Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate fall flavors in a healthy way, you’ve landed in the right spot! These Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein) are not just delicious; they are a delightful treat that brings comfort and warmth to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or need a quick snack to brighten your busy week, these muffins are here to save the day!

What makes these muffins extra special is their wholesome ingredients. Packed with protein, they offer not only sweetness but also nutrition. With a whole can of pumpkin and lightly sweetened with coconut sugar, each muffin is moist, flavorful, and oh-so-festive!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in Protein: Each muffin boasts 7g of protein, making them a satisfying snack that keeps you energized.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you’ll have these muffins ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the moist texture and chocolatey goodness.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Bake a batch ahead of time for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
• Festive Flavor: The warm spices and pumpkin flavor bring all the cozy vibes of autumn.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have on hand. They come together beautifully to create muffins that are both nutritious and tasty.

For the Muffins

• 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
• 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
• 1 cup paleo chocolate chips (182g)

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Make It Sweeter: If you prefer sweeter muffins, increase the coconut sugar by a couple of tablespoons.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick.
• Go Vegan: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based version without losing any yumminess.

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. While it’s heating up, prepare your muffin tin by adding liners—you want those muffins to pop out easily once they’re baked!

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients until they are well combined. This includes the gluten free flour, collagen peptides, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all your wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, eggs, coconut sugar, avocado oil, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is nice and smooth—this will give your muffins that perfect texture!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now it’s time to add your dry mixture into the wet mixture. Use a spatula to gently combine them until you still see some flour—this will help keep your muffins light and fluffy! After that, fold in those delightful chocolate chips.

Step 5: Let It Rest & Bake

Allow your batter to rest for about 15 minutes. This little pause helps enhance the flavors! Then divide the batter evenly among your muffin cavities. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle more chocolate chips on top before popping them into the oven.

Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown. Remember that these muffins will be quite moist because of the pumpkin, so let them cool in the muffin tin for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Trust me; they’re worth the wait! Enjoy every bite!

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

Baking gluten-free can be a breeze with a few helpful tips! Here are some suggestions to ensure your muffins come out perfect every time.

• Choose the right flour: Using a high-quality gluten free 1-to-1 flour blend ensures your muffins have the right texture and rise without the gluten.
• Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest for 15 minutes helps hydrate the flour, resulting in a better muffin texture and improved flavor.
• Don’t over-mix: Gently fold the ingredients until just combined to keep your muffins light and fluffy. Over-mixing can lead to dense muffins.
• Check for doneness: Since these muffins are moist, use a toothpick to check for doneness—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready!
• Cool before serving: Letting your muffins cool for a bit in the tin helps them set properly and makes them easier to remove without falling apart.

How to Serve Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

These Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Whether for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, here are some creative ideas.

Garnishes

• Sprinkled Cinnamon Sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top adds a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft muffin.
• Chopped Nuts: Finely chopped walnuts or pecans provide an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor that complements pumpkin wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits like apples and pears adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the muffins.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome breakfast or snack that pairs perfectly with these muffins.
• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea, like chai or peppermint, creates a cozy atmosphere that enhances your muffin experience.
• Nut Butter Dip: Serve with almond or cashew butter on the side for dipping, bringing in a creamy element that pairs well with the pumpkin flavor.

Enjoy these muffins any way you choose—they’re sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are perfect for meal prep! They store well and make for a quick breakfast or snack throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

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 in an airtight container 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.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months – ideal for healthy on-the-go snacks!

Reheating

• To reheat, remove the muffin from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave on high for about 15-20 seconds, or until warm. You can also reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Have some questions? No worries! Here are some common queries about these delightful muffins.

Can I make Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein) without chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can either omit the chocolate chips entirely or substitute them with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

How do I ensure my Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein) turn out fluffy?

Make sure not to over-mix your batter after adding the dry ingredients. A few lumps are okay! Also, letting the batter rest helps achieve a lighter texture.

Can I use other sweeteners instead of coconut sugar?

Yes! While coconut sugar is a great option, you can also use maple syrup or agave nectar. Just adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly if using a liquid sweetener.

How do I know when my muffins are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, they’re done. Remember that gluten-free baked goods can sometimes look slightly moist even when fully cooked, so trust your toothpick!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins as much as I do! They’re not only packed with nutrients but also bring that cozy fall flavor we all love. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving some for later, they’re sure to be a hit. Happy baking and relish every bite!