Delicious Pumpkin Spice Banana Muffins with Irresistible Streusel Topping
Are you ready to embrace the cozy flavors of autumn, even if summer isn’t quite over yet? If your kitchen counter is home to a few forgotten, overripe bananas, then you’re just a few simple steps away from creating a magnificent batch of Pumpkin Spice Banana Muffins. This recipe offers the perfect bridge from summer’s sweetness to fall’s warmth, blending the comforting familiarity of moist banana bread with the rich, aromatic notes of pumpkin and classic autumn spices. Topped with a wonderfully crunchy streusel, these muffins aren’t just a treat for your taste buds, but they’ll also fill your home with an aroma that signals pure bliss.
Don’t let those sad-looking brown bananas go to waste! Instead, transform them into these incredibly flavorful muffins. All you need is a can of pumpkin puree, a few pantry staples, and this beloved recipe to create one of the best muffin experiences you’ll ever have. Not only will you adore their exquisite taste, but the comforting scent of pumpkin and spice wafting through your home as they bake is an experience in itself.
Pumpkin Banana Muffins with an Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Streusel
Prepare to have your expectations exceeded! The fusion of sweet, ripe bananas and earthy pumpkin, elevated by a blend of warm pumpkin spices, creates a flavor profile that is truly sensational. These easy pumpkin banana muffins are a delightful combination of two classic comfort foods, resulting in a tender, moist crumb. What truly sets them apart is the decadent pumpkin spice streusel topping. This crunchy, buttery layer doesn’t just add an incredible texture; it amplifies the pumpkin flavor, making each bite utterly irresistible.
For an extra touch of magic, consider using homemade pumpkin pie spice. The freshly ground spices lend a “je ne sais quoi” quality that store-bought blends can sometimes miss. The aroma of these warm spices as they bake is simply divine and an integral part of the experience. Once you try this simple recipe for a homemade pumpkin pie spice mix, you might find yourself adding it to many other fall recipes, enhancing everything from lattes to pies.
Why You’ll Adore This Banana Pumpkin Muffin Recipe
These Pumpkin Spice Banana Muffins are more than just a baked good; they’re an experience. You’ll fall in love with their soft, crumbly texture and explosion of flavor. They perfectly marry the beloved taste of your favorite banana bread with the cozy essence of pumpkin, offering a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and exciting. They make for an ideal breakfast, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert. Imagine waking up to the smell of these baking, or enjoying one with a cup of coffee on a crisp autumn morning. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or weekend baking projects. Plus, the joy of sharing these homemade treats with family and friends is unmatched.
Delving into the World of Muffins
The word ‘muffin’ is believed to originate from the old German word ‘muffen,’ which is the plural of ‘muffe,’ meaning small cake. While muffins and cupcakes share a similar shape, there are distinct differences. Muffins typically boast a coarser, denser crumb and are often less sweet, coming in both sweet and savory varieties. Cupcakes, on the other hand, are essentially miniature cakes, characterized by a finer crumb, sweeter profile, and almost always adorned with frosting. While muffins are often perceived as a healthier alternative to cupcakes, this isn’t always the case, as many recipes can be quite rich. However, this doesn’t mean we can’t indulge in a delicious muffin from time to time! For me, it’s all about finding that perfect balance between enjoyment and mindful eating.
Essential Ingredients for Your Banana Pumpkin Spice Muffins
For precise measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, please scroll down to the printable recipe card below.
Creating these delightful muffins doesn’t require any exotic ingredients. Most items you’ll need are likely already in your pantry, making this a wonderfully accessible recipe. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll gather:
For the Crunchy Streusel Topping:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of our crumbly topping. Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly for achieving that desired texture.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This is where the fall magic truly comes alive. I highly recommend using my homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe for unparalleled flavor and aroma.
- Ground cloves: Adds a deep, warm, and slightly pungent note that complements the other spices beautifully. If you have whole cloves, you can easily grind them in a coffee grinder for maximum freshness.
- Brown sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness and helps create that wonderful sticky-crumbly texture in the streusel. You can use either dark or light brown sugar, depending on your preference for depth of flavor.
- Cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: Using cold butter is crucial for a flaky, crumbly streusel. It prevents the butter from melting too quickly and integrates better with the dry ingredients. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the recipe.
For the Moist Muffin Batter:
- Ripe bananas, mashed: The riper the bananas (the more brown spots they have), the sweeter and more flavorful they will be, providing natural moisture and sweetness to the muffins. Keep a stash of overripe bananas in your freezer for baking emergencies!
- Canned pumpkin puree: Ensure you buy 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will alter the recipe’s intended flavor.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral-flavored cooking oil, such as canola or sunflower oil, works perfectly to keep the muffins incredibly moist.
- Honey: Adds a subtle, floral sweetness and contributes to the muffins’ tender texture. Maple syrup can be a wonderful substitute if you don’t have honey on hand, lending a different but equally delicious flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps with browning and tenderizing the muffins.
- Large eggs: Act as a binding agent, providing structure and richness to the batter. Bringing them to room temperature before mixing can help them incorporate more evenly.
- Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
- Baking soda: Another leavening agent that reacts with the acidic ingredients (like pumpkin and banana) to create an airy texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness and making the spices pop. Any fine-grained salt will work.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Infuses the entire muffin with that signature fall flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: A classic warm spice that pairs beautifully with both banana and pumpkin.
- Ground cloves: Adds another layer of warm spice, deepening the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The main structural component of the muffins. Sift it for an even lighter texture.
How to Create Pumpkin Banana Muffins with Pumpkin Spice Streusel
Making these muffins is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these steps for perfect results:
PREP
Before you begin mixing, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your batter is ready. Next, prepare your muffin tin. You can either line each cup with paper liners for easy removal and clean-up, or generously spray the inside of each muffin cup with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
MAKE THE STREUSEL TOPPING
In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the dry ingredients for the streusel topping: flour, pumpkin pie spice, ground cloves, and brown sugar. Using your fingertips, or a pastry blender, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients. Work quickly until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates that wonderfully crunchy topping. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the muffin batter.
PREPARE THE MUFFIN BATTER
In a large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients: mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, honey, and granulated sugar. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This ensures all the liquid components are evenly distributed.
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Make sure these are thoroughly mixed to ensure even leavening throughout the muffins.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine and often lead to a more tender muffin. Overmixing can result in tough, dry muffins.
FILL THE MUFFIN TINS
Divide the muffin batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full. This leaves room for the muffins to rise without overflowing. Then, generously sprinkle a spoonful of the prepared streusel topping over the batter in each cup. Don’t be shy with the streusel – it’s key to the muffin’s amazing texture and flavor!
BAKE
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 19 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean when the muffins are fully baked.
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. While you can cool them completely, I highly recommend sneaking one of these warm, fragrant muffins right out of the oven – the gooey center and crispy streusel are truly a treat you won’t regret!
LOVE THEM? PIN THEM!
Make sure you save this fantastic recipe for future baking! Pin these delightful banana pumpkin muffins to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find them whenever a craving strikes!
Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Muffins
- Cold Butter is Key for Streusel: Always use cold butter, cut into small pieces, for your streusel topping. This prevents it from melting too quickly and helps create those distinct, crisp crumbs.
- Room Temperature Eggs: For the muffin batter, bring your eggs to room temperature before mixing. Room temperature eggs emulsify more easily with other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter and a more even texture in your final muffins.
- Prepare Your Muffin Tin Properly: If you don’t have paper muffin liners, there are a couple of alternatives. You can dip a paper towel in vegetable oil and thoroughly wipe down each muffin cup, or simply use a reliable non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your beautiful muffins come out of the pan easily.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is a golden rule in muffin making! Mix the dry and wet ingredients only until they are *just combined*. A few small lumps are perfectly normal. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, chewy muffins instead of light, tender ones.
- Clean Up Spills Immediately: If any batter or streusel spills onto the muffin tray around the cups, wipe it up with a damp cloth before baking. Baked-on spills can be quite difficult to clean once they’ve hardened in the oven.
- Don’t Overfill Muffin Cups: Filling muffin cups about 2/3 full is the sweet spot. This allows the muffins to rise beautifully without spilling over the edges, creating those desirable domed tops.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas are (think brown spots!), the sweeter and more intensely flavored your muffins will be. They also mash more easily and incorporate better into the batter, contributing natural moisture.
Are Banana Pumpkin Muffins Healthy?
While these banana pumpkin muffins are certainly a treat, they aren’t necessarily “unhealthy.” It’s all about balance and moderation. I’d never suggest abstaining from delicious muffins, nor would I recommend eating one every day! However, if you’re looking to modify this recipe to make them a bit more wholesome, here are a few simple things you can do:
- Omit the Streusel Topping: While incredibly delicious, the streusel topping does add extra calories and sugar. Skipping it is an easy way to reduce the overall calorie and sugar content, making them a lighter option.
- Swap for Whole Wheat Flour: Replacing a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour can significantly increase the fiber content of your muffins. This helps with satiety and digestive health. Start by substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat, then adjust to your preference.
- Boost Protein with Pumpkin Seeds or Nuts: Adding protein helps you feel fuller for longer. You can toast a handful of pumpkin seeds, finely chop them, and sprinkle them on top of the muffins before baking, or even fold them into the batter. Chopped walnuts or pecans are also excellent additions for a protein and healthy fat boost.
- Make Them Gluten-Free: If you’re sensitive to gluten, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Brands like Cup4Cup and Bob’s Red Mill (their 1-to-1 baking flour) are often reliable for successful gluten-free baking. For the streusel topping, almond flour can be a good substitute for all-purpose flour, creating a delicious crumb. However, I generally don’t recommend substituting almond flour for the full amount of all-purpose flour in the muffin batter itself, as it can drastically change the texture and moisture content. If you use almond flour, remember that it’s best stored in the fridge or freezer once opened to maintain freshness.
FAQs About Muffins
Got more questions about baking and storing muffins? We’ve got answers!
Do muffins freeze well?
Absolutely, muffins are excellent candidates for freezing! I often bake a large batch and freeze half of them for later enjoyment. This is a fantastic way to ensure you always have a delicious, homemade muffin on hand for a quick breakfast, a sudden craving, or when the kids ask for a treat. To freeze, ensure the muffins are completely cooled, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave or oven for a “freshly baked” experience.
What is the best way to store muffins with a streusel topping?
Storing muffins with a streusel topping can be a bit tricky, as the moisture from the muffin can cause the crunchy topping to soften and become slightly gooey in an airtight container. While they will still taste wonderful, the satisfying crunch will unfortunately disappear. My preferred method for storing streusel-topped muffins is to keep them on the counter, loosely covered with a clean tea towel. This allows for some air circulation, helping to preserve the streusel’s texture for a few days. For longer storage, you can still place them in an airtight container, just be aware the streusel might lose its crispness.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can! If you have fresh pumpkin on hand, you’ll need to cook and puree it first. Ensure it’s strained to remove excess moisture, as canned pumpkin puree has a very consistent texture and moisture level. The key is to have a thick, smooth puree to avoid making your muffins too wet.
What if I don’t have overripe bananas?
If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can speed up the process. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-30 minutes, or until the skins are completely black. This caramelizes the sugars inside, making them perfectly sweet and soft for mashing.
MORE MUFFIN RECIPES TO LOVE
If you’re a muffin enthusiast like us, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of our cherished muffin recipes:
- Spiced Glazed Muffins (pictured above)
- Lemon Crumb Muffins
- Very Berry Bisquick Muffins
- Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
- Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins
- Cranberry Orange Muffins
- Cherry Almond Muffins
- Banana Blueberry Muffins
- See ALL of my Bread, Muffins, Rolls and Biscuit Recipes
I’m truly excited for you to get a batch of these pumpkin banana muffins baking in your oven. The incredible aroma alone is worth the effort, and that first warm bite? Pure autumn bliss. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring these amazing muffins to life!
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Print Recipe
Pumpkin Spice Banana Muffins
Equipment
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Eoonfirst Standard Size Baking Cups Food-Grade Greaseproof Paper Cupcake Liners 200 Pcs (Natural)
-
Rubber Spatulas
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Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Bakeware Muffin Pan & Cupcake Pan, 12-Cup, Steel
Ingredients
- For the Topping:
- 6 Tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 Tablespoons cold butter cut into pads
- For the Muffins Batter:
- 3 small ripe bananas mashed
- 1 – 15 oz can canned pumpkin
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 3 1/4 cup flour
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C), then line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly with non-stick spray.
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In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients for the streusel topping: flour, pumpkin pie spice, cloves, brown sugar, and cold butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, honey, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and cloves. Ensure they are thoroughly mixed.
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Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture. Mix slowly until just combined, being careful not to overmix. A few lumps are fine.
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Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter. Top each filled cup with a generous spoonful of the prepared streusel topping.
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Bake for approximately 19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Nutrition
This delightful recipe was originally shared on September 15, 2014, and has since been updated and re-shared on August 5, 2022, to enhance your user experience and provide the most current information.