Name: Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ½ teaspoon ginger; ¼ teaspoon cloves; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 cup sugar; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 27 reviews

If you are on the lookout for a delightfully moist and warmly spiced treat, the Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins Recipe will quickly become your new favorite fall indulgence. These muffins perfectly blend the rich earthiness of pumpkin puree with a comforting mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, creating a soft crumb bursting with flavor. Each bite delivers a tender, aromatic experience that is both nostalgic and elegant, making them perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a sweet treat to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Seven golden brown muffins sit closely packed on a simple white plate, four of them with white paper wrappers around their bases. Each muffin has a slightly cracked top with a light dusting of sugar, giving a soft sparkle to the warm surface. Some muffins show small bits of nuts or fruit baked inside, creating a textured look with tiny dark spots. The plate rests on a white marbled surface that contrasts softly with the warm tones of the muffins. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing the Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins Recipe. This recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh pumpkin puree that come together perfectly to create a moist texture and balanced flavor. Every element plays a crucial role, from the aromatic spices that give the muffins their signature warmth to the eggs and oil that create the ideal crumb.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for tender muffins without being too dense.
Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, adding moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin taste.
Sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough to harmonize with the spices without overpowering.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist and ensures a soft crumb.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness to the texture.
Vanilla extract: Lends a subtle fragrant note that brightens the flavor.
Baking powder: Gives the muffins a gentle rise, making them light and fluffy.
Baking soda: Helps to activate the acidic pumpkin and creates lift.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses the muffins with a classic warm spice.
Nutmeg: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness.
Ginger: Brings a gentle spice kick for complexity.
Cloves: A pinch of clove adds a cozy, woodsy undertone.

How to Make Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F. Prepare your muffin tin by placing paper liners in each cup. This step is crucial not just for easy cleanup but also helps the muffins bake evenly and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures that every bite of your muffin delivers consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy—you’ll notice how the pumpkin’s vibrant hue makes this step so visually satisfying.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mix

Carefully pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold them together until the batter looks uniform and soft. Be careful not to overmix here; a few lumps are perfectly fine and contribute to the muffins’ tender crumb.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

Spoon the batter into each lined muffin cup, filling them about two-thirds full. This helps achieve those beautiful, rounded muffin tops everyone loves without spilling over.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake until the muffins turn a golden color and spring back when touched, which usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes depending on your oven.

Step 7: Check with Toothpick

Insert a toothpick in the center of a muffin to test doneness. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your muffins are perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Step 8: Cool the Muffins

Transfer the muffins to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. Cooling is essential to let the muffins set and develop their full flavor and texture.

Step 9: Add Toppings if You Like

Sprinkle a little powdered sugar or cinnamon on top for that extra pop of sweetness and a charming finish, perfect if you’re serving them at a brunch or gathering.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy your muffins warm or at room temperature, ideal with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or freshly brewed coffee. This is truly the perfect snack to brighten any day.

How to Serve Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

A white round plate holds seven golden brown muffins. Five muffins are directly on the plate showing a slightly rough and cracked top textured with small sugar grains sprinkled lightly. Two muffins are placed near the top center and bottom right of the plate in white paper wrappers with pointed edges standing above the muffins. The muffins have a warm orange color with some darker spots and small nut pieces visible inside. The plate is set on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a touch of powdered sugar or a light dusting of cinnamon on top not only makes the muffins look irresistible but also enhances their cozy pumpkin-spice profile. For a more decadent option, a dollop of cream cheese frosting transforms these muffins into an elegant dessert.

Side Dishes

Serve these pumpkin muffins alongside a hot bowl of pumpkin soup or a fresh green salad for a balanced autumn meal. They also pair beautifully with scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage for a hearty brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few muffins on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of butter, honey, and nut butter for a casual sharing platter. Or wrap individual muffins in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming gift idea that friends will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh a little longer, refrigeration is a good option, and they will stay moist for about a week.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully, which makes them perfect for meal prepping. Place the fully cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated muffins by microwaving them for 15 to 20 seconds or warming in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will restore their soft texture and make them taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for the Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins Recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it is pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains extra sugar and spices.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil for butter?

You can substitute melted butter for vegetable oil, which will give the muffins a richer flavor and slightly denser texture. Use the same amount for the best results.

What makes these muffins so moist?

The combination of pumpkin puree and vegetable oil ensures these muffins stay incredibly moist. The oil keeps the crumb tender without drying out, which can sometimes happen with butter-based muffins.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for an added crunch or sweet surprise. These additions complement the pumpkin spices beautifully.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

The muffins are done when they turn golden brown, spring back lightly when pressed on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean without wet batter.

Final Thoughts

There is something so effortlessly comforting about making and sharing the Ina Garten Pumpkin Muffins Recipe. From the inviting aroma of warm spices filling your kitchen to the tender crumb of each bite, these muffins bring a little joy wrapped in every morsel. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a cozy snack, or a simple dessert, I heartily encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience firsthand why it’s become a beloved staple in so many homes.