If you’re craving a cozy treat that feels indulgent yet won’t tip the scales, these Amazing Spiced Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are your perfect match. This 280-Calorie Delight blends warm autumn spices, moist pumpkin puree, and a buttery crumbly topping into muffins that are simply irresistible. Whether you’re starting your morning or need a midday pick-me-up, these muffins bring comfort, flavor, and just the right balance of sweetness without the heaviness.

280-Calorie Delight Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in bringing out the hearty texture, subtle sweetness, and inviting aroma that make this 280-Calorie Delight so unforgettable. From the fragrant spices to the moist pumpkin, each component is simple yet essential.

All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the muffins, ensuring they rise perfectly fluffy.
Baking soda and baking powder: Leavening agents that help achieve a tender crumb with the ideal lift.
Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves: A warm spice blend that infuses every bite with cozy autumn flavors.
Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness, bringing depth to the taste.
Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and subtle earthy sweetness while packing in nutrients.
Granulated and light brown sugar: Combo that delivers sweetness with a hint of molasses richness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps muffins moist and tender without heaviness.
Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the soft texture.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile, lending a sweet floral note.
For the streusel topping: Flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter create a crunchy, buttery crumb layer that tops off this 280-Calorie Delight perfectly.

How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Muffins with Crunchy Streusel Topping

Step 1: Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by warming up your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or greasing it well. Next, grab a large bowl to whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and the exciting spice medley—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves—plus salt. This dry mix is the foundation of the cozy flavors you’ll enjoy in every bite.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree with both sugars, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform. This luscious wet mixture gives your muffins their moist texture and natural sweetness, crucial for that perfect balance in the 280-Calorie Delight.

Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula. The key here is to stir just until combined—the batter should have a few lumps. Overmixing could make your muffins dense, and we want ours light and tender to honor the name 280-Calorie Delight.

Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping

For the signature crunch, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut everything together until you see coarse crumbs forming. This buttery topping adds a delightful texture contrast and a touch of sweetness that’s hard to resist.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among your muffin cups and generously sprinkle the streusel on top of each one. Pop them into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until a skewer comes out clean. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this stage is pure magic—your 280-Calorie Delight is nearly ready.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin briefly before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling lets them set up perfectly, so every bite is tender with a crisp, buttery top. Now, you’re ready to indulge in these extraordinary spiced pumpkin treats.

How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Muffins with Crunchy Streusel Topping

Garnishes

While these muffins are fantastic on their own, a light spread of cream cheese or a touch of honey can enhance their richness without overwhelming the warm pumpkin spices. Toasted pecans or a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a pretty finish and an extra layer of flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea to complement their spiced notes beautifully. A simple green salad or a fresh fruit bowl also contrasts nicely, making a light breakfast or snack that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange these 280-Calorie Delight muffins on a rustic wooden board garnished with cinnamon sticks and autumn leaves. Alternatively, serve warm with a dollop of whipped vanilla yogurt or a small ramekin of pumpkin butter for dipping, turning every bite into an inviting feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your pumpkin streusel muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and flavorful, perfect for grabbing on-the-go or enjoying as a quick breakfast throughout the week.

Freezing

These muffins freeze wonderfully. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to three months, making your 280-Calorie Delight easy to enjoy whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

To warm frozen or refrigerated muffins, pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes until heated through. This freshens them up nicely, bringing back that comforting aroma and soft texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook, puree, and drain excess moisture from fresh pumpkin before using it to maintain the right batter consistency for your 280-Calorie Delight muffins.

What makes these muffins only 280 calories?

The balanced use of ingredients like vegetable oil instead of butter and moderate sugar quantities keeps each muffin light yet flavorful, helping you enjoy a tasty treat without overindulging.

Can I substitute the oil for applesauce to make it even healthier?

Absolutely! Replacing vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce lowers fat content and adds natural sweetness, though the texture might be slightly denser but just as delicious.

Is it okay to use all brown sugar instead of a sugar mix?

Using all light brown sugar will give a deeper molasses flavor and extra moisture, enriching your 280-Calorie Delight muffins even more—go for it if you love that rich, caramel-like taste!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to these muffins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips blend beautifully with the spices and pumpkin. Just fold them in gently to keep the perfect texture intact.

Final Thoughts

These Amazing Spiced Pumpkin Streusel Muffins truly deserve a special spot in your recipe collection. They capture the essence of fall in every bite while staying light enough to enjoy any time of day. Trust me, once you try this 280-Calorie Delight, you’ll want to make it a regular favorite to share with friends and family. Happy baking!

Spiced Pumpkin Muffins with Crunchy Streusel Topping

★★★★★

5.2 from 20 reviews

Author: Julian
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Amazing Spiced Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are a perfect autumn treat packed with warm spices and topped with a buttery streusel. Moist, flavorful, and only 280 calories per muffin, they make an ideal breakfast or snack.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin generously to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until evenly combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula just until combined. Some lumps are okay; avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 lined or greased muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
Add Streusel: Generously sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over each muffin, covering the surface well to create a crispy, sweet crust.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cool: Remove muffins from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes in the tin. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to ensure light and fluffy muffins.
The canned pumpkin puree should be pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid extra sugars and spices.
These muffins freeze well; store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter in the streusel topping with a vegan butter alternative.
Use fresh spices for the best flavor intensity.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American