Easy Pumpkin Muffins (One-Bowl Fall Favorite!)

Sometimes, you just need something warm and spiced to cut through the chaos of a busy week. These easy pumpkin muffins feel like a little pocket of calm. I made a batch while my kids argued over Halloween costumes, and by the time the smell of cinnamon hit the hallway, everything felt okay again. Muffins do that. Especially these.

Why These Pumpkin Muffins Are a Must-Bake

These easy pumpkin muffins check all the boxes: soft, moist, full of fall spice, and ready in under 45 minutes. You don’t need a mixer (unless you want to), and cleanup is simple. The texture is fluffy but not crumbly, and they stay moist for days — seriously. They’re ideal for quick breakfasts, cozy coffee breaks, or sharing on a crisp weekend morning. Plus, the one-bowl method makes them perfect for when you want to bake without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pantry Staples

Start with what you probably already have in your pantry: all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and vegetable oil. These staple ingredients create the base for your easy pumpkin muffins, providing both structure and the perfect touch of sweetness. Brown sugar adds depth, while granulated sugar balances the flavors. Baking powder and baking soda give the muffins their gentle rise, and salt helps everything shine. You can swap the oil for melted butter or even applesauce if you like, but vegetable oil keeps the texture soft, moist, and rich — exactly what you want in easy pumpkin muffins.

The Pumpkin & Spice Blend

You’ll need one 15-ounce can of pure pumpkin puree — not pumpkin pie filling. That’s key for achieving the rich, natural pumpkin flavor that defines these easy pumpkin muffins. The puree gives them a deep, earthy taste and beautiful orange color that feels just like fall. As for the spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that classic warm aroma we all crave this time of year. Want to keep it simple? You can use one tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice instead of measuring each one individually. Either way, your kitchen will smell amazing while these easy pumpkin muffins bake to perfection.

Moisture Boosters

You’ll need one 15-ounce can of pure pumpkin puree — make sure it’s 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. The puree gives these easy pumpkin muffins their rich, earthy flavor and that warm orange hue we all love in fall baking. It also adds natural moisture, which helps keep the muffins soft and tender for days. As for the spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring that familiar cozy aroma and taste. Prefer a shortcut? You can swap the individual spices for one tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice instead. Either way, the flavor in these easy pumpkin muffins really shines.

How To Make Easy Pumpkin Muffins (Step-by-Step)

Prep & Preheat

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and lightly spray them — this helps the muffins release cleanly after baking.

Mix Wet and Dry

In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cloves. In another bowl (or your stand mixer), beat the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and oil until smooth. Add the eggs and yolk, then mix in the sour cream. Finally, stir in the pumpkin puree.

Fill and Bake

Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined — stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour. Overmixing will make your muffins dense instead of light and fluffy, so keep it quick and gentle. To portion the batter cleanly and evenly, use a cookie scoop and fill each muffin liner about ¾ full. This helps the easy pumpkin muffins rise beautifully without spilling over. Bake them for 20 to 22 minutes, depending on your oven. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs — not wet batter.

Cool and Serve

Let the muffins rest in the tin for about 10 minutes after baking. This short cooling time helps them finish setting up while staying light and fluffy inside. It also prevents the bottoms from turning soggy from leftover steam. Once they’ve had time to settle, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The texture gets even better as they rest. When fully cooled, you can enjoy your easy pumpkin muffins just as they are — soft, spiced, and cozy — or dress them up with a drizzle of maple glaze or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for extra flair.

Tips, Mix-Ins, and Variations

Make Them Bakery-Style

For round, tall muffin tops, bake in every other muffin cup so each one has room to rise. A cookie scoop gives you cleaner, even batter portions — less mess, more muffin.

Flavor Twists

Try folding in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, raisins, or a swirl of Nutella. My kids love a mini handful of toffee chips sprinkled on top.

Spice Shortcuts

No need to pull out every jar — you can sub the individual spices with 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice. It’s quick and still gives you that cozy autumn flavor.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Storing at Room Temp or Fridge

These easy pumpkin muffins keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge and they’ll last up to a week.

Freezing Muffins

To freeze, wrap each cooled muffin in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temp, or warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Easy Pumpkin Muffins Recipe Card

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Explore Similar Recipes

Craving more cozy bakes to keep the pumpkin love going strong? I’ve got you covered with a few fall favorites that never disappoint. First up: these chewy pumpkin cookies with a soft center — they’re the kind that disappear before they cool, especially with a cup of coffee. Planning your holiday dessert spread? You can’t go wrong with a silky and classic pumpkin pie recipe that’s smooth, spiced, and timeless.

If you’re a fan of loaf cakes, my moist pumpkin bread bursting with fall flavors is like a warm hug in every slice. And for something a little more playful, try making mini pumpkin pies for the perfect bite-sized treat. They’re adorable, delicious, and always the first to vanish at gatherings. Whether you’re baking for a quiet weekend or a festive crowd, these easy pumpkin muffins and other pumpkin-packed treats bring comfort to every table.

Pumpkin Muffin FAQs

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