Whole Wheat Pumpkin Spice Muffins

To add to the internet explosion of all things pumpkin spice related this time of year, today I’m sharing my whole wheat pumpkin spice muffins. I am always trying to make healthier versions of some of our favorite snacks, and this recipe was a big win with my entire family.

One of the things I love about the recipe is that you can make them a couple of different ways.  The first time I baked them I used chopped walnuts (see, there I go trying to make everything healthier).  The next time I made them my oldest daughter requested that I put chocolate chips in them. She wanted them to be a little bit sweeter…Using both the pumpkin puree and applesauce makes these muffins incredibly moist which I think is a plus as well!

Ingredient Notes

Just a couple notes about the ingredients I used. Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.  The two are usually right next to each other on the grocery store shelves.  Pumpkin puree is just pureed pumpkin flesh. Pumpkin pie filling typically contains added sugar and spices in addition to the puree.

Look for applesauce with no added sugar.  I often use Trader Joe’s Organic Unsweetened Applesauce, but I know there are several other brands out there without extra sugar.  Read the ingredient list on the package if you are unsure.

The pumpkin pie spice I buy at Trader Joe’s when it makes its way onto shelves in late summer/early fall.  If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s near you, other spice brands have their own version, so check your local grocery store.

I usually buy the Enjoy Life dark chocolate chips.  I buy them for the higher cacao content and minimal ingredient list, but these are also a great alternative if you have allergies in your household.  These dark chocolate chips are dairy, nut, and soy free.  The ingredient list for this particular kind is just unsweetened chocolate and cane sugar.

You can find them on Amazon, at Target, or at several other specialty grocery stores. Enjoy Life also makes a semi-sweet version, as well as a mini chocolate chip version.

Recipe

After you whisk the dry ingredients together, set the bowl aside and use a second bowl for the wet ingredients.  I’ve found it easiest to mix the pumpkin puree, applesauce, and honey together first, then add the milk and vanilla.

Mix until combined, but don’t over mix.  You may still have some smaller lumps, but that is okay.

Finally, gently fold in the chopped walnut pieces or chocolate chips.

Baking Tips

My first baking tip is to enlist a little helper!

I typically use muffin liners when I bake these, but you can certainly do without them.  The muffins come out of the liners much better on the second day, or after they have been allowed to cool for quite a bit.  Or you could be like my three year old and just bite off any part of the muffin that sticks to the liner!

Fill the muffin cups 2/3 full and bake at 325 degrees for 20-22 minutes.  My oven has been doing wonky things lately, so I have been baking at lower temperatures which worked out beautifully here.  Allow to cool completely before you bite into one of these delicious whole wheat pumpkin spice muffins!

These whole wheat pumpkin spice muffins are the perfect fall snack, or even as an accompaniment to your morning coffee!  Enjoy!

For more healthy snack ideas, check out my 25 Healthy Back-To-School Snack ideas.  This list is packed with easy and healthy snacks that you can feel good about sending your kiddos off to school with (or eating yourself!).