Vegan pumpkin muffins are perfect for fall but I could seriously eat them all year long. They are perhaps the most fluffy, moist and flavorful muffins that ever existed. Pumpkin puree gives them that beautiful orange hue and incredible flavor, especially alongside warming autumn spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Pumpkin is also what makes these muffins SO moist and irresistible. I love to keep a few in my freezer at all times, if I can stop myself from eating the whole batch fresh! Along with my popular Vegan Pumpkin Bread and Pumpkin Coffee Cake, these muffins are one of my favorite fall treats.
Ingredients you need (with substitutions)
Canned pumpkin puree – I’ve never made them with fresh pumpkin, but it should work just fine. Use quality canned pumpkin for the best results. Melted vegan butter or oil – You only need 1/3 cup for the whole batch. I prefer the taste melted vegan butter adds, but a neutral oil works as well, such as avocado, vegetable or melted coconut oil. For oil free, substitute applesauce or non-dairy yogurt. Non-dairy milk – I usually use soy, but sometimes I will use almond, cashew or even oat milk. Use your favorite. Brown sugar – To make the muffins extra rich tasting. Feel free to use less for a less sweet muffin, or substitute coconut sugar instead. All purpose flour – If you need gluten free vegan muffins, use a quality gluten free mix. Almond flour will NOT work here though. Baking powder Salt Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves – If you have it, substitute 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice mix instead. Add ins – Sometimes I stir in some vegan chocolate chips, chopped nuts or dried fruit. But most of the time I like to keep them purely pumpkin.
How to make pumpkin muffins
Find the complete recipe with measurements below. Prepare the muffin pan with paper liners. Spray the inside of the liners with non-stick spray. I always do this for muffins so they don’t get stuck. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, melted vegan butter or oil, milk and brown sugar. Sift in the flour, baking powder, salt and spices. I use a fine mesh strainer for this. You can skip the sifting, but you may find little chunks of flour in your muffins. Not the end of the world really, but I prefer sifting here. Stir until just combined, but do not over mix the batter or your muffins will be dense and rubbery. Stir in any optional ad ins, if using. Fill the liners all the way to the top for nice big muffins. You should get 12 good sized muffins. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with no wet batter. It’s best to let the muffins cool for at least 30 minutes before enjoying. The flavors mingle together and settle, and the texture gets better as they sit.
How to store leftover muffins
Leftover pumpkin muffins will keep at room temperature for 3-4 days, or a week in the refrigerator. Cover them or keep in a container so they don’t dry out too fast. You can also freeze them. Freeze in a large container or ziplock type freezer safe bag. I love to warm them up in the microwave for 30-40 seconds or even pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes until warm. YUM!
Tips
Add frosting! These muffins are totally sweet enough to pass as cupcakes if you swirl some Vegan Vanilla Frosting on top. Don’t accidentally use pumpkin pie mix! You have to use pumpkin puree, which is just plain old canned pumpkin. Do not over mix the batter. This is almost always the reason your muffins turn out dense and rubbery. Mix gently until just combined, and carefully fold in any optional ad ins. Do not over bake. This is the second reason for dry, dense muffins! Only bake them until a toothpick comes out clean.
Can I turn these muffins into pumpkin bread?
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work very well. I tried it when testing my Vegan Pumpkin Bread and it wasn’t good. My advice? Go make that bread instead! You can, however make mini pumpkin muffins! Bake for only 15-18 minutes.
Want more pumpkin recipes?
Pumpkin French Toast Vegan Pumpkin Cake Bars Vegan Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Pecan Frosting Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Vegan Pumpkin Pie
And check out all my Vegan Fall Recipes! This recipe was originally published in August 2018 and has since been republished with improved photos and writing.
