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Spiced Orange Pumpkin Muffins

These pumpkin muffins are baked treats featuring moist, tender crumb with a lightly domed top. They incorporate pureed pumpkin, warm spices, and a hint of orange zest, resulting in a fragrant, visually appealing muffin with a soft interior and slightly crisp edges.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pureed pumpkin fresh or canned
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 orange orange zest preferably organic

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Muffin tin or paper liners
  • Ice cream scoop or spoon
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined. This helps evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the pureed pumpkin, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl, then gently fold everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until the batter is combined; don't overmix to keep the muffins tender.
  5. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Use an ice cream scoop for even portions and a tidy appearance.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes—they will be fragrant and still slightly warm to the touch.
  8. Enjoy these moist, spiced pumpkin muffins as is, or serve with a pat of butter for an extra treat. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

Notes

Ensure your pumpkin is well-measured for a moist texture. Orange zest adds brightness but is optional if you prefer a more neutral flavor.