Spiced Maple Pecan Pumpkin Muffins

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
3. In a separate medium bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and tender.
5. Fold in the chopped pecans evenly through the batter.
6. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for extra crunch.
7. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
9. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Chef tips

• Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control sweetness and spice levels.
• If you prefer a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before chopping and adding them to the batter.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Avoid overmixing the batter as it can cause dense muffins; stir until just combined.
• You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor that pairs well with fall spices.