Maple Cinnamon Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Topping

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Streusel Topping:
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
2. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until well combined.
3. 3. In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.
4. 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
5. 5. To prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut cold butter into the mixture until crumbly.
6. 6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each muffin.
7. 7. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. 8. Serve warm or at room temperature. These muffins store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Chef tips

• Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for best flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a less sweet streusel, reduce the brown sugar amount by half.
• For a nut-free version, omit any nuts and double the cinnamon in the streusel for extra flavor.
• To make muffins dairy-free, substitute vegetable oil with coconut oil and use a dairy-free butter alternative for streusel.