Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

If you’re looking for a cozy fall treat that’s not only delicious but also healthy, you’ve come to the right place! These Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein) are my go-to recipe when the leaves start to change color and the air turns crisp. They are packed with wholesome ingredients, easy to whip up, and filled with that wonderful pumpkin spice flavor we all adore. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just want a quick snack during your busy day, these muffins are sure to hit the spot!

They’re perfect for breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, with 7 grams of protein per muffin, you can indulge without any guilt. Let’s dive into why this recipe is one of my favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The simple steps make these muffins a breeze to prepare, even on your busiest days!
• Nutritious and Delicious: With pumpkin puree and coconut sugar, these treats are both healthy and satisfying.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love them! These muffins are a fun way to get some veggies into their diet.
• Great for Meal Prep: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week—perfect for busy mornings!
• Festive Flavor: The warm spices create that cozy fall vibe, making every bite comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. No complicated components here—just good food! Here’s what you need:

Dry Ingredients

• 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

Wet Ingredients

• 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

Add-ins

• 1 cup paleo chocolate chips (182g)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and healthy fats.
• Switch Up the Sweetener: If you prefer a different sweetener, try using maple syrup or honey instead of coconut sugar.
• Go Spicier: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger to enhance those fall flavors.
• Fruit Boost: Incorporate some mashed bananas or applesauce for added moisture and sweetness.

How to Make Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your muffin tin with liners. This will ensure your muffins bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients. This includes the gluten-free flour, collagen peptides, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing them first ensures even distribution of flavors and leavening agents.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients until smooth. This includes the pumpkin puree, eggs, coconut sugar, avocado oil, and vanilla extract. Mixing well here helps to create a moist muffin base full of flavor!

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined—it’s okay if there’s still some flour visible. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so be careful here!

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips & Rest Batter

Fold in those delightful chocolate chips! Once they’re mixed in nicely, let your batter rest for about 15 minutes. This allows everything to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Bake Your Muffins

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cavities—don’t forget to top with extra chocolate chips if you want! Bake in your preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes until they’re cooked through. Remember that these muffins will be quite moist; letting them cool slightly in the tin before transferring to a wire rack is key!

Enjoy these delightful Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins as a festive treat any time of year!

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

Making these muffins is a breeze, but a few simple tips can take your baking game to the next level!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and pumpkin puree to room temperature allows for better mixing, resulting in a smoother batter and fluffier muffins.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until just combined to keep your muffins light and airy. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, which we definitely want to avoid!

• Check doneness with a toothpick: Since these muffins are moist, using a toothpick to check that it comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs) ensures they are perfectly baked.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize your muffins! Adding nuts or dried fruits like cranberries can enhance flavor and texture, making them even more delightful.

• Store properly for freshness: Keep your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage. This way, you can enjoy them whenever the craving strikes!

How to Serve Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein)

These Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are not only delicious on their own but can also be dressed up for extra flair. Here are some fun serving ideas!

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling some chopped nuts on top adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• A drizzle of maple syrup: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle some pure maple syrup on top right before serving. It enhances the fall flavors!

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits like apples and pears offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the muffin.
• Yogurt parfait: Serve with dairy-free yogurt layered with granola and berries for a nutritious breakfast or snack option that pairs well with the muffins.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of herbal tea like chai or peppermint brings out the cozy vibes of autumn and is perfect alongside these muffins.
• Smoothie bowl: Blend up your favorite fruits with spinach or kale for a refreshing smoothie bowl that balances out the sweetness of the muffins while adding some greens.

Enjoy creating delightful moments around these Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins – they’re sure to be a hit wherever you serve them!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy them throughout. They stay fresh and delicious, making them an excellent snack or breakfast option any day.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the muffins to cool completely.
• Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each cooled muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, remove the muffin from its wrap and microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until warmed through.
• If thawing in the fridge, reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

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

Absolutely! You can omit the chocolate chips if you prefer. Alternatively, try adding nuts or dried fruit for some extra texture.

How do I know when my Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins (High Protein) are done baking?

The muffins will be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Remember that they will continue to cook slightly while cooling.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of coconut sugar?

Yes! You could use maple syrup or another granulated sweetener of your choice. Just be mindful that it may alter the moisture content slightly.

How do I make these muffins dairy-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free! Just ensure that your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give these Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins a try! They’re not only packed with protein but also bursting with fall flavors that will surely warm your heart. Whether you’re enjoying one as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, I’m confident you’ll love how easy and delicious they are. Happy baking!