These Vegan Pumpkin Muffins are perfectly spiced, fluffy, and moist. Best of all, they’re easy to make in one bowl in just 30 minutes!

Looking for more vegan muffin recipes to try? I know you’ll also love my Vegan Apple Muffins, Vegan Banana Muffins, and Cranberry Orange Muffins.

Two Vegan Pumpkin Muffins stacked on top of each other.

“These seriously are the best vegan pumpkin muffins! I make them a few times every year, and without fail at least one person that tries them for the first time asks me for the recipe – both vegans and non-vegans!” -Nikki

I know that fall is the perfect time of year to bake a fresh batch of these Vegan Pumpkin Muffins, but I could truly eat them all year long. I don’t think I’ve ever had a muffin that was so soft, fluffy, and moist before!

Their irresistible texture and cozy fall flavors are all thanks to simple baking staples, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spices. Just mix them all together in one bowl and bake! In no time, you’ll be left with an ultra-cozy treat to enjoy right away or freeze for later.

Why these are the best vegan pumpkin muffins

  • Moist and fluffy – Pumpkin puree not only makes these muffins orange and tasty, but also makes them incredibly moist! Every bite melts in your mouth.
  • Warm fall spices – This wouldn’t be a pumpkin muffin recipe without plenty of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in the batter.
  • Easy 1-bowl recipe – Just like my Vegan Apple Cake and Vegan Pumpkin Cake Bars, these vegan pumpkin muffins are always on my fall baking list because they come together so easily!
overhead view of Vegan Pumpkin Muffins on a sheet of parchment paper.

How to make vegan pumpkin muffins

Find the complete printable recipe with measurements below in the recipe card. 

Whisk the pumpkin, melted vegan butter (or oil), non-dairy milk, and brown sugar together in a large bowl. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices over the wet ingredients in the same bowl. Mix until just combined.

Recipe Tip

Do not overmix the batter! This will almost always give you dense and rubbery muffins. Instead, gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together until the flour is absorbed.

whisking the wet ingredients for Vegan Pumpkin Muffins in a large bowl.
the dry and wet ingredients for Vegan Pumpkin Muffins in a large bowl.

Finish the muffin batter by gently folding in the mix-ins of your choice with a spatula.

stirring vegan pumpkin muffin batter in a large bowl with a wooden spoon.

Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups, then bake the muffins until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Set them aside to cool for a few minutes, then enjoy!

Recipe Tip

Do not overbake the muffins. This is the second reason for dry, dense muffins! My muffins were light and fluffy after baking for 22 to 25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the muffins are done.

overhead view of unbaked Vegan Pumpkin Muffins in a muffin tin.
overhead view of baked Vegan Pumpkin Muffins in a muffin tin.

Frequently asked questions

What can I add to pumpkin muffins?

Customize these muffins with your favorite add-ins, like dairy-free chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, raisins, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, or pumpkin seeds. You could even top them with the pumpkin pie-spiced streusel from my Pumpkin Coffee Cake recipe for extra sweetness!

Can I use this recipe for mini muffins?

Absolutely! Bake your mini pumpkin muffins for 15 to 18 minutes instead.

Can I turn these muffins into pumpkin bread?

I tried this when I was testing my Vegan Pumpkin Bread, and it didn’t work well. My advice? Go make that bread instead!

Can they be made gluten-free?

Sure. A quality gluten-free flour mix (like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill) will work as a substitute for the all-purpose flour here.

Can they be made oil-free?

For oil-free, replace the butter or oil with an equal amount of applesauce or non-dairy yogurt. The texture will be different, but the muffins will taste good.

How do I store leftover pumpkin muffins?

Transfer the cooled muffins to an airtight container and store them at room temperature for 3 to 4 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw the frozen muffins on the counter before serving. I love to warm them up in the microwave for 30 seconds or even pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes until warm. YUM!

a Vegan Pumpkin Muffin with cinnamon sticks and a pumpkin in the background.
close up on a vegan pumpkin muffin.
4.90 stars (166 ratings)

1 Bowl Vegan Pumpkin Muffins

These Vegan Pumpkin Muffins are perfectly spiced, fluffy, and moist. Best of all, they’re easy to make in one bowl in just 30 minutes!
Prep: 8 minutes
Cook: 22 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients 
 

  • 15 ounce can pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup melted vegan butter OR vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup soy or almond milk, unsweetened
  • 1 1/4 cups brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Optional ad ins:

  • 1 cup non-dairy chocolate chips, raisins, cranberries or chopped walnuts

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease a muffin pan. If you use paper liners, also make sure to spray the cups lightly with oil so the muffins don’t get stuck to the paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the pumpkin, melted vegan butter (or oil), non-dairy milk and brown sugar. Whisk until well combined and smooth.
  • Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and spices over the wet mixture (I use a fine mesh strainer for this or use a sifter).
  • Mix the dry ingredients into the wet gently using a large wooden spoon until just combined, being careful not to over mix.
  • Fold in any optional ingredients, if using, and fill the muffin cups full. Bake for 22-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  1. For oil free, replace the butter/oil with applesauce or non-dairy yogurt. They won’t be quite the same though.
  2. If you want less sweet muffins, you may lower the brown sugar amount to 3/4 cup. Or feel free to substitute coconut sugar if desired.
  3. For gluten free, use a quality gluten free flour mix.
  4. If you have pumpkin pie spice mix, you may use 3 teaspoons of it and omit the single spices. Either way works!
  5. These muffins freeze well, simply let them cool completely and place in a freezer bag.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 72mg | Potassium: 224mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 5515IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 2mg
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Author: Nora Taylor
Did you make this recipe?Mention @nora_cooks_vegan_ or tag #noracooks!

This recipe was originally published in August 2018 and has since been republished with improved photos and writing.

Posted In: , , , , ,

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Comments

  1. I had to doctor these a tiny bit, based on what we had on hand, but they’re tasty! I had some leftover pumpkin puree from pumpkin pie, but not enough for 15 ounces. So I smashed in an overripe banana, and it worked perfectly. I also subbed in oat milk for almond/soy, and added finely diced walnuts and 2 teaspoons of chia seeds (which have totally melted into the batter but add just an extra bit of nutrition).

  2. I have them in the oven right now and can’t wait! I love pumpkin muffins and these were so easy to put together. I don’t know how I will keep myself from eating them hot out of the oven, LOL. I’ll let you know. Have friends coming over tomorrow I made them for.

  3. Hey, recent vegetarian gone vegan here! ?

    Just made these tonight. Used vegan butter, oat milk and raisins. 375 for 25 minutes. They came out super moist with a nice top. They tasted great. I highly recommend adding raisins, cranberries or nuts as they give additional texture and flavor. My drunk, non-vegan brother thought they tasted great as well! ?

    Really nice job with this recipe, Nora. I’ll definitely be checking out more of your stuff!

    1. Hi Kevin! Welcome to my site! The addition of raisins or cranberries sounds delicious! I am so glad you loved them! Enjoy your journey through my recipes! Let me know how it goes for you, or if you have questions! Thank you for sharing your fantastic review and comments!

  4. Made these with ground up almonds instead of oil and used about 3/4 cup brown sugar and they were delicious! Thank you!!

    1. Thank you for using my recipes! I am so glad you are enjoying them! Thank you for taking time to share your great review!

  5. Hi, 
    I just whipped up these muffins and I’m sure they’ll be awesome! (They’re still in the oven). I pretty much only use your recipes because everything turns out great. Thanks Nora! 

  6. I baked my muffins for an extra ten minutes and the top half of them is still mushy/raw on the inside. Where did I go wrong?!

    1. It’s hard to say without being there, but maybe your muffin tin makes larger muffins than mine. Or your oven temperature is a bit off, or perhaps you didn’t bake them in the center of your oven. Did you open the oven door often, which lets out heat? Make sure you check with a toothpick to make sure there is no wet batter, it sounds like they needed longer in the oven.

  7. These are the best pumpkin muffins! I switched a few things (regular butter, sourdough discard instead of milk and added a little bit of vanilla). Everyone loved it! My son is allergic to eggs so vegan baking recipe are the best! 

  8. I always struggle with muffins – they are mushy or stick to the pan or something. BUT NOT THESE! These came out perfect and taste great too!

    1. Thank you for sharing your wonderful review and comments! I’m so glad that you loved the muffins, and that were delicious and perfect for you!

  9. These truly are the best – I’ve made them 3 times over the last 2 weeks including one time with gf flour (Robin Hood) and everyone has loved them. 

  10. Hi there 🙂
    I made these last night and I’ve got to say they are actually A-mazing. Super moist and packed with flavour. I live in the UK and fall is definitely upon us, so it felt like the perfect time to make these. We are able to buy pumpkin puree in a can but limited supermarkets stock it. I opted to puree a slow cooked butternut squash and it was super creamy for the mix.
    I also opted for less sugar and went with 3/4 of a cup and that was perfect, enough sweetness with all the beautiful spice.
    I just wanted to say thankyou for sharing- this is a keeper and lives up to ‘the best pumpkin muffins I have ever tasted ‘.

  11. Made this this morning before school to celebrate the first day of fall and they set me up for a great day! Did not disappoint, everything you post is SO GOOD!

  12. I’m from the U.K. snd canned pumpkin isn’t a thing here. What would you recommend as a sub? As a Brit I would love to sample the addiction that the USA have with pumpkin spiced  EVERYTHING!

    1. I didn’t know canned pumpkin wasn’t a thing in the UK! If you can find pumpkins you can make your own pumpkin puree and use that. Pumpkin spice is LIFE over here. ?

      1. These are a favorite of mine and my daughters! You’re recipes have 100% helped me when I was a new vegan and still today.

        1. Hi Patrice! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review and words! I’m thrilled you and your daughters are loving my recipes! Happy cooking!

  13. Hey, Nora. Do you think a vegan butter like Earth’s Best would work? I love the buttery taste it adds to baked goods over coconut oil. 

  14. Made these muffins twice.  Super easy to whip up, moist and tasty.  The second time around, I cut the spices in half and added vanilla extract.  Very pleased with the results. 

    1. I’m thrilled that you are loving the pumpkin muffins! Thanks so much for taking your time to share your great review and comments!

  15. These were delicious.  I made them exactly per instructions with the full amount of sugar and they turned out perfect! 

    1. Thanks for sharing your great review and comments! I’m glad you loved the muffins and that they turned out perfect for you!

  16. I used whole grain millet flour and they were DELICIOUS! They are so dense & so flavorful, thanks for the recipe! 🙂 

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