Greek Yogurt Pumpkin Muffins

There's something incredibly comforting about the smell of pumpkin muffins baking. It instantly creates a cozy fall atmosphere filling my home with warm spices, and the scent of freshly baked goods. My kids are not fans of fall treats like pumpkin pie, but they sure do love pumpkin muffins.

With this recipe, I love how the Greek yogurt adds a protein boost, making these a more nutritious option compared to other pumpkin sweet treats. These are also topped with pepitas which adds a pretty look and tasty texture. If you love a moist muffin with a springy crumb--these are for you!

Moist and Delicious: Greek yogurt replaces some of the fat typically used in muffins, resulting in a lighter, yet incredibly moist crumb. No one likes dry muffins!

Healthier Indulgence: Compared to traditional pumpkin muffins loaded with butter and sugar, Greek yogurt muffins offer a protein boost and can be made with less sugar. You can feel a little better about indulging in a delicious treat.

Easy to Make and Fun to Customize: These muffins are a breeze to whip up, requiring no fancy ingredients or techniques. They're perfect for beginner bakers or when you're short on time. Plus, you can easily customize them with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to suit your taste.

All-Purpose Flour – Helps the muffins hold their shape.

Baking soda – Creates bubbles to help the muffins rise in the oven.

Pumpkin spice - This is like a fall spice party in a jar, with cinnamon, nutmeg, and other yumminess for that delicious pumpkin taste.

Salt - A pinch of salt to make all the other flavors pop, just like a little sprinkle on your fries.

Melted Butter – Makes the muffins moist and delicious.

Sugar - Sweetness! These tiny sugar crystals that make your taste buds happy.

Pumpkin puree - This is like mashed-up pumpkin that gives the muffins their pumpkin-y flavor and makes them nice and moist.

Eggs - These act like glue to hold everything together and make the muffins puff up a bit when they bake.

Greek yogurt – Makes the muffins lighter and adds a bit of protein. Think of it as a healthy upgrade to regular batter.

Vanilla extract - This tiny bottle holds a big burst of vanilla flavor that makes everything taste even better.

Pepitas - These are fancy words for pumpkin seeds, adding a nice crunch and nutty flavor to every bite.

Heat oven to 425℉ and line a muffin tin.

Mix flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a bowl; set aside.

In another bowl, whisk butter, sugar, pumpkin, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth.

Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fill muffin liners ¾ full. Top with pepitas.

Bake at 425℉ for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to 350℉ and bake 15-20 minutes more.

Muffins are done when firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.Cool muffins slightly before enjoying!

What are the benefits of using Greek yogurt in muffins?

• Lighter texture: Greek yogurt replaces some of the fat typically used in muffins, resulting in a lighter and moister crumb.
• Protein boost: Greek yogurt adds protein, making these muffins a more nutritious option compared to traditional pumpkin muffins.
• Subtle tang: The yogurt adds a touch of tang that cuts through the sweetness and adds a layer of flavor.

Can I substitute anything in this recipe?

• Flour: You can substitute whole wheat flour for some or all the all-purpose flour. This will make the muffins denser and more nutritious.
• Sugar: You can reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Oil: If you don't have butter, you can use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil.
• Yogurt: You can substitute sour cream for the Greek yogurt.
• Mix-ins: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips.

How can I store leftover muffins?

These muffins can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. We like to use our FoodSaver for best results. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

The muffins are done when they are firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You can also use a cake tester - it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Tips for making perfect muffins:

• Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
• Use room temperature ingredients. This will help ensure even mixing and baking.
• Fill the muffin liners ¾ full. This will prevent them from overflowing.
• Let the muffins cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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