Discover the cozy flavors of Pumpkin Spice Streusel Muffins—moist, sweet, and topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumb perfect for fall! These delightful treats blend warm spices with soft pumpkin goodness and a crisp streusel topping, creating an irresistible combination that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a brunch gathering, an afternoon snack, or simply craving a seasonal indulgence, Pumpkin Spice Streusel Muffins bring that classic autumn charm right into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting autumn flavor: Pumpkin and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves fill each muffin with seasonal warmth.
Moist and tender texture: The pumpkin puree keeps the muffins soft and perfectly moist without being dense.
Crispy streusel topping: A crunchy cinnamon crumb topping adds delightful texture contrast on each bite.
Simple ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
Perfect for sharing: These muffins are ideal to pack for school, work, or holiday gatherings where fall flavors shine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a straightforward list of ingredients that combine seamlessly for both flavor and texture. Each one plays a role in balancing moistness, spice, and that coveted crumbly streusel.

Pumpkin puree: The heart of the recipe, providing moisture and that classic pumpkin flavor.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the muffins while keeping them tender.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness along with a hint of molasses that complements the spices.
Ground cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice: Essential for that warm and inviting aroma.
Baking powder and baking soda: Help the muffins rise to a light, fluffy texture.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Vegetable oil or melted butter: Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
Milk or buttermilk: Adds moisture and ensures a soft crumb.
For the streusel topping – flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon: Creates the irresistible crunchy crumble on top.
Optional nuts (e.g., pecans): Adds a satisfying crunch to the streusel if desired.

Variations for Pumpkin Spice Streusel Muffins

Feel free to personalize your Pumpkin Spice Streusel Muffins! These variations make it easy to tweak the recipe for dietary needs or extra flavor twists without losing that cozy charm.

Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a safe alternative.
Vegan-friendly: Use flax eggs and plant-based milk while swapping butter for coconut oil.
Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips or dried cranberries to introduce bursts of sweetness and texture.
Nut-free streusel: Skip nuts in the topping or replace with toasted oats for crunch.
Spice adjustments: Experiment with extra ginger or cloves for a bolder spice profile.

Why Pumpkin Spice Streusel Muffins Are Perfect

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Streusel Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional chopped nuts in a bowl. Mix with cold butter until crumbly and set aside in the fridge to keep chilled while you make the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and warm flavors.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Whisk the pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk or buttermilk until smooth and thoroughly mixed for that luscious base.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups and Add Streusel

Spoon batter evenly into a greased or lined muffin tin, then sprinkle a generous amount of the chilled streusel topping over each muffin.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Crumbly

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the streusel is crispy and golden brown.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Streusel Muffins

Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix more evenly and improves texture.
Don’t overmix the batter: Gentle folding keeps muffins light and fluffy instead of tough.
Chill the streusel: Keeping the topping cold before baking makes it delightfully crispy.
Fill muffin cups properly: About 2/3 full ensures muffins rise perfectly without spilling over.
Test for doneness early: Start checking a few minutes before time to avoid overbaking and dryness.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Streusel Muffins

Garnishes

Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a light maple glaze for added sweetness and a pretty finish that enhances the fall vibe.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or spiced latte for a comforting autumn snack or breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic baskets lined with cozy cloth napkins for a charming brunch setting or plate alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for added freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their moistness and crisp topping.

Freezing

Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag to freeze for up to 3 months; thaw gradually at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Warm muffins in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven to refresh the crumbly topping and warm the soft interior.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for Pumpkin Spice Streusel Muffins?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves time while delivering the same rich flavor as fresh pumpkin.

How do I prevent the streusel from sinking into the muffins?

Make sure the streusel topping is chilled before adding it on top, and gently press it onto the batter to help it adhere during baking.

Can I make these muffins nut-free?

Yes, simply omit the nuts from the streusel topping or replace them with rolled oats or extra cinnamon for crunch without nuts.

What’s the best way to store Pumpkin Spice Streusel Muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze individually for longer storage to preserve freshness.

Can I substitute the oil with butter for a richer flavor?

Yes, melted butter can be used instead of oil for a richer, buttery flavor, but keep it at room temperature to mix smoothly with other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Pumpkin Spice Streusel Muffins that captures the heart of fall with every bite. Moist and tender on the inside with a sweet, crunchy topping, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a little cozy comfort. Give it a whirl in your kitchen and share the warmth with friends and family — these muffins are sure to become an instant favorite!

Pumpkin Spice Streusel Muffins

Print Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Streusel Muffins are moist, tender, and bursting with classic autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Featuring pumpkin puree for moisture and a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping for texture, these muffins bring cozy fall flavors perfect for brunch, snacks, or holiday gatherings. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, they offer a delightful balance of sweet, spice, and crumbly crispness in every bite.

Author: Nina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)

Ingredients

Scale

Main Muffin Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
2 large eggs
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter (room temperature)
⅓ cup milk or buttermilk

Streusel Topping

½ cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp cold butter, cubed
¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Streusel Topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional chopped nuts in a bowl. Mix in cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly. Place in the fridge to chill while preparing the batter.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and warm spices.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and milk (or buttermilk) until smooth and well combined, creating a luscious batter base.
Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender and light.
Fill Muffin Cups and Add Streusel: Spoon batter evenly into a greased or lined muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Generously sprinkle the chilled streusel topping over each muffin.
Bake Until Golden and Crumbly: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the streusel topping is crispy and golden brown.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and improved texture.
Do not overmix the batter; gentle folding keeps muffins light and fluffy.
Chill the streusel topping before baking to ensure it crisps up perfectly.
Fill muffin cups about two-thirds full to prevent overflow while baking.
Check muffins for doneness a few minutes before the end of baking time to avoid dryness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 muffin
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: pumpkin spice, streusel muffins, fall recipe, autumn muffins, pumpkin muffins, cinnamon crumb topping, seasonal baking, gluten-free option