Pumpkin Pecan Muffins Recipe

Try This Fall-Inspired Pumpkin Pecan Muffins Recipe Today

Autumn whispers its sweet secrets through these delectable pumpkin pecan muffins that bring comfort to chilly mornings.

Crisp leaves dance outside while warm spices fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Nutty pecans provide delightful crunch against soft, tender crumbs infused with seasonal magic.

Cinnamon and brown sugar create a harmonious melody of flavors that sing straight from the heart of fall.

Baking these muffins connects you to cherished memories of cozy gatherings and shared moments.

Warm, fragrant, and perfectly balanced, these treats promise to become an instant favorite for everyone who takes a bite.

Let’s turn your kitchen into a haven of seasonal delight and bake something truly special.

Pumpkin Muffins With Toasted Pecans

  • Savor Seasonal Simplicity: Quickly whip up these pumpkin pecan muffins with minimal kitchen hassle and maximum flavor impact.
  • Quick Comfort Baking: Bake these delightful muffins in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or unexpected sweet cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Cream cheese swirl and crunchy pecans create a gourmet-style muffin that impresses family and guests without professional baking skills.
  • Festive Fall Flavor: Embrace autumn's warmth with pumpkin spice goodness that transforms an ordinary breakfast into a cozy, memorable moment.

Pumpkin Pecan Muffins Ingredient Breakdown

Primary Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Spice Bar Mix Packet 1, Pumpkin Spice Bar Mix Packet 2: Essential flavor base for creating a warm, autumnal taste profile with convenient pre-mixed spices.
  • Water, Melted Butter, Cream Cheese: Provide moisture, richness, and creamy texture to the muffins, ensuring soft and tender crumb.
  • Pecans: Adds delightful crunch, nutty flavor, and textural contrast to the soft muffin, enhancing overall taste experience.

Pumpkin Muffin Instructions with Toasty Pecans

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 350°F.

Grab a muffin pan and line it with paper cups, creating cozy little homes for your soon-to-be-amazing muffins.

Step 2: Mix the Magical Batter

Grab a medium bowl and combine:
  • Pumpkin Spice Bar Mix packet 1
  • Water
  • Melted butter

Stir everything until it’s smooth and well-blended.

Toss in some chopped pecans and mix gently.

Pour about two-thirds of this delightful mixture into the muffin wells, saving the rest for later.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Center

Find a microwave-safe bowl and soften the cream cheese by heating it for 20-30 seconds.

Whisk in the Pumpkin Spice Bar Mix packet 2 until you’ve got a silky-smooth cream.

Step 4: Build Your Muffin Masterpiece

Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the batter in each muffin well.

Take the remaining batter and gently spread it on top, creating a delicious hidden center.

Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans over the tops for a crunchy finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 6: Let Them Rest

Give your muffins a moment to cool down before diving in.

This helps them set and makes them easier to remove from the pan.

Muffin Baking Tips for Pumpkin Pecan Moisture Magic

  • Microwave cream cheese in short bursts to avoid overheating, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture without burning.
  • Lightly coat chopped pecans in a bit of flour before adding to the batter to help them distribute evenly and prevent sinking to the bottom.
  • Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture through the batter for a marbled appearance and more complex flavor distribution.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and fresh for an extra day or two.
  • Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile while maintaining the same delicious crunch.

Chill Pumpkin Pecan Muffins

  • Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and moist.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
  • Warm refrigerated muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
  • Remove frozen muffins from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, or microwave for 30-45 seconds for a quick thaw.

Sips and Fruit for Pumpkin Pecan Muffins

  • Sip Spiced Chai Latte: Complement the warm, nutty pumpkin muffins with a creamy chai latte that echoes the spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a cozy autumn flavor harmony.
  • Pair with Maple Butter Spread: Enhance the muffins' richness by serving with a homemade maple butter, spreading a sweet and luxurious layer that intensifies the pecans' caramel undertones.
  • Serve Alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top warm muffins with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold, smooth texture to contrast beautifully with the muffins' warm, spiced crumb.
  • Match with Caramel Macchiato: Complete the dessert experience with a caramel macchiato, whose espresso and caramel notes perfectly balance the pumpkin's earthy sweetness and pecan's nutty crunch.

Pumpkin Pecan Muffin Flavor Enhancements

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pecan Muffins: Replace the original mix with a gluten-free pumpkin spice bar mix. Use gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Pecan Muffins: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use dairy-free cream cheese alternative and replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Choose plant-based milk for added moisture.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Pecan Muffins: Substitute sugar content with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce overall sweetness by using unsweetened cream cheese and minimizing added sugars. Add extra spices for flavor complexity.
  • Nut-Free Pumpkin Muffins: Remove pecans completely. Replace nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch. Use seed butter instead of nut-based ingredients to maintain texture and nutritional value.

FAQs

  • Are these muffins gluten-free?

Unfortunately, this specific recipe uses a Pumpkin Spice Bar Mix which may contain gluten. Check the packaging or contact the manufacturer to confirm gluten-free status.

  • Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds. The swap will provide a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the muffins.

  • How do I know when the muffins are perfectly baked?

Use the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean without wet batter, the muffins are done. They should also have a golden brown top.

  • Is the cream cheese mixture necessary for the recipe?

The cream cheese adds a rich, creamy layer that enhances the muffins’ flavor and texture. While optional, it provides a delicious contrast to the pumpkin spice base.

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Pumpkin Pecan Muffins Recipe

Pumpkin Pecan Muffins Recipe


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4.9 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Spiced pumpkin pecan muffins bring autumn’s warmth to your breakfast table with rich seasonal comfort. Nutty pecans and warm spices create a delightful morning treat you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 package pumpkin spice bar mix
  • 3/4 cup (177 ml) water
  • 3/4 cup (90 g) chopped pecans, divided
  • 1/2 (226 g) package cream cheese
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) butter, melted

Baking Accessories:

  • 12 paper cupcake liners

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-count muffin pan with paper liners.
  2. Create the foundational muffin batter by blending the Pumpkin Spice Bar Mix packet 1 with water and melted butter until thoroughly integrated. Fold in half of the chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution.
  3. Allocate approximately two-thirds of the mixed batter into the muffin wells, leaving the remaining portion for later use.
  4. Transform the cream cheese into a pliable state by microwaving for 20-30 seconds, then whisk in the Pumpkin Spice Bar Mix packet 2 until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  5. Carefully deposit dollops of the cream cheese mixture atop the initial batter layer within each muffin well.
  6. Delicately spread the reserved batter over the cream cheese layer, creating a complete covering.
  7. Embellish the muffin tops with the remaining chopped pecans, ensuring an even sprinkle across the surface.
  8. Transfer the muffin pan to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
  9. Allow the muffins to cool completely before removing from the pan and serving, enabling them to set and develop optimal texture.

Notes

  • Swap out butter for coconut oil to make the muffins dairy-free and add a subtle tropical twist.
  • Use gluten-free baking mix as a direct substitute for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same delicious texture.
  • Toast pecans beforehand to intensify their nutty flavor and enhance the overall richness of the muffins.
  • Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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