There’s something about the fall season that makes us crave warm, cozy treats like pumpkin spice muffins. This Quick One-Bowl Pumpkin Spice Muffins recipe is the epitome of fall comfort. They’re fluffy, warmly spiced, and ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick snack or a delicious breakfast. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its wonderful flavor but also in its simplicity – everything comes together in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. Let’s dive into this delightful muffin recipe!

What is Quick One-Bowl Pumpkin Spice Muffins?
The Quick One-Bowl Pumpkin Spice Muffins are a soft, moist, and perfectly spiced fall treat. With the richness of pumpkin purée and the warmth of pumpkin pie spice, these muffins create an inviting, seasonal aroma when baked. The best part? You don’t need to mess with too many bowls or complicated techniques – everything is mixed in just one bowl!
Origin of Pumpkin Spice Muffins
The humble pumpkin spice muffin likely traces its origins to the pumpkin pie, a staple dessert in North America, particularly around the fall season. The tradition of spicing pumpkin with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves has been around for centuries, but it became mainstream in the 20th century as more people began baking with pumpkin purée. Over time, the flavors of pumpkin pie were adapted into various baked goods, and pumpkin spice muffins quickly became a fall favorite, thanks to their ease and heartwarming flavor.
Ingredients for Quick One-Bowl Pumpkin Spice Muffins
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making it easy to whip up a batch of pumpkin spice muffins at any time. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (you can use whole wheat pastry flour for a healthier alternative)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or substitute with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cloves)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (ensure it’s not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (you can also use melted coconut oil)
- ¼ cup milk (any kind will work, though whole milk provides extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Spice Muffins

This recipe couldn’t be easier, and the best part is you’ll only need one bowl for mixing everything. Let’s walk through the steps:
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
2. Mix the Batter (in One Bowl!)
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice directly into the bowl.
- Gently mix the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter — a few lumps are fine!
3. Fill the Muffin Cups
- Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
4. Bake
- Bake the muffins for 18–22 minutes. They’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations to Elevate Your Pumpkin Spice Muffins
While the Quick One-Bowl Pumpkin Spice Muffins are already delicious on their own, you can customize them to your taste with a few fun add-ins:
1. Chocolate Chips or Chopped Pecans
For an extra treat, fold in ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped pecans into the batter before baking. The rich chocolate will complement the warm spices, and the nuts will add a satisfying crunch.
2. Cinnamon-Sugar Sprinkle
Before baking, sprinkle the top of the muffin batter with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. This creates a sweet, slightly crispy crust on top of your muffins.
3. Cream Cheese Glaze or Maple Frosting
For a bakery-style finish, drizzle your muffins with a cream cheese glaze or maple frosting. These toppings add an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute whole wheat pastry flour for the all-purpose flour in this recipe. It will give the muffins a slightly nuttier flavor and a denser texture, which many people enjoy.
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! These muffins store well at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap each muffin individually before freezing, and reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Can I add more pumpkin spice to the recipe?
Of course! If you love the flavors of fall, feel free to increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice. Just keep in mind that a little goes a long way, so try adding an extra ½ teaspoon and see how you like it.
What kind of milk should I use?
You can use any type of milk you prefer, whether it’s whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Whole milk will give the muffins a richer taste, but any milk option will work perfectly.
Conclusion
These Quick One-Bowl Pumpkin Spice Muffins are the perfect treat to enjoy as the fall season settles in. With their soft texture, warm spices, and hint of pumpkin flavor, they’re a cozy addition to any breakfast or snack time. Whether you prefer them plain, with chocolate chips, or topped with a glaze, these muffins are sure to please. Best of all, the recipe is quick, easy, and requires just one bowl – making cleanup a breeze! So next time you’re craving a fall-inspired treat, whip up a batch of these muffins and enjoy the comforting flavors of the season.
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