Muffins are probably my favorite food. I just love them! The only thing about them is that they are usually high in calories which is not great because I usually can’t eat just one. Sometimes I try to limit myself to two, but sometimes I sneak in a third. They’re just so good! Warm, moist, deliciousness! And these pumpkin muffins are no exception, but they’re so much better for you!
To help my muffin cravings, I try to find recipes that are lower calories, ones that are a little healthier. I found these “better-for-you” pumpkin muffins in a Family Fun Magazine a few years ago and made them even healthier. I substituted the oil for applesauce and replaced some of the all purpose flour with whole wheat flour. By doing that, I was able to knock these babies down to 170 calories per muffin (if you include the chocolate chips, which how can you not?)! I feel pretty good about that. AND if you don’t put chocolate chips in them, they’re just 100 calories per muffin! Score! This is also a great breakfast and snack option for my kids. You can even freeze these and just thaw them when you’re in a hurry.
My kids love muffins as much as I do and they gobbled these up. And because muffins are so simple to make, I love to have my kids help make them. They can dump ingredients into the mixing bowl and learn to love to be in the kitchen. I’m pretty sure the only reason my kids like to help me bake is so they can lick the spoon. 😉
Looking for some other pumpkin recipes? Try these too!
Healthier Pumpkin Muffins
Healthier Pumpkin Muffins
Tasty pumpkin muffins that are a bit healthier than your average muffin.
Servings: 12 muffins
Calories: 170kcal
Ingredients
- ½ cup applesauce
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs at room temperature
- 1 ½ cup pumpkin purée
- 2 ½ teaspoons pumpkin spice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour or I like to do ¾ cup white flour and ¾ cup wheat flour
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease your muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a stand mixer, mix together applesauce and brown sugar. Add the eggs, and beat well. Add the pumpkin purée, pumpkin spice blend, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla extract and salt.
- Add in the flour to the mixing bowl and mix until just combined (a few lumps are ok). If you’d like to add chocolate chips, fold them in.
- Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups. Bake muffins for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.
- These muffins will last at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They keep well in the freezer in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months (just defrost individual muffins as needed). Perfect for breakfasts on the go!
Notes
Adapted from: Family Fun Magazine
Nichole says
These look delicious!! I found you over at Craft Confessions giveaway, I am your newest follower and cannot wait to see more. Would love if you could follow me as well.
THanks
Nichole
http://www.pinkieforpink.com
Jenn @ My Not So Glamorous Life says
These look super tasty! Thanks for sharing 🙂
The Alchemist says
Yum, these look delicious!
Smart! School {House} says
Yummers! Thanks for coming to party with us at Whimsy Wednesday!
Kelly,
Smart! School {House}
http://www.smartschoolhouse.com
Lindsay Rasmussen says
These are in the oven as I type! haha. I was craving pumpkin tonight and this fulfilled the quota. 🙂 Hopefully they turn out as good as yours. 🙂
Julie says
I am inviting you to come and share this in my Show Your Stuff blog hop, the party runs from Thursday evening until Tuesday: http://juliejewels1.blogspot.com/
Hilary says
These look delicious! I have been looking for a good pumpkin muffin recipe for a while. I am definitely going to make these tonight 🙂 Thanks for sharing, I found you via DIY Home Sweet Home.
Diana - FreeStyleMama says
This recipe is very adaptable & delish! Thanks for linking up to PIN MEme! I've pinned & tweeted this! I'm also following you on Pinterest now.
Diana
Diana Rambles
Bento Blog Network
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