Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy treat to celebrate the fall season, you’ve come to the right place! These Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein) are a favorite in my kitchen. They’re not just easy to whip up but also full of warm pumpkin spices that make your home smell amazing while they bake. Plus, each muffin is packed with protein, making them a great snack for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

These muffins are perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a sweet addition to your holiday brunch table. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal fuss, these muffins come together quickly, perfect for any skill level.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike love the cozy flavors of pumpkin and chocolate chips!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch over the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week for a nutritious snack.
• Healthy Twist: Packed with protein and made with wholesome ingredients, they satisfy both your sweet tooth and nutritional needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful muffins, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry; they are easy to find at your local grocery store!

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cup gluten free 1-to-1 flour (156g)
• ½ cup unflavored collagen peptides (49g)
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 can pumpkin puree (15oz)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup coconut sugar (81g)
• ¼ cup avocado oil (or melted refined coconut oil)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix-Ins

• 1 cup paleo chocolate chips (182g)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few ideas to customize your Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Boost the flavor: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Make it festive: Stir in dried cranberries or raisins for a seasonal twist.
• Change the sweetness: Swap coconut sugar with maple syrup or honey if you prefer.

How to Make Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your muffins rise perfectly as soon as they hit the hot oven. While that’s warming up, prepare your muffin tin by adding liners—this makes cleanup so much easier!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all of your dry ingredients until they are well combined. This step is important because it helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour mixture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together all of the wet ingredients until they are smooth and creamy. Then carefully fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula. Be gentle here; we want some flour still visible to avoid over-mixing!

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Once combined, gently fold in those delicious chocolate chips. This step adds sweetness and richness to each bite! After mixing, let your batter rest for about 15 minutes—this helps with texture.

Step 5: Bake Your Muffins

Now it’s time to divide the batter evenly into your muffin cavities. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top! Bake them for 22-25 minutes until they’re golden brown. Remember, these muffins will be moist inside—allow them to cool in the tin for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)! They’re sure to become a staple in your home this season!

Pro Tips for Making Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

Baking can be a delightful experience, especially when you know some helpful tips to make your muffins even better!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh baking powder and spices will ensure your muffins rise well and have a vibrant flavor. Outdated ingredients can lead to dense muffins that lack the warm fall taste we all love.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until the flour is incorporated helps keep the muffins light and fluffy. Overmixing can develop gluten (even in gluten-free flour), resulting in tougher muffins.
• Let the batter rest: Allowing your batter to sit for 15 minutes before baking improves texture and moisture. This resting time lets the flour absorb liquid fully, yielding a better muffin consistency.
• Adjust baking time for altitude: If you live at high altitude, you may need to reduce the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on your muffins, as they may bake faster than expected!
• Store properly for freshness: To maintain their moistness, store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage. This way, you can enjoy them whenever the pumpkin craving strikes!

How to Serve Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

These Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are delicious on their own but can also be presented beautifully with a few simple additions that enhance both their flavor and appearance.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of each muffin before baking for a delightful crunch and added nutrition.
• Cinnamon sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar before serving adds a sweet touch that complements the pumpkin flavor perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Yogurt parfait: Serve your muffins alongside a yogurt parfait made with dairy-free yogurt, seasonal fruits, and granola. The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the muffin’s moistness.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds makes for a vibrant side dish that balances sweetness with tartness.
• Warm spiced tea: Pair these muffins with a cup of warm spiced herbal tea for a cozy treat. The spices in the tea will harmonize wonderfully with the pumpkin flavors.
• Nut butter spread: Offer almond or cashew butter as a spread option. The creaminess of nut butter adds richness and extra protein to your snack or breakfast!

These serving suggestions will elevate your Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins into an even more delightful experience! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, so you always have a healthy snack or breakfast option ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the muffins to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy reference!

Reheating

• To reheat frozen muffins, remove them from the freezer and let thaw at room temperature.
• For a quick warm-up, microwave on high for 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful muffins.

Can I make Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein) vegan?

Yes! You can substitute flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) for the eggs. This will keep your muffins both vegan and delicious!

How do I get my Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein) to rise properly?

Ensure your baking powder is fresh and combine it well with the dry ingredients. Avoid overmixing the batter after adding wet ingredients, as this can affect the texture.

Can I use different sweeteners instead of coconut sugar?

Absolutely! You can try maple syrup or agave nectar, but remember that using liquid sweeteners may alter the moisture content of your muffins, so adjustments may be needed.

What should I serve with my pumpkin muffins?

These muffins pair wonderfully with nut butter or yogurt for added protein. They make a great snack on their own or as part of a balanced breakfast!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins as much as I do! They’re special because they blend healthiness with seasonal flavors without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re enjoying them on a crisp fall morning or sharing them with friends, these muffins are sure to bring joy. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!