EASY Higher Protein Pumpkin Muffins

Craving a sweet treat in the fall? These protein-packed pumpkin muffins are the perfect sweet indulgence. Enjoy the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice while nourishing your body with fiber and protein.

Who doesn't love a warm, baked good in the fall? I know I do! And with the cooler weather comes an even bigger sweet tooth. But these higher protein pumpkin muffins are a game-changer. They're a sweet treat that's also incredibly nourishing.

I've never been a huge fan of pumpkin spice, but these muffins have just the right amount of spice and sweetness. Plus, they're packed with protein and fiber, making them a satisfying and nutritious snack.

Packed with 12 grams of protein per muffin, you're going to want to give these pumpkin spice protein muffins a try today!

Why you’ll love these muffins:

• Satisfying and filling: Packed with protein and fiber, these muffins will keep you feeling full and energized.
• A healthier alternative to traditional muffins: These muffins are a healthier option compared to store-bought muffins, which are often loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats.
• Easy to make: These muffins are simple to prepare, making them perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
• Versatile: Customize your muffins with your favorite add-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
• Nutrient-rich: These muffins are a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.

Ingredients For Protein Pumpkin Muffins

• Oat Flour - You can make your own oat flour by blending oats in a blender or food processor until they form a fine powder. Oats are naturally gluten-free but to make sure there is no cross contamination, be sure to purchase certified gluten-free oats.
• Pumpkin Puree - Be sure you get pumpkin PUREE, not pumpkin filling.
• Greek yogurt - I prefer the plain whole Greek yogurt from Sprouts because it has a smooth texture and a less tart taste.
• Protein Powder - You can use whichever vanilla protein powder you prefer. It doesn’t make a difference if it’s plant-based.
• Chocolate chips - Customize this recipe with your favorite type of chocolate. I prefer dark chocolate, but milk or white chocolate would be delicious too.
• Other ingredients - eggs, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda
• Optional ingredient - For a touch of sweetness, add maple syrup to the batter. I didn't originally plan to use it, but I found it added a nice flavor. You can omit it for a lower-carb option.

How to make these Protein Pumkpin Muffins

Here are quick and easy steps to make this delicious higher-protein pumpkin muffin recipe:

1. Combine dry ingredients: Mix together all the dry ingredients including the spices.
2. Add in wet ingredients: Add in the wet ingredients and mix until batter is smooth. Then fold in chocolate chips.
3. Bake: Lightly grease your muffin tin or silicone muffin pan. You can also use muffin liners. If using a silicone baking pan, be sure to place it on top of a firm baking surface like a cooking sheet for easy transfer. Fill each muffin all the way full with batter. Top with more chocolate chips if desired. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How to store:

• Let muffins cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. You can store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Recipe FAQs

• Can I use cottage cheese instead of Greek yogurt? Absolutely! Just be sure you blend the cottage cheese to a smooth consistency before adding to your muffin batter. Cottage cheese can be used as a 1:1 substitute for Greek yogurt in this recipe.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? This recipe is gluten-free. Oats are naturally gluten-free. However, if you need to avoid gluten for whatever reason, be sure to buy certified gluten-free oats. This ensures there is no cross-contamination during the processing part.
• Is this recipe dairy-free? This recipe is not dairy-free but can easily be made so by swapping out the Greek yogurt for another yogurt such as coconut yogurt, almond milk yogurt, or soy yogurt. Just be sure to check what your ratios are when swapping out. You’ll also need to use dairy-free chocolate chips instead like the ones from Enjoy Life.