Nothing quite captures the essence of fall like the warm, comforting aroma of pumpkin spice. This season, elevate your baking game with our sourdough pumpkin spice muffins recipe. These delightful treats combine the tangy complexity of sourdough with the rich, earthy flavors of pumpkin and aromatic fall spices. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a healthier dessert option, these muffins are sure to become a staple in your fall baking repertoire.
Table of Contents
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp salt
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with muffin papers.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the active sourdough starter, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and egg until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense, tough muffins.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks
- Enhance the Spice: For a more robust flavor profile, consider adding an extra 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the dry ingredients. This will intensify the warm, fallal notes in your muffins.
- Add Some Crunch: Before baking, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds on top of each muffin. This not only adds a delightful textural contrast but also boosts the nutritional value with healthy fats and protein.
- Sweeten the Deal: Create a cinnamon-sugar topping by mixing 1/4 cup of sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the muffins just before baking for a sweet, crispy crust.
- Maintain Moisture: To ensure your muffins stay moist, avoid overbaking. Start checking for doneness at the 18-minute mark, as ovens can vary in temperature.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips to the batter for added flavor and texture.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients For the best texture, make sure your sourdough starter, egg, and pumpkin puree are at room temperature before mixing.
How to Serve
These Sourdough Pumpkin Spice Muffins are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways:
- Breakfast On-the-Go: Grab a muffin and a cup of coffee for a quick, satisfying breakfast as you head out the door.
- Afternoon Tea: Pair these muffins with a steaming cup of chai tea or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall indulgence.
- Dessert: Serve slightly warmed and topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Brunch Spread: Include these muffins as part of a fall-themed brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and savory dishes.
- Gift Giving: Package a few muffins in a decorative box or basket as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or teachers.
Sourdough Meets Pumpkin Spice
Sourdough pumpkin spice muffins combine sourdough and fall spices for a distinctive flavor. This recipe uses excess sourdough starter to create a less sweet, more complex muffin. The sour taste of the sourdough complements the sweet pumpkin and spices, producing a moist and flavorful muffin. These muffins are suitable for experienced bakers and those new to sourdough, they are ideal for sharing with others, taking to gatherings, or eating at home.
