High Protein Pumpkin Muffins (Vegan and Gluten-Free Recipe!)

Why must all tasty treats be unhealthy? That’s what I used to wonder till I made and tried these high protein pumpkin muffins! They’re festive, delicious, and actually good for you! These muffins are my favorite guilt-free treat.

These homemade pumpkin muffins are high in fiber, high in protein, and have no added sugars! Yep, they’re truly healthy and absolutely delicious. Cooking and baking is so much more fun now that I know how to make these healthy desserts. 

You only need 5 minutes to prep these and then a lot of patience to let them bake and cool. But trust me, it’s going to be all worth it when you try these. They’re the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt! They’re also vegan and gluten-free.

Plus, multiple servings of fruits and veggies in each muffin is a success to me! Try making them today and you’ll know just how good these are.

Ingredients to Make High Protein Pumpkin Muffins

• Vega Vanilla Protein Powder: This plant-based protein powder not only adds a punch of protein to our muffins but also brings a subtle hint of vanilla flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly. You can alternatively use any other protein powder you have such as whey protein powder, or casein protein powder.
• Canned Pumpkin: Not to be confused with pumpkin pie mix, canned pumpkin puree lends a moist texture and rich, earthy flavor to our muffins. It’s also packed with fiber and vitamins!
• Cooked Plantain: This tropical fruit adds a touch of natural sweetness and helps give our muffins a soft, moist texture.
• Ground Chia: When mixed with water, ground chia seeds create a gel-like substance that acts as a binder in our muffins, making them a great egg substitute for a vegan-friendly recipe.
• Flax Meal: Similar to chia, flax meal works as a binder and adds a boost of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Cinnamon: This warm, aromatic spice enhances the flavor of the pumpkin and creates a cozy, comforting aroma as the muffins bake.
• Coconut Butter: This adds a touch of creamy richness and subtle coconut flavor to the muffins.
• Shredded Carrots: These add a pop of color, a bit of texture, and a hint of natural sweetness to our muffins.
• Sweetener of Choice: You can use any sweetener you like, and it’ll help balance the flavors and enhance the natural sweetness of the pumpkin. Consider using honey or maple syrup for the best flavor.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents help our muffins rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
• Fresh Cranberries: These tart berries add a pop of color and a tangy flavor contrast that complements the sweetness of our muffins. Plus, they add a festive touch too!

How to Make High Protein Pumpkin Muffins

Here’s how to make your very own batch of high protein pumpkin muffins! For more detailed instructions and nutrition facts, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Prepare Your Chia and Flax Gel

In a small bowl, combine water, chia, and flax. This mixture will create a gel that helps to bind your muffins together.

Step 3: Mix the Remaining Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or VitaMix, combine the remaining ingredients, excluding the cranberries.

Step 4: Add the Chia/Flax Mixture

Now, add in the chia/flax gel to your large bowl and blend well. This will ensure the gel is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Stir in the Cranberries

It’s time to add some fruity flavor! Hand stir the cranberries into your muffin batter.

Step 6: Fill Your Muffin Tins

Pour your delicious batter into your muffin pans. Be sure to use muffin liners for easy removal after baking!

Step 7: Bake Your Muffins

Place your muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your oven.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Muffins

Once your muffins are baked and cooled, it’s time to enjoy! 

Flavor Variation Ideas

• Chocolate Chips: For a sweet twist, stir in a handful of chocolate chips into the batter before baking. The chocolate chips will melt into the muffins, giving them a gooey, chocolaty center. This is a great way to make the muffins more appealing to kids!
• Pumpkin Spice: If you love the warming flavors of fall spices, add an extra teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter. This will give your muffins a delicious flavor, perfect for those cozy fall mornings. You can even add allspice, ground ginger, and nutmeg separately.
• Nuts: For a fun change in texture, add a handful of crushed nuts to the batter. You can use any nuts you like, but walnuts or pecans would work especially well. The nuts will give the muffins a crunchy texture and add a nice contrast to the soft, moist crumb.
• Nut Butter: You can even add your favorite nut butter such as almond butter or peanut butter to the batter. Simply mix it in along with the wet ingredients and you’ll have a delicious nut butter flavor pumpkin muffin!

Tips for Making the Best High Protein Pumpkin Muffins

• Preheat your oven: Always make sure you preheat your oven so that it’s ready by the time you’re about to pop the muffin tin inside. This will make sure your muffins bake evenly. 
• Use the right pumpkin: Make sure you use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling has added spices and sugar, which can alter the flavor and nutritional content of your protein pumpkin muffins.
• Stir in cranberries by hand: After blending, add in the cranberries and hand stir. This will prevent the cranberries from breaking down too much and will provide a nice burst of tart flavor in your muffins.
• Monitor your baking time: Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so start checking your muffins around the lower end of the suggested baking time. This will prevent over-baking and keep your muffins moist and tender.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any pumpkin protein muffins leftover, simply place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They’ll retain their delicious flavor and texture for up to a week.

Plus, you can even freeze them! Simply wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months, ready for a quick snack or breakfast on the go.

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What’s your take on the muffin v cupcake? 

Do you like using protein powder in foods?

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