As autumn leaves swirl outside, my kitchen fills with the warm, inviting aroma of pumpkin and spices. But today, Im sharing a twist that elevates your typical pumpkin muffin from cozy to memorable—adding a surprising dash of cardamom. This small spice change transforms the familiar into an extraordinary treat, perfect for those crisp mornings.

I love how this recipe turns a simple comfort food into a fragrant adventure. The moist crumb, bursting with pumpkin goodness, mingles with the exotic warmth of cardamom, giving each bite an unexpected depth. Baking these muffins feels like a cozy secret, tucked away in the chaos of busy mornings.

Pumpkin Cardamom Muffins

These pumpkin muffins are moist and tender with a bright orange crumb, infused with warm spices and a hint of cardamom. The batter is mixed until smooth, then baked until golden and fragrant, resulting in soft, flavorful muffins with a slightly domed top.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Muffin tin or individual muffin cups
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups lightly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, spices, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This creates a fragrant dry mixture that forms the base for your muffins.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth, then add the pumpkin and vegetable oil, blending until the mixture looks uniform and slightly thickened.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender and fluffy.
  5. Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow for rising.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18–22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool for a few minutes so they set and are easy to handle.
  8. Inspect the muffins: they should have a slight dome, a fragrant aroma, and a moist, tender crumb with a hint of spice visible in the texture.
  9. Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature, enjoying the moist interior and spiced aroma with each bite.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle a little raw sugar on top before baking for a sweet, crunchy topping.
Once cooled, these muffins hold a quiet richness that pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee or tea. Theyre excellent for sharing, but honestly, I often stash a few for myself, relishing the layered aromas as I peel back the wrapper. This recipe is a gentle reminder that a simple ingredient swap can reinvent something familiar.

As the seasons shift, so does my craving for cozy baking that sparks joy and nostalgia. These muffins arent just a treat—they’re an aromatic timeout from the daily rush. I hope each bite brings you a moment of calm and a wave of seasonal indulgence.

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