These Vegan Pumpkin Muffins are quick, oil-free, and full of delicious fall flavors. Serve for an easy make-ahead breakfast, snack, or dessert. These perfectly spiced pumpkin muffins are sure to be a hit with everyone!
You know it's the fall when you start craving seasonal treats! Apple recipes, butternut squash, and hearty soups, all make an appearance, but one ingredient stands above the rest: Pumpkin. These healthy Vegan Pumpkin Muffins don't disappoint. Not only are they easy to make, but they are full of delicious pumpkin spices.
I'm a big fan of muffins. They're perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or even desserts. Zucchini muffins and Blackberry Muffins are some of my favorites, but starting in September, through October, and even November, Pumpkin Muffins are my number one choice! So if you're looking for an excuse to break out the pumpkin spice, give these muffins a try!
Can't get enough of the season? If you looking for a savory pumpkin recipe, check out this Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese.
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You'll love this recipe because it's:
- Quick & Easy
- Vegan / Vegetarian
- Kid-friendly
- Gluten-Free
- WFPB & Oil-Free
- Healthy
- Full of Fall Flavors
- Absolutely Delicious
Can this be gluten-free?
To make these pumpkin muffins gluten-free, you would need to use gluten-free flour like oat flour. I haven't tested that option yet, but if you do, please let me know in the comments.
Is this nut-free?
Yes! As long as you don't add in any optional nuts, then this recipe is nut-free.
What kind of muffin cups do you recommend?
I bought orange paper muffin cups to do the photos for these pumpkin muffins because I thought it would look more "festive," but generally speaking, I prefer to use silicone cups. They're reusable, and the muffins don't stick (as long as they are fully cooled).
Can I make mini pumpkin muffins with this recipe?
I haven't tested mini-muffins, but you can certainly use this recipe to make them. With mini muffins, you will want to reduce the cooking time to 10 or 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- white whole wheat flour: You could also use regular all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour instead. When you measure the flour it should be loose in the cup. Use a butter knife to even off the top but don't pack the flour into the cup. Or you can weigh the flour.
- pumpkin spice
- cinnamon
- salt
- baking powder
- baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- pumpkin puree: This is the star of these muffins. Don't confuse this will pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened.
- maple syrup
- soy milk: Or unsweetened plant milk of choice.
- vanilla extract
- apple cider vinegar
Variations
- Feel free to include fun add-ins like vegan chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, or chopped pecans.
- If you're looking to make healthy pumpkin cookies instead, I have a recipe that you'll love!
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F or 175C.
- Add all of the dry ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine. Make sure everything is mixed well for more even baking.
- Now add the wet ingredients and carefully mix everything together. Make sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl so that all of the flour is incorporated, but don't overmix. Once all the flour has "disappeared," stop mixing.
- Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to transfer the batter to a lined muffin tin. This recipe will make 12 regular-sized muffins.
- Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes. (For me, the magic number was 22 minutes, but every oven runs at a slightly different temperature.) Use a toothpick to test if the muffins are done. (To do this, remove them muffins from the oven and insert a toothpick into the center of one of the muffins. If the toothpick is clean when you pull it out, then the muffins are done. If there is wet batter on the toothpick then they need a little more time.)
- When the muffins are done transfer them to a cooling rack. Let cool completely before serving.
Troubleshooting
- Why did my muffins stick to the wrapper? To keep the muffins from sticking to the wrapper, you need to wait until they are completely cool. I also think silicone muffin cups work better than paper. When I used paper, the muffins only came away clean after a night in the refrigerator.
- Why are my muffins doughy on the inside? They are probably undercooked. All ovens run at slightly different temperatures, so in order to be sure your muffins are done you need to do the toothpick test. Stick a toothpick into the center of the muffin. If it comes up clean, the muffins are done; it it comes up with wet batter then the muffins need to cook a little longer.
- Why are my muffins dry? If your muffins are dry and crumbly then you probably cooked them too long. Most baking recipes have a cook time "range." Always check your baked goods at the lower end of the range the first time you make a recipe. (Use the toothpick test mentioned above to see if they are done or not.) If they aren't fully cooked the first time you check, put them back in the oven and check at 1 to 2 minute intervals.
How to serve
I love to eat these pumpkin muffins for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a healthy dessert. They would definitely make a fun and easy make-ahead breakfast for Halloween or Thanksgiving.
You can eat them plain or pair them with a jam or spread. Some of my favorites include:
Lately, I've been eating these pumpkin muffins spread with almond butter, paired with little tofu scramble and a side of fruit. It's an oddly satisfying combo!
Can I make it ahead?
Definitely! Muffins are the ultimate make-ahead treat!
How to store
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Add a folded paper towel or clean kitchen towel to the bottom of the container. This will help soak up the excess moisture and keep the muffins from getting soggy.
- These muffins can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost on the counter open to the air (aka, not in an airtight container) so that they don't retain extra moisture. After they are defrosted they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Related recipes
📖 Recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Muffins (WFPB + Oil-free)
Equipment
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups white whole wheat flour (260g)
- 3 teaspoons pumpkin spice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 can pumpkin puree (15oz)
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup soy milk (or unsweetened plant milk of choice)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F or 175C.
- Add all of the dry ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add all of the wet ingredients to the same bowl and carefully mix, making sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Do not overmix.
- Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to transfer the batter to a lined muffin pan.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until you can insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin and come away without any wet batter on the toothpick.
- When the muffins are done, transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
- This recipe calls for pumpkin puree. Don't get this confused with pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened.
Nutrition
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Did you try this recipe? Have a question? Just leave a comment below and I'll get back to you ASAP!
Nicole says
These were awesome! I added some sliced almonds on top for a little crunch and they were all gone within minutes
Julianne Lynch says
The almonds sound like a great addition. I'm so glad you liked them!
Shellie says
Can I use spelt or oat or whole wheat pastry flour in place of the white whole wheat?
Julianne Lynch says
Hi Shellie, You could try any of those. I think spelt or whole wheat pastry flour would be your best bet.
Heather says
What abt gluten-free flour?
Julianne Lynch says
I haven't tested that, but something like Bob's Red Mill All-Purpose Gluten-free Flour should work.
Bekah says
I realize I am late to the party, but I made these muffins with oat flour (ie oats I ground in my blender), and I really liked the way they turned out.
The muffins came out more savory than sweet, but this is probably because I was experimenting with maple syrup alternatives and used 1/2 cup prune puree instead of the maple syrup. I still loved them. They would be delicious with raisins thrown in!
Julianne Lynch says
I'm so glad you liked them. I also think they would be great with raisins.
Anna says
Came out really nice! But how and for how long should I be storing them? Fridge? Covered on the counter?
Julianne Lynch says
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Place a paper towel on the bottom of the container to help collect any extra moisture.
Danielle says
I’m wondering if I can half the syrup in this recipe!?
Julianne Lynch says
I haven't tried that, but I think it would work.
Nicole S says
What can I use to replace Apple cider vinegar.
Julianne Lynch says
The best substitute will be another type of vinegar that doesn't have a strong flavor, ideally white vinegar or white wine vinegar. In a pinch you could use lemon juice. I hope that helps!
Heather says
The overall ease and flavour profile of these is good, but way too much salt. I was hesitant to use as much as the recipe specified, as seemed excessive for muffins, but decided to follow to the letter first. These definitely came out too salty. Will remake with probably 1/3 the amount listed.
Otherwise, good recipe.
Julianne Lynch says
Saltiness is definitely subjective, so if you prefer it with less salt, go for it!
Meg says
Delicious! I added some vegan chocolate chips. This recipe is a winner.
Julianne Lynch says
Thank you! Chocolate chips are an excellent addition!
Franny says
Hi Julianne! I have tried many vegan pumpkin muffin recipes and yours is by far my favorite! These muffins baked up beautifully. Hearty yet tender, just the right sweetness, perfect texture. So glad they are oil-free. I did reduce the salt to 1/2 tsp. and added raisins and chopped walnuts. Really delicious! Thank you for a keeper recipe! 💖 Franny
Julianne Lynch says
Sounds great! I love raisins and walnuts! So glad you liked the muffins.
Michelle says
LOVE this recipe! Comes together quickly and bakes up beautifully. Thank you for sharing!
Julianne Lynch says
Great! I'm so glad you liked it!
Madeline says
Wow, blown away. Not sure why I had so much doubt in my heart, but as I was making these, I was thinking “this is too simple, this doesn’t seem like enough batter, this is going to taste like straight pumpkin, I’m going to be disappointed”. NOT AT ALL. I wish I could attach a picture, the texture on these is spot on, not at all like the dry, dense, crumbly WFPB muffin I’ve come to expect. I took these out of the oven 20 minutes ago and I’ve already eaten 3, someone is going to have to hide these from me….
Julianne Lynch says
Wow! What an amazing comment! I'm so glad you like the recipe!
Melissa says
Great recipe, but I agree with the person who said there is too much salt
Julianne Lynch says
Thanks for the feedback! I will test the recipe again to see if there was a mistake.