There’s something so satisfying about a recipe that’s both comforting and easy to make, and these Harvest Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins check all the boxes! These muffins are like a cozy autumn hug, packed with warm spices, pops of sweet-tart cranberries, and the subtle crunch of roasted pumpkin seeds. Best of all, they’re mixed up in one bowl, so cleanup is a breeze!
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
The beauty of these muffins lies in their simplicity. With just one bowl and a few common ingredients, you can whip up these little bites of fall in under 30 minutes of active prep time. Plus, the addition of dried cranberries brings a wonderful chewiness that pairs perfectly with the earthy spices and the moist, pumpkin-infused crumb.
One-Bowl Wonder: The recipe keeps things simple by combining the wet and dry ingredients in one large bowl. Just whisk, fold, and go! It’s a technique that makes these muffins a fantastic option for busy mornings or last-minute baking projects.
Balanced Flavors & Textures: Increasing the ginger brings a bit of zing to the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, while the dried cranberries add a sweet-tart contrast to the cozy spices. The final touch? A generous sprinkle of pumpkin seeds that toast up nicely in the oven, adding a delicate crunch to each muffin.
The Secret to a Perfect Muffin Top
The initial blast of heat at 425°F helps these muffins achieve a high, domed top—a technique used in many professional bakeries to create that bakery-style appearance. Then, lowering the temperature allows the muffins to bake evenly throughout, keeping them moist and tender.
A Farm-to-Table Feel
These muffins exude that rustic, farm-to-table vibe with their wholesome ingredients and natural garnishes. From using real pumpkin puree to adding a hint of sea salt, every component is carefully selected to provide the perfect balance of flavors. They feel homemade in the best possible way, perfect for your breakfast table, brunch spread, or afternoon snack.
Easy & Versatile
Whether you’re enjoying them warm with your morning coffee, turning them into the star of your brunch, or simply looking for an autumnal treat, these Harvest Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins will quickly become your go-to recipe. And with the flexibility to add your own mix-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips, you can customize them to suit your taste.
So, Why Not Give Them a Try?
These muffins are simple to make, easy to love, and versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. They bring a touch of warmth to the chilly fall mornings and are just sweet enough to feel indulgent without being over-the-top. Plus, their one-bowl preparation means you can spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying each tender, flavorful bite. Happy baking!
Harvest Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins: Your New Fall Favorite 🍁
Ingredients
1 (15-oz) can pure pumpkin puree
½ cup white sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ginger
¼ tsp cloves
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup vegetable oil
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp heaping fine salt
½ cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a standard muffin pan with 12 paper liners.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and vanilla extract. Whisk in the vegetable oil until well incorporated. Add the eggs and whisk gently, ensuring the batter is smooth without overmixing.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, measure the flour by gently spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off with a knife. Add the baking soda and salt, stirring them into the flour.
- Combine and Add Cranberries: Sift the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture and fold it in using a rubber spatula. Fold in the dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill and Garnish: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Sprinkle each muffin with about 1.5 tsp of pumpkin seeds for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F for 5 minutes. Without opening the oven door, reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 15-17 minutes. Check for doneness using a toothpick—moist crumbs are fine, but it should not come out with wet batter. The total baking time is around 20-22 minutes.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 3 minutes before removing them to a cooling rack. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors!
Notes
- These Harvest Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins are a cozy, farm-to-table delight that brings all the warmth and nostalgia of autumn to your kitchen. Adding dried cranberries provides little bursts of sweetness, while the ginger’s increased warmth deepens the overall flavor profile. Pumpkin seeds offer an irresistible crunch to each bite! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. 🍁And who can resist this one bowl preparation?!