Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins Moist and Healthy Recipe
Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are the kind of cozy bake that fills the kitchen with warm spice aromas and the earthy sweetness of pumpkin. The very first time I made them, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg instantly brought back memories of autumn mornings when family gatherings centered around baked treats. These pumpkin muffins are not just tender and moist but also packed with protein, making them one of the best pumpkin recipes healthy enough for breakfast and satisfying as a snack. Each bite proves that healthy sweets recipes can be both nourishing and indulgent.
Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line or grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour blend, protein powder, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, pumpkin purée, milk, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix — lumps are okay.
- Stir in chocolate chips, walnuts, or cranberries if using.
- Fill muffin cups about ¾ full. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool muffins in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Notes
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Why you will love gluten free pumpkin muffins
Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are light, flavorful, and perfect for busy mornings or holiday gatherings.
- Naturally moist with pumpkin puree and applesauce
- Filled with protein powder that makes them true pumpkin protein muffins
- Easy to bake with simple gluten free pumpkin flour blends
- Adaptable with paleo chocolate chips or crunchy nuts
- Perfect as part of your healthy pumpkin recipe collection
- Freezer friendly for quick grab and go options
This recipe belongs at the top of your pumpkin muffin recipes list because it balances flavor, nutrition, and convenience.
Ingredients for gluten free pumpkin muffins
Here are the ingredients you will need with simple substitution tips for different diets.
| Ingredient | Amount | Substitution Tips |
| Gluten free all purpose flour blend with xanthan gum | 1 ½ cups | Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur blends work best |
| Protein powder vanilla or unflavored | ½ cup | Replace with more flour if desired |
| Light brown sugar | ½ cup | Use coconut sugar or granulated sugar |
| Pumpkin pie spice | 1 tbsp | Or mix cinnamon nutmeg ginger and cloves |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | — |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | — |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | — |
| Egg | 1 large | Replace with flax egg for vegan version |
| Pumpkin puree | 1 cup | Fresh roasted pumpkin works well |
| Milk dairy or non dairy | ½ cup | Almond oat soy or cow’s milk |
| Unsweetened applesauce | ¼ cup | Substitute with melted coconut oil |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | — |
| Optional add ins | ¼ cup | Paleo chocolate chips walnuts or dried cranberries |
These ingredients create healthy pumpkin muffins that taste like classic bakery treats while staying gluten free.
How to make gluten free pumpkin muffins
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a 12 cup muffin tin with liners or grease.
- In a large bowl whisk flour blend protein powder sugar pumpkin pie spice baking powder baking soda and salt.
- In another bowl whisk egg pumpkin puree milk applesauce and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Small lumps are fine.
- Stir in paleo chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Fill muffin cups three quarters full. Bake 18 to 22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
These pumpkin protein muffins come out tender fluffy and ready to enjoy warm or at room temperature.
How to serve gluten free pumpkin muffins
Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are versatile and fit into many occasions.
- Serve as a quick breakfast with almond butter or cream cheese
- Pack into snack boxes with fruit and yogurt for balanced meals
- Dress up with cream cheese frosting for a holiday dessert
- Add dried cranberries for festive pumpkin muffin recipes
They are a wonderful choice for anyone collecting healthy sweets recipes.
Secrets to perfect gluten free pumpkin muffins
- Always use a flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure
- Avoid overmixing to keep muffins fluffy
- Use room temperature ingredients for even baking
- Start baking at a slightly higher heat for domed tops then reduce after a few minutes
- Choose pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
Following these tips will give you bakery style healthy pumpkin muffins every time.
Common mistakes to avoid with pumpkin muffin recipes
- Using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree leads to overly sweet muffins
- Skipping fat makes muffins dense even when applesauce is included
- Overbaking dries out gluten free pumpkin muffins quickly
- Adding too much liquid creates dense or gummy textures
Storage and reheating tips
Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins store well for meal prep and freezing.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
| Room Temperature | 2 days | Keep sealed in an airtight container |
| Refrigerator | 5 days | Store in a sealed bag or container |
| Freezer | 2 months | Wrap individually and freeze |
To reheat place in the microwave for 20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about gluten free pumpkin muffins
Can I make these muffins vegan
Yes replace the egg with a flax egg and use dairy free milk.
Do I have to use protein powder
No you can replace it with more flour but protein makes them filling pumpkin protein muffins.
Can I make mini muffins
Yes bake them for 10 to 12 minutes instead of 18 to 22.
Why are my muffins crumbly
Usually from skipping xanthan gum or not enough binding.
Can I add chocolate chips
Yes paleo chocolate chips make them even more delicious.
Conclusion
Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are proof that healthy pumpkin baking can be moist tender and packed with flavor. With pumpkin puree warm spices and a boost of protein they are the perfect addition to your list of pumpkin recipes healthy enough for breakfast and sweet enough for dessert. Whether you enjoy them plain or with paleo chocolate chips they fit beautifully into any collection of healthy sweets recipes. Save this recipe to your Pinterest boards and share with friends who love pumpkin muffin recipes.
