Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe

Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are a warm hug in a wrapper, combining spiced pumpkin cake with buttery, crunchy streusel for a treat that’s pure autumn comfort. Whether you’re ushering in fall or just need a cozy pick-me-up, these muffins never fail to delight. The tender crumb, aromatic spices, and irresistible sweet topping make them a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or snack time with friends and family. Each bite is a balance of soft, moist muffin and golden streusel, making them impossibly hard to resist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy—just classic pantry staples and a handful of autumn-inspired additions. Each ingredient is essential, coming together to create those signature Pumpkin Streusel Muffins filled with rich flavor, stunning texture, and a hint of nostalgia.

• Cold unsalted butter (6 tbsp): This is the heart of your streusel, lending a melting richness and irresistible crunch in every bite.
• Brown sugar (1 cup): Caramel-like sweetness enhances the topping, giving muffins a deep, fall-inspired flavor.
• All purpose flour (1 cup for streusel + 1 3/4 cups for muffins): Flour provides structure for both the crumb and topping, ensuring a perfect muffin texture.
• Salt (1/4 tsp for streusel + 1/2 tsp for muffins): Just the right amount wakes up all the other flavors, making both the streusel and muffins pop.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Ensures your Pumpkin Streusel Muffins rise sky-high and stay perfectly fluffy.
• Pumpkin pie spice (1 tbsp): The signature spice blend that transforms simple batter into pumpkin-season magic with every whiff.
• Melted unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Adds a rich depth of flavor and keeps the muffins moist without feeling greasy.
• Granulated white sugar (1 1/4 cups): Delivers classic sweetness and helps create a delicate, golden-brown crumb.
• Eggs (2): Bind everything together, bringing stability and tenderness to your muffins.
• Vanilla (1 tsp): Works behind the scenes to round out flavors and add warmth.
• Canned pumpkin puree (1 cup): The star of the show brings color, moisture, and that unmistakable pumpkin taste.
• Buttermilk, at room temperature (3/4 cup): Reacts with baking soda for that coveted tender crumb and subtle tang.

How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

Start by making the streusel so it has time to chill and develop those crave-worthy clumps. In a large bowl, combine the cold butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt. Use your hands (this is the fun part!) to mash and blend until big clumps form. Pop the bowl in the fridge to rest while you make the batter—cold streusel equals crisp, chunky topping!

Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Muffin Pan

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line your muffin pans with 20 paper liners. Having everything ready before you start mixing ensures the batter goes straight from bowl to oven, keeping the leavening agents extra active for fluffier muffins.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This step evenly distributes the leavening and spices, so no one ends up with a burst of baking soda or a clump of spice—just consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until the mixture is smooth and glossy—this ensures your Pumpkin Streusel Muffins have a consistent, tender crumb rather than any streaks or hollows.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin and Buttermilk

Add the pumpkin puree and buttermilk to your wet mixture, whisking to blend it all together. The batter should look creamy and richly orange, with all the delicious promise of those autumn bakery muffins we love.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, whisking just until combined. The trick here is not to overmix—stop as soon as everything is moistened and lump-free. This keeps the muffins super soft and tender, with a perfect rise.

Step 7: Fill and Top

Evenly divide the batter among the lined muffin cups—they’ll be nearly full, but that’s what gives these Pumpkin Streusel Muffins that dramatic bakery-style dome. Generously sprinkle the chilled streusel over the top, pressing it gently so it clings and creates those gorgeous crunchy peaks.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake in the middle of your oven for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Let the muffins cool in the pan for five minutes (this helps the tops set), then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Trust me—the aroma alone is irresistible!

How to Serve Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Garnishes

A finishing touch can turn these muffins into something truly special. Dust them with a little extra pumpkin pie spice or drizzle with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. For a festive flourish, try a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dollop of whipped cream on top—perfect for a brunch spread!

Side Dishes

Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are delightful alongside a creamy latte, a vanilla chai, or a mug of hot apple cider. To round out a breakfast or brunch menu, pair them with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or even a simple yogurt parfait. Their sweetness balances savory sides beautifully, making any meal feel like a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopper brunch, stack your muffins high on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and little pumpkins for decoration. You could also tuck them into napkin-lined baskets for holiday gatherings, or wrap them individually as homemade gifts—watch faces light up when you share these beautiful, homemade Pumpkin Streusel Muffins!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pumpkin Streusel Muffins keep well at room temperature for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. If your kitchen is especially warm, tuck them in the fridge to keep them fresh and moist, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

These muffins are freezer-friendly! Once cooled completely, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually for about an hour, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature or gently microwave when you crave a taste of autumn.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop your Pumpkin Streusel Muffins in a 300 degree oven for 5–7 minutes (or microwave for 20 seconds). The streusel crisps back up and the muffins become as tender and fragrant as the day you baked them!

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade puree is well-drained and as thick as the canned version. Slight differences in moisture can affect texture, but the muffins will still turn out delicious.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries—mix 3/4 cup milk with 2 teaspoons lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for five minutes, and use it as a substitute. This homemade buttermilk will lend the same tenderness to your Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.

Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet muffin?

You can decrease the granulated sugar in the batter by 1/4 cup and use less brown sugar in the streusel if you prefer a more subtly sweet treat. Keep in mind, though, that sugar affects moisture and texture, so muffins may be slightly less tender.

Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in both the streusel and the muffins. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well for safe, scrumptious results.

How do I get that perfect bakery-style muffin top?

Filling the muffin cups almost to the top and chilling the streusel both contribute to lofty, crunchy crowns. Don’t skip preheating your oven, and bake right away after mixing to capture all the lift from the baking soda and buttermilk.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling a tray of Pumpkin Streusel Muffins from the oven—your kitchen will smell incredible, and every bite feels like a little celebration of the season. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or savoring with a quiet cup of coffee, these muffins never disappoint. Give them a try and discover just how irresistible homemade can be!

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