With the fall season fully in effect, along comes a multitude of festive treats and activities. Pumpkin is essentially the dominating flavor that rules this time of year. From lattes to pancakes and even pasta, many areas of the culinary arts are showered with the pumpkin craze.
A popular and classic recipe that never fails to be a favorite for many is the pumpkin muffin.
This decadent blend of pumpkin flavors and cake-like texture comes together wonderfully for the perfect autumnal delicacy.
This recipe is unique because we are going to be using apple juice as a substitute for the water. For this recipe, you will need 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 3/4 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup canned pumpkin, 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup apple juice. Additionally, you have the option of adding white or milk chocolate chips, or chopped pecans/almonds.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Step 2: Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.
Step 4: Make a small well/reservoir in the center of the mixture and set it aside.
Step 5: In a separate mixing bowl whisk together sugar, oil, pumpkin, eggs and apple juice until evenly blended.
Step 6: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture and fold with a spatula until combined. If desired, you can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the mixture as well.
Step 7: Fill prepared muffin cups with pumpkin muffin batter until nearly full.
Step 8: Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Use a wooden toothpick to check if the muffins are thoroughly baked. If you stick the toothpick through the center of a muffin and no batter sticks to the toothpick, your muffins are done.
Step 9: Let the muffins cool in the pan for several minutes, and then transfer them to a wire rack or serving tray to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
These muffins are versatile as they also pair well with cream cheese frosting if desired. Bring these muffins to your next festive party, gathering or potluck.
They are fun to bake with others while enjoying other fall festivities.