Spiced Pumpkin Muffins with Orange Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Moist pumpkin muffins warm with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, sweetened with granulated and brown sugar and brightened with fresh orange zest. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 12 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, and 1/4 tsp salt until evenly combined.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tsp orange zest until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Step 5: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops spring back when lightly pressed.
  7. Step 7: Cool muffins in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Pumpkin Muffins with Orange Zest take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Spiced Pumpkin Muffins with Orange Zest?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Pumpkin Muffins with Orange Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Pumpkin Muffins with Orange Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spiced Pumpkin Muffins with Orange Zest?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes