Pumpkin, though mostly associated with fall, should be enjoyed year-round. It has large amounts of antioxidants and beta-carotene. The beta-carotene converts to vitamin A, which aids in reducing the risk of cancer and other diseases. Furthermore, pumpkins are very low in both calories and fat and high in potassium. It also has a decent amount of vitamin C, vitamin E, iron and calcium. This recipe also calls for a decent amount of coconut flour, which is naturally gluten free, a good source of protein, very high in fiber and low in carbs.
These muffins are not only gluten free, but also soy and tree-nut free and with one simple switch, are easily dairy free. The spongy texture, subtle sweetness, and health benefits of these muffins will have you coming back for more.
Pumpkin Soft Muffins
from Clara Ogren, Six Food Intolerance Living
Makes 18 muffins
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups All Purpose Baking Mix (one that already has a levener in it)
- 3/4 cup coconut flour
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup real maple syrup
- 1/2 cup milk or milk alternative
- 4 eggs
- 1 (15 ounce) can unseasoned pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp GF vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup grapeseed oil
- 4-5 tsp turbinado sugar (optional)
Directions:
- Combine all the dry ingredients in a medium bowl
- In a separate, large bowl, mix together all the wet ingredients
- Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mix until just combined
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Take 2 12-muffin tins, line 18 with paper liners
- Spray the inside of all the liners with 1 squirt of oil spray. Also spray the inside of a 1/4 cup measuring cup. Gluten free batter tends to be quite sticky and thick, this ensures a smooth release
- With the 1/4 measuring cup, take a scoop of the mix, place into one of the muffin liners, continue until all are full
- Sprinkle some turbinado sugar on top of each muffin - about 1/4 tsp each. This gives the muffins a nice crunchy and crisp top
- Bake 30-35 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean
Variations::
- For a healthier version, replace the oil with an equal amount of applesauce
- Raisins would be a delightful addition - just mix into the batter before pouring
- If nuts are not a problem, chop some pecans and mix them in
- Use 3 tsp of pumpkin pie spice instead of the cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg
- This recipe is best with real maple syrup as it adds a deeper flavor and subtle sweetness while imitation tends to add too much sweetness. If you must use imitation syrup, consider reducing the amount of brown sugar used.
