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Pumpkin muffins

⏱ 60 min🍳 30 min👤 4 pp★★☆☆☆

Even at Italy’s southern latitude, the regular annual festival of ‘trick or treat’ is becoming more widespread and appreciated, especially by children. Once in fancy dress they walk from house to house with their friends, in search of well-disposed adults who might give them a tasty little morsel to eat as they go. So it might be an idea to have a scrumptious snack ready for just such an eventuality, and to treat the cheeky little so-and-sos with a lovely pumpkin muffin. This is our top idea for Halloween: a little sweet muffin, with its wonderful combination of smell and taste. Are you ready to answer the bell with your muffins all beautifully wrapped? Follow our recipe today and you will get a truly remarkable result which will impress the whole neighbourhood and its pilgrimage of little ‘trick or treaters’.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving
Protein
6g
Carbohydrates
62g
Fat
28g
Fiber
1.5g

* approximate values per serving

Information
60 minutes Preparation time
30 minutes Cooking time
Serves 4 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Soften the pumpkin in a saucepan with a little water on a low heat for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, beat the butter with the sugar until creamy white. Then add the honey and the egg and work it all together well. When the pumpkin is ready, mash it into a pulp and wait for it to cool a little. Then add it to the butter and sugar mixture with a pinch of salt and the spices and mix well. Break the amaretti coarsely and add to the mixture. Butter 8 muffin moulds and sprinkle them with breadcrumbs, fill them to 3/4 capacity with the dough, and bake for 30 minutes at 180°C.

Tips
Do you want to give an extra touch of taste to this muffin for the children with a more adventurous palate? You could add a little fresh goat’s cheese to the dough.
Trivia
Muffins are originally from England and, as well as the sweet versions, there are also savoury varieties.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Pumpkin Muffins with Amaretti

Pumpkin Muffins with Amaretti are a delicious variation of this autumn recipe. The addition of crushed amaretti adds a crunchy note and a unique flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the pumpkin. To prepare this variation, follow the base recipe, but don’t forget to roughly break the amaretti and incorporate them into the batter. This combination not only enriches the taste but also makes the muffins even more tempting. You can serve these muffins both as a dessert and as a snack, accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee. Their softness and the aroma of spices will make every bite irresistible and perfect for autumn days.

Piedmontese Pumpkin Muffins

Piedmontese Pumpkin Muffins draw inspiration from the culinary tradition of the region, where pumpkin is a commonly used ingredient. In this variation, you can enrich the batter with a splash of Piedmontese grappa to add an extra touch to the flavor. Additionally, you might consider using local flours, such as corn flour, to give a more rustic texture. These muffins are ideal for a typical breakfast or snack, bringing the authentic taste of Piedmontese tradition to the table. Serve them with a layer of jam or a sweet cream to further enhance their flavors.

Light Pumpkin Muffins without Butter

Light Pumpkin Muffins without Butter are a great alternative for those who want to enjoy a less caloric dessert. In this version, replace the butter with a light vegetable oil or Greek yogurt, while still maintaining the softness and flavor of the sweet. Use brown sugar or natural sweeteners to further reduce the calories. These muffins are also perfect for those following a balanced diet, without sacrificing taste. You can also increase the amount of spices like cinnamon and ginger to give a more intense flavor, making every bite satisfying and light. Ideal for a healthy and tasty breakfast.

Benefits of Pumpkin in Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin is an ingredient rich in nutritional benefits and represents an excellent choice for these muffins. It contains a good amount of vitamins, particularly vitamin A, which is important for eye health and the immune system. Additionally, pumpkin is high in fiber, which is useful for digestion and maintaining a sense of fullness. Thanks to its low caloric content, it is a great ally in a balanced diet. A pumpkin muffin provides about 150-180 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Choosing to make desserts with pumpkin is therefore a tasty way to take care of your health without giving up the pleasure of a good dessert.

Can Pumpkin Muffins be Frozen?

Of course, it is possible to freeze Pumpkin Muffins. To do this, make sure to let them cool completely after baking. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. This way, they will stay fresh and soft for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, just take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature or briefly heat them in the microwave. This practice is very useful for always having a ready-to-use sweet treat available, perfect for an impromptu snack or a delicious breakfast.