High Protein Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Name: High Protein Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored); 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp pumpkin spice; 1/2 tsp salt

Highlighted under: Home-Style Dessert Bakes

I absolutely love whipping up a batch of these High Protein Pumpkin Spice Muffins whenever the fall season approaches. The warm spices combined with the rich flavor of pumpkin make these muffins a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. What's even better is the protein boost they provide, thanks to the added Greek yogurt and protein powder. They satisfy my sweet tooth while keeping me energized throughout the day. Plus, they fill my kitchen with an irresistible aroma that can brighten even the gloomiest of autumn days!

Created by

Tina

Last updated on 2026-02-01T19:06:30.671Z

When I first experimented with these muffins, I wanted to create a healthier version of the classic pumpkin spice treat. I successfully incorporated Greek yogurt and protein powder, which not only added nutritional value but also kept the muffins moist and fluffy. The balance of pumpkin and spices is spot on, making these muffins wonderfully fragrant.

As I baked them, I learned that mixing the dry ingredients separately before combining them with the wet ones helped avoid clumps and ensured an even texture throughout the muffins. If you’re a fan of pumpkin spice, you’ll love the delightful flavors in every bite!

Why You'll Love These Muffins
High in protein for a filling snack or breakfast
Bursting with warm pumpkin spice flavors
Easy to make and perfect for meal prep

Pumpkin Puree: The Heart of the Muffins

The star ingredient in these High Protein Pumpkin Spice Muffins is the pumpkin puree. Not only does it provide natural sweetness and moisture, but its vibrant color also enhances the muffins visually. If you're looking to cut down on sugar, the puree can help maintain a deliciously moist texture even with reduced sweeteners. Be sure to opt for 100% pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that could alter your flavor balance.

For those who want to experiment, you can swap pumpkin puree with other pureed fruits or vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or applesauce, but keep in mind that these substitutions can slightly change the flavor profile and moisture content. If you're using homemade puree, make sure you've cooked it down sufficiently to remove excess water, which might otherwise make your muffins dense.

Perfecting Texture with Protein Powder

The choice of protein powder is crucial for the texture and nutritional content of your muffins. I recommend using a high-quality vanilla or unflavored protein powder to complement the spices without overpowering the pumpkin flavor. If you're sensitive to flavors, try a plant-based protein powder, as they often have a milder taste compared to whey-based options. Adjusting the amount might be necessary; too much protein powder can lead to a dry muffin, while too little may not yield the desired protein boost.

For a gluten-free version, substitute the whole wheat flour with an equal amount of almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. However, keep in mind that gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently, so be ready to tweak the liquid ingredients if the batter appears too thick.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once baked and cooled, these muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag; they can last up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for a warm treat.

These muffins are delightful on their own but can also be dressed up with a drizzle of honey or a spread of cream cheese for a more indulgent snack. If you're in the mood for extra toppings, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for added texture and flavor variations.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your High Protein Pumpkin Spice Muffins:

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp pumpkin spice
1/2 tsp salt

Mix these ingredients well to ensure a delicious and nutritious muffin.

Instructions

Follow these steps to whip up your High Protein Pumpkin Spice Muffins:

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or spray with cooking spray.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and eggs. Whisk until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, protein powder, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin spice, and salt.

Combine and Fill

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Fill the muffin liners about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these muffins warm or at room temperature, and feel free to store them in an airtight container!

Pro Tips

For an extra protein boost, consider adding some chopped nuts or seeds into the batter before baking. Additionally, you can substitute any sweetener according to your taste preference.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your muffins turn out too dense, it could be that the flour was packed too tightly in the measuring cup or too much protein powder was added. For the fluffiest texture, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off without packing it down. Additionally, make sure you’re not overmixing the batter, as this can develop the gluten and create a heavier muffin.

On the contrary, if your muffins are too dry, try adding a little more Greek yogurt or additional pumpkin puree to your batter for added moisture. If using a lean protein powder, ensure you're not skimping on the wet ingredients; balance is key to achieving that perfect moist crumb.

Flavor Variations

While pumpkin spice is a classic choice, you can easily rearrange the flavors in these muffins. For a chocolate twist, you could add cocoa powder and mix in some dark chocolate chunks—perfect for a richer dessert experience. Alternatively, spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or even a touch of ginger can complement the pumpkin flavor beautifully and give you a custom fall treat.

You can also try adding in-dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins, for a bit of chewy texture. This not only enhances the flavor but also elevates the healthiness, packing in more fiber and nutrients—the perfect way to make these muffins even more satisfying!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use pumpkin spice instead of individual spices?

Yes, you can replace individual spices with pumpkin spice, using about 1 teaspoon.

→ Can I substitute Greek yogurt with something else?

Absolutely! You can use applesauce, mashed bananas, or any non-dairy yogurt as a substitute.

→ How do I store the muffins?

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, these muffins freeze well! Just wrap them individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.