Easy Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins Recipe: Fall’s Coziest Treat

Pumpkin muffins bring warmth and comfort to any kitchen, transforming ordinary mornings into cozy culinary adventures.

Seasonal spices dance through soft, tender crumbs, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your home with nostalgic charm.

Bakers adore these delectable treats for their simple yet sophisticated flavor profile that balances sweetness with rustic depth.

Rich, moist textures promise a delightful contrast between crisp edges and velvety interiors that melt in your mouth.

Autumn’s signature ingredients combine harmoniously, offering a sophisticated twist on traditional breakfast fare.

Every bite connects you to memories of crisp mornings and comforting gatherings around the table.

Fall baking reaches new heights with these remarkable muffins that celebrate the season’s most beloved flavors: prepare to be delighted.

Why You’ll Love Ina Garten’s Pumpkin Muffins

• Savor Autumn's Warmth: These pumpkin muffins capture the cozy essence of fall with their rich blend of warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg that dance across your taste buds.
• Effortless Baking Delight: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delectable muffins in under an hour, making them perfect for spontaneous baking adventures.
• Decadent Texture Explosion: The combination of soft, tender muffin crumb and crunchy Heath bar topping creates an irresistible contrast that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Dress-Up Dessert Magic: The luxurious maple frosting transforms these humble muffins into an elegant treat suitable for special brunches, afternoon tea, or as a sophisticated dessert that feels both comforting and indulgent.

Essential Ingredients for Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential base for creating soft and tender muffins, choose unbleached flour for best texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg: Warm spices that provide classic fall flavor and aromatic depth.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and richness to the muffins.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and classic autumn flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps muffins moist and tender, helps create soft crumb.
• White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization.

• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy base for maple frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create creamy texture.
• Maple Syrup: Provides authentic sweet maple flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting.

• Heath Bars: Adds crunchy, caramel-toffee texture and flavor contrast.

How to Prepare Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place 10 paper liners into a muffin pan and lightly brush the top of the pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Pumpkin puree
• White sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vegetable oil

Stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a wooden spoon until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Muffins

Scoop the batter into prepared muffin cups using a 2¼-inch ice cream scoop. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Decorate

Allow muffins to cool completely on a wire rack. Frost with maple cream cheese frosting and sprinkle chopped Heath bars on top.

Step 6: Prepare Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Maple syrup
• Vanilla extract

Mix on medium-low speed until smooth.

Step 7: Finish the Frosting

Gradually add confectioners’ sugar on low speed, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Pro Tips for Flawless Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins

• Whip Softened Ingredients: Bring butter and cream cheese to room temperature for a silky smooth maple frosting that spreads effortlessly.
• Precise Portioning: Grab an ice cream scoop to distribute batter evenly, guaranteeing perfectly sized muffins that bake uniformly.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Stir dry and wet ingredients just until combined, preventing tough muffins and maintaining a tender crumb.
• Pure Pumpkin Power: Select 100% pumpkin purée instead of pie filling to control flavor and sweetness, capturing authentic pumpkin essence.
• Toothpick Test Triumph: Poke a toothpick into muffin centers to confirm doneness; clean or slightly moist crumbs signal perfectly baked treats.

Storing Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins the Right Way

• Airtight Container Method: Safeguard your freshly baked pumpkin muffins in a sturdy, sealed container with a tight-fitting lid. Prevent moisture and air from seeping in by choosing a container that creates a perfect seal. Line the bottom with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture and keep the muffins pristine.
• Freezer Preservation Method: Individually wrap each muffin in parchment paper or plastic wrap for maximum protection against freezer burn. Stack them carefully in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date to track freshness, ensuring they'll stay delicious for up to 3 months.
• Counter Storage Method: Keep muffins at room temperature for maximum flavor and texture within the first 2-3 days.

Fun Variations on Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins

• Nutty Pumpkin Powerhouse: Replace Heath bars with chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy, protein-packed topping that adds rich texture and earthy flavor to the muffins.
• Chocolate Spice Sensation: Fold in dark chocolate chips and sprinkle extra cinnamon into the batter for a decadent spin that enhances the warm spice profile of the original recipe.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Special: Create a cream cheese mixture with a touch of maple syrup and swirl it through the pumpkin batter before baking, giving each muffin a tangy, creamy center that complements the autumn spices.
• Gluten-Free Harvest Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins accessible for those with wheat sensitivities while maintaining the same moist, tender crumb.

The Final Word on Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins

Seasonal Pumpkin Muffins by Ina Garten whisper autumn’s sweetest secrets through each delectable bite.

Maple frosting crowns these spiced treats with luxurious warmth and nostalgic charm.

Crisp Heath bar fragments add unexpected texture that elevates classic comfort.

Kitchens across America will welcome these muffins as perfect companions for morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Such masterful baking transforms simple ingredients into memorable moments of pure culinary delight.

Whatever corner of your world craves comfort, these muffins will satisfy – so grab your mixing bowl, share this recipe, comment with your baking adventures, and spread deliciousness far and wide.

Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s pumpkin muffins offer a delightful autumn escape with rich spices and warm flavors. Perfectly moist and tender, these seasonal treats bring comfort and joy to any breakfast or afternoon snack, ensuring you savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
• 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

Sweeteners and Additional Ingredients:

• ½ cup vegetable oil (118 milliliters)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• Maple Frosting (recipe follows)
• ½ cup coarsely chopped Heath bars, for serving (two 1.4-ounce bars)
• Vegetable oil (extra, for greasing the pan)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and prepare a muffin tin by lining it with 10 paper cupcake liners. Lightly brush the top of the muffin pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together the dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a medium-sized mixing bowl to ensure even distribution and eliminate any lumps.
3. In a larger bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, pumpkin puree, white sugar, brown sugar, and ½ cup (120 milliliters) of vegetable oil until well combined and smooth.
4. Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, stirring until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cupcake texture.
5. Distribute the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups using a 2¼-inch (5.7-centimeter) ice cream scoop for consistent sizing. Fill each cup approximately two-thirds full.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. The tops should be golden and slightly springy to the touch.
7. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool entirely.
8. For the maple frosting, combine softened cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
9. Beat the mixture on medium-low speed until completely smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
10. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar on low speed, mixing until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
11. Once cupcakes are fully cooled, generously frost each cupcake and sprinkle chopped Heath bars on top for added crunch and flavor.

Notes

• Use pure pumpkin purée without added spices or sugar to capture the authentic, rich pumpkin essence in your muffins.
• Gently fold dry and wet ingredients together, stopping just when combined to keep the muffin texture tender and light.
• Reach for an ice cream scoop to distribute batter evenly, guaranteeing perfectly sized and uniformly baked muffin gems.
• Confirm muffin doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – a clean or slightly moist crumb signals they’re ready to enjoy.
• Allow muffins to rest briefly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack, preventing unwanted sogginess and maintaining their delightful texture.
• Soften butter and cream cheese to room temperature for a silky, luxurious maple frosting that spreads like a dream.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 226 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg