Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

If you’re looking for a cozy, healthy treat to enjoy during the fall months, these Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein) are just what you need! They bring all the warm flavors of pumpkin spice right into your kitchen while being packed with protein and goodness. This recipe is a favorite of mine because it’s not only delicious but also super easy to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a little something special.

Imagine starting your day with a fluffy muffin that’s both nutritious and satisfying. These muffins are lightly sweetened with coconut sugar and feature a whole can of pumpkin, which makes them moist and flavorful. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing them at your next get-together, these muffins are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just ten minutes of prep time, you’ll have these delightful muffins in the oven in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the sweet pumpkin flavor and chocolate chips, making it a perfect snack for kids and adults alike.
• Healthy Protein Boost: Each muffin packs in 7g of protein, so you can feel good about indulging in this tasty treat.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Bake a batch ahead of time, and you’ll have delicious snacks ready for the week.
• Versatile Flavor: Enjoy them plain or add your favorite mix-ins for an extra twist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These muffins come together with simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. You’ll love how easy it is to create this festive treat that’s both gluten-free and high in protein!

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

These Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are wonderfully flexible! Feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Add Some Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Go Nut-Free: Swap out nuts for seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds if allergies are a concern.
• Change Up the Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the coconut sugar by a couple of tablespoons.
• Experiment with Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg alongside the pumpkin pie spice for extra warmth.

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 bake evenly and rise beautifully. Don’t forget to line your muffin tin with liners; it makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients until they’re well combined. This step is important because it helps distribute the baking powder and spices evenly throughout the flour.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together all of the wet ingredients until smooth. Mixing them separately helps ensure that everything blends well when combined later. After that, gently fold in your dry ingredients until just combined—some flour should still be visible.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Now comes the fun part! Carefully stir in the chocolate chips until they’re well distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to over-stir; this keeps your muffins light and fluffy. Letting the batter rest for about 15 minutes allows everything to meld perfectly.

Step 5: Bake Your Muffins

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cavities—don’t forget to sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top if you’re feeling indulgent! Bake in your preheated oven for 22-25 minutes. The key here is patience; let them cool in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack so they set properly.

Enjoy these delightful Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins as an afternoon snack or breakfast on-the-go—you deserve it!

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

Baking can sometimes feel a bit tricky, but with these pro tips, you’ll be on your way to pumpkin muffin perfection!

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensuring your baking powder and spices are fresh will enhance the flavor and rise of your muffins. Stale ingredients can lead to flat or bland results.

• Don’t over-mix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until the flour disappears. Over-mixing can result in tough muffins instead of the tender texture we’re aiming for.

• Let the batter rest: Allowing your batter to rest for 15 minutes before baking helps hydrate the flour and improve the texture of your muffins. This little trick can make a big difference!

• Check doneness with a toothpick: Since these muffins are quite moist, insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready!

• Store properly: To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for longer shelf life. You can also freeze them for up to three months—just thaw before enjoying!

How to Serve Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

These delightful muffins make a wonderful treat any time of day! Here are some fun ideas on how to present and serve them.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle with cinnamon: A light dusting of cinnamon not only adds extra flavor but also gives your muffins a cozy fall aesthetic.

• Drizzle with maple syrup: For those who love a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of pure maple syrup can enhance the pumpkin flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of dairy-free Greek yogurt on the side adds creaminess and protein, making it a perfect pairing with your muffins.

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries adds freshness and balances out the richness of the muffins.

• Nut butter: Serve with almond or cashew butter for an extra protein boost and nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.

With these serving suggestions, you can turn your Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins into an even more delightful experience! Enjoy every bite as you savor this wholesome treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are perfect for meal prep! They store well, making them an excellent choice for busy mornings or as a healthy snack throughout the week.

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 storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just label the date so you know when they were frozen!

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, remove the muffin from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Warm in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until heated through.
• Alternatively, place in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes if you prefer a crispy top.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you with this recipe:

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

Yes! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). Let it sit until it thickens to use as a substitute.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. A pinch of nutmeg or extra pumpkin spice can also elevate the taste!

Can I use other sweeteners instead of coconut sugar?

Absolutely! You can substitute coconut sugar with maple syrup, but keep in mind that this will alter the liquid ratio slightly. Adjust your wet ingredients accordingly.

What is the best way to enjoy these muffins?

These muffins are delicious on their own, but you can spread a little almond butter or dairy-free cream cheese on top for an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these delightful Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins! With their wholesome ingredients and high protein content, they’re not just tasty but also nutritious. Perfect for fall, snack time, or even dessert! Enjoy making them and sharing with friends and family—you’ll definitely want to keep this recipe close at hand!