Love pumpkin season? These gluten free pumpkin muffins are a must-try treat! Packed with cozy spices and real pumpkin, they’re the perfect blend of soft, fluffy, and just the right sweetness. Plus, they’re easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy mornings or a quick snack. You won’t even miss the gluten! Perfect with a cup of coffee, these muffins bring that warm, fall bakery feel right into your kitchen. Try them once, and they might just become your new go-to recipe.
Gluten-free pumpkin muffins are a delicious twist on classic pumpkin muffins, made with gluten-free flour instead of wheat flour, making them suitable for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
These muffins capture the essence of fall with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, along with the natural sweetness of pumpkin puree.
These muffins belong to American cuisine, where pumpkin-based treats are especially popular in the autumn season, a time when pumpkins are harvested and widely available.
The origin of pumpkin muffins and other pumpkin-flavored baked goods can be traced to North America, where pumpkins have long been a staple ingredient, particularly celebrated in holiday and seasonal recipes.
These muffins have it all! They’re gluten-free, full of fall flavors, and just the right amount of sweet.
I created this recipe with simplicity in mind, and through some trial and error, I’ve come up with a blend that’s wonderfully moist and flavorful without any of the dense texture you sometimes get with gluten-free baking.
Here are a few reasons this recipe is my go-to for fall:
Fluffy Texture-Thanks to the right balance of gluten-free flour and moisture from the pumpkin puree, these muffins stay tender.
Naturally Sweetened- You can use maple syrup or honey as a natural sweetener, which pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spice.
Quick and Simple- No need for complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Adaptable for Dietary Needs- Whether you need vegan options or want a higher protein snack, this recipe is easy to customize.
Follow these steps for the best gluten-free pumpkin muffins recipe, perfect for cozy mornings or an easy snack:
Start by gathering your wet and dry ingredients. You’ll need gluten-free flour, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, eggs (or a substitute for vegan muffins), and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Combine the pumpkin puree, sweetener, and eggs (or egg replacer) in a bowl, whisking until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips.
Spoon the batter evenly into a lined muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full to allow for a nice rise. This helps create evenly shaped muffins and makes cleanup easier.
Bake The Muffins at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Transfer the muffins on wire rack to cool completely, and enjoy with your favorite beverage.
This recipe for gluten-free pumpkin muffins is flexible for a variety of dietary needs. Here’s how to make it suit your preferences:
Vegan Option: Swap eggs for flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
Sugar-Free: Use monk fruit or stevia to reduce sugar content, or omit sweetener if you prefer a less sweet muffin.
Here are a few tried-and-true tips I’ve learned along the way to help you make the best gluten-free pumpkin muffins recipe every time:
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make gluten-free muffins dense. Mix until ingredients are just combined for a fluffy texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature eggs and milk (or milk substitute) for better mixing and a smoother batter.
Let Them Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly.
Yes, making these healthy gluten-free pumpkin muffins vegan is easy! Swap the eggs for a vegan-friendly substitute like applesauce or a flax egg. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for added flavor and richness.
To keep these muffins fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store muffins in an air tight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: These muffins can last up to a week when stored in the fridge.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Can I use canned pumpkin, or should I make fresh puree?
Canned pumpkin puree works great and is convenient, but you can use fresh pumpkin if you prefer. Just be sure to cook, puree, and drain it well to avoid extra moisture that can alter the muffin texture.
How can I keep the muffins moist and prevent them from becoming dense?
Use fresh ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter, which can make muffins dense. Adding a little extra oil or applesauce helps maintain moisture, and be sure not to overbake them, as that can dry them out.
Can I make these muffins both dairy-free and gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use coconut oil or dairy-free butter. These swaps work well with gluten-free recipes and keep the muffins tender and moist.
What are some tasty mix-ins I can add to this recipe?
Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries make excellent additions for extra flavor and texture. Fold them in gently just before baking for the best results.
What’s the best way to store gluten-free pumpkin muffins?
Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw as needed.
These gluten-free pumpkin muffins are soft, spiced to perfection, and naturally gluten-free! Follow this easy recipe for the best fall-inspired muffins everyone will love, with vegan and dietary modifications for everyone to enjoy.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all wet ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, spooning and leveling the flour for accuracy. Whisk until the batter is smooth.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the batter.
Scoop the batter into each muffin cup, filling each to the top for rounded muffin tops.
Bake the muffins for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.