter. This helps your muffins bake uniformly and look more professional.
Wire Cooling Rack:
After baking, transfer your muffins to a wire rack. This prevents the bottoms from getting soggy and allows them to cool evenly before adding any glaze (if using).
Optional But Useful Tools
Pastry Cutter or Fork:
If you’re mixing the crumb topping by hand, a pastry cutter or sturdy fork will help blend the butter into the dry ingredients to create those perfect crumbles.
Stand or Hand Mixer:
Though not necessary, a mixer can make quick work of combining ingredients, especially if you’re doubling the recipe or baking frequently.
Oven Thermometer:
To ensure your muffins bake at the right temperature, an oven thermometer can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking.
Ready to Bake
With the right equipment at your fingertips, making Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins becomes an easy and enjoyable fall tradition. Prep your tools, preheat the oven, and let the baking magic begin!
Instructions Step by Step
Making Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins from scratch is easier than you think—and totally worth it. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to bake moist, flavorful muffins with a buttery crumb topping perfect for any fall morning or cozy gathering.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup with nonstick spray.
This step is crucial—getting the oven to the right temperature ensures your muffins rise properly and bake evenly.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
To create the crumb topping, combine ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Pour in ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter and mix with a fork until the mixture forms coarse, clumpy crumbs. Set this aside—it will be sprinkled on top of the muffin batter before baking, adding a sweet and crunchy finish.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This blend of leavening agents and warm spices creates the base of your muffin flavor and ensures a soft, fluffy texture.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree (make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling), ⅓ cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This blend brings richness, moisture, and that signature pumpkin flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can make your muffins tough instead of tender.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin
Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Fill each about ¾ full. Then, generously sprinkle the prepared crumb topping over each one, pressing it in lightly so it sticks during baking.
Step 7: Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
Step 8: Cool
Remove the muffins from the oven and let them sit in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy and helps set the crumb topping.
Optional Step 9: Add a Simple Glaze
If you’d like an extra touch of sweetness, you can prepare a simple glaze by whisking together ½ cup of powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Drizzle it over the cooled muffins for a beautiful and tasty finishing touch.
Tips for Best Results
Baking Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins isn’t difficult, but a few smart tips can make the difference between good and bakery-quality. From mixing techniques to storage suggestions, here’s how to get the absolute best results every time.
Use Pure Pumpkin Puree
Make sure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the flavor and texture of your muffins. Double-check the label to keep your recipe balanced.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently and only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make the muffins dense or chewy instead of light and fluffy.
Measure Flour Correctly
Too much flour can lead to dry muffins. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this packs in more flour than needed.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Eggs and other refrigerated items should be at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more smoothly and evenly into the batter, leading to better texture and rise.
Scoop Batter Evenly
To ensure even baking, use a cookie or ice cream scoop to distribute the batter across the muffin tin. This helps all muffins bake at the same rate and come out looking consistent and professional.
Press the Crumb Topping Gently
After adding the crumb topping, lightly press it into the batter to help it stick during baking. This keeps the topping from falling off and ensures every bite gets a little crunch.
Don’t Overbake
Bake the muffins until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out just clean, usually between 18–22 minutes. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep a close eye during the final minutes.
Let Muffins Cool Completely
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Cooling helps set the crumb topping and improves the final texture, especially if you plan to glaze them.
Store Properly
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. To keep the crumb topping crisp, avoid storing them in a sealed container while still warm.
FAQs
What Is the Best Type of Pumpkin to Use for Muffins?
For the best results, always use 100% pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin puree contains only cooked and mashed pumpkin, giving you full control over the sweetness and spice levels in your recipe.
Pumpkin pie filling, on the other hand, includes added sugars and spices that can throw off the flavor balance of your muffins. You can find canned pumpkin puree in most grocery stores, especially during the fall baking season.
How Do You Keep the Crumb Topping From Falling Off?
To make sure the crumb topping sticks to the muffins, gently press it into the batter after sprinkling it on top. This light pressure helps the topping bake into the surface, rather than sitting loosely and falling off. It also helps to use a topping mixture that’s slightly moist and crumbly, not dry. If the topping is too dry, it won’t adhere well during baking.
Can You Make Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can absolutely make these muffins ahead of time. In fact, they often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. After baking, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave or oven before serving.
How Do You Know When Pumpkin Muffins Are Fully Baked?
Pumpkin muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This typically takes 18 to 22 minutes at 350°F (175°C), depending on your oven and the size of your muffin cups. The tops should be slightly firm and golden, and the crumb topping will appear set and lightly crisped.
Can You Add Mix-Ins Like Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! You can customize your pumpkin crumb cake muffins by folding in about ½ cup of mix-ins like chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips. Be sure to stir them into the batter gently before filling your muffin tins. Just keep in mind that heavier mix-ins may slightly affect the baking time, so check for doneness as usual with a toothpick.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Crumb Cake Muffins are the perfect blend of warm fall spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and a buttery, crunchy topping that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy breakfast, a holiday gathering, or simply craving a seasonal treat, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every muffin.
With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and plenty of room for customization, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Don’t forget to enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store a batch for later—they’re just as delicious the next day. So grab your whisk, preheat that oven, and enjoy the taste of fall with these homemade favorites!
