These flavorful pumpkin gingerbread muffins are an update to one of my favorite seasonal treats: the ever-popular spiced gingerbread muffins that I find myself baking up multiple batches of once Autumn rolls around and my kitchen becomes a blur of sugar and flour and any number of other delicious sweet things.

There’s a dark chocolate banana version too. It’s one bowl recipe goodness that keeps on giving.

A couple of things I really love about this recipe: As promised, these spiced beauties come together in one big bowl, absolutely no mixer required. The batter makes a perfectly even and satisfying 12 muffins. No extra pan to wash. No awkward leftover batter or second batch to worry about, which I find very gratifying. It’s the little things…

They’re also packed with cozy fall spices, deep molasses notes, just the right amount of sweetness, and of course, the addition of pumpkin makes them basically a vegetable.

This pumpkin gingerbread muffin recipe is nearly the same as my one-bowl spiced gingerbread muffins, with the obvious substitution of pumpkin for the mashed banana. Pumpkin is a natural choice this time of year – though I truly love it year round – and pairs wonderfully with the warming holiday gingerbread spices.

I add dark molasses, dark brown sugar, and loads of cinnamon and ginger to the batter, and the result is a moist and densely-crumbed muffin with a craggly domed top, that beams with cozy caramel notes and holiday spice, a fresh hint of orange, and is a favorite winter breakfast treat around here.

For an even more indulgent sweet treat, dip the muffin tops in the vanilla maple glaze, and transform the already lovely and flavorful muffins, into something akin to a gingerbread cake doughnut.

One Bowl Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins with Maple Vanilla Glaze

★★★★ 4 from 3 reviews

• Author: Fork Knife Swoon
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 12 Muffins 1x

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Ingredients

Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• zest of half an orange (optional)
• 1–1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp fine grain sea salt
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup organic cane sugar
• 1/3 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2–1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

Maple Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners (powdered) sugar, sifted
• 1–2 Tbsp milk
• 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin and egg until completely combined. Whisk in the vanilla, orange zest (if using), spices, and salt.
3. Add the oil, molasses, and milk, stirring until completely combined after each addition. Add the sugars, and stir to combine.
4. Add the baking powder and baking soda, and stir to combine. Fold in the flour until just mixed. Do not overbeat.
5. Use a cookie scoop to divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
6. Bake for 10 minutes at 400° F. Turn the oven temperature down to 375° F., and bake for an additional 7-9 minutes, until the muffin tops are set, and a cake tester inserted into the center of each muffin comes out clean.
7. Let cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a baking rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room-temperature.

Maple Vanilla Glaze (or Frosting)

1. In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar and milk until the glaze is smooth and creamy. Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla. Add more or less milk to create a thicker/thinner consistency, if preferred.
2. If glazing: While the muffins are still warm, dip the tops of each in the glaze, then place on a baking rack to cool and set.
3. If frosting: Wait for the muffins to fully cool, then use a knife or small offset spatula to spread on the frosting.