Moist Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Muffins — Simple Fall Recipe

Moist and fluffy with a tender crumb, these Vegan Pumpkin Muffins come together in about 45 minutes. Made with pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and pantry staples, they deliver cozy fall flavor and freeze beautifully.

Two vegan pumpkin muffins on a plate one is cut in half and stacked on top of the other.

Thanks to Bob’s Red Mill for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

Even when the weather is unpredictable, I’m fully in fall mode—playing autumn songs, enjoying pumpkin spice everything, and pulling out a cozy blanket. These vegan pumpkin muffins are my go-to comfort bake.

Soft, tender, and moist, these muffins are a favorite I’ve made for years. This version is simple, reliable, and perfect for making each autumn a little sweeter.

Side shot of two stacked vegan pumpkin muffins on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Muffin Recipe

These muffins are hard to beat. Once you try them, they’ll likely become part of your seasonal baking rotation.

  • Versatile. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert.
  • Quick and easy. Made with pantry-friendly ingredients and straightforward steps, they bake up fast.
  • Gluten-free option. Using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend yields consistently tender results.
Dry ingredients for a muffin recipe with a bag of Bob's Red Mill Baking Flour birds eye view.

Notes on Ingredients

This recipe uses common baking staples plus pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for warm autumn flavor. See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

  • Gluten-free flour – A reliable 1-to-1 baking flour works best for texture and ease.
  • Leaveners – Baking powder and baking soda help the muffins rise.
  • Spices – Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice create that classic fall profile; a pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness.
  • Sugar – Brown, cane, or coconut sugar all work; use your preferred granulated sugar.
  • Pumpkin puree – The star ingredient for pumpkin flavor and moistness.
  • Milk – Any plant-based milk is fine.
  • Vanilla – Optional, but recommended for depth of flavor.
  • Toppings – Oats or pumpkin seeds add crunch and visual appeal.

Best Gluten-Free Flour to Use

I recommend a trusted Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour for the most consistent results. It replaces regular flour cup-for-cup and helps produce a great texture without fuss.

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Muffins

Hands-on time is short—about 15 minutes—and the muffins bake in roughly 30 minutes.

Side by side photos of batter of muffins and muffin batter in muffin hole.
  • Make the batter. Sift the dry ingredients together, then add salt. In a separate bowl, beat sugar, pumpkin puree, and oil for 2–3 minutes. Add milk and vanilla, mix until combined, then fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just incorporated.
  • Fill the muffin tin. Divide batter evenly among 10 muffin cups. Sprinkle toppings like oats and pumpkin seeds if desired, pressing them slightly into the batter.
  • Bake. Start at 425°F (220°C) for 5 minutes, then reduce oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake another 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool briefly in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Side by side photos of muffin batter in muffin pan and photo of baked muffins.

Expert Tips

Follow these tips to ensure great results every time:

  • Use a scale for baking. Weighing ingredients improves accuracy and consistency.
  • Fill 10 muffin cups for tall muffins. If using a 12-cup pan, fill the extra two with water to promote even baking and prevent burning.
  • Grease the pan or use liners. A light grease with vegan butter or liners prevents sticking.
  • Customize freely. Add chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, or a swirl of nut butter to vary the flavor.
  • Serve warm with coffee or chai. They’re especially delicious with a hot drink.

Storage

  • Room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer. These muffins freeze well. Flash-freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight or warm briefly in the microwave.

More Pumpkin Recipes to Try

  • Pumpkin Mug Cake
  • Pumpkin Sheet Cake
  • Vegan Pumpkin Pie
  • Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Enjoy—dig in! If you make these Vegan Pumpkin Muffins, snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram, and consider leaving a comment or rating if you try the recipe. Thanks!

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Vegan Pumpkin Muffins

Servings: 10 muffins
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Moist and fluffy with a tender crumb, these Vegan Pumpkin Muffins come together in just 45 minutes. They offer cozy fall flavor and freeze well.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour (240g)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup sugar (200g) — brown, cane, or coconut sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (244g)
  • 1/3 cup oil (80g), any neutral oil
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons milk (150 mL), any vegan milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)
  • Oats, pumpkin seeds, or other toppings (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a muffin pan or line with liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir in the sea salt and set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the sugar, pumpkin puree, and oil for 2–3 minutes. Add the milk and vanilla, mixing until combined.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
  5. Scoop batter evenly into 10 muffin cups. Top with oats or pumpkin seeds if desired.
  6. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F (180°C) and bake 18–20 minutes more, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan briefly, then transfer to a wire rack.
  7. Serve plain or split and fill with vegan cream cheese frosting for a muffin sandwich treat.

Notes

  • Using a kitchen scale improves accuracy and consistency.
  • If using a 12-cup pan, fill any unused cups with water to promote even baking.
  • Grease the pan well or use liners to prevent sticking.
  • Flash-freeze muffins on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for best results in the freezer.
  • Customize with chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, or a swirl of nut butter.
Calories: 230 kcal, Carbohydrates: 41 g, Protein: 3 g, Fat: 9 g, Sugar: 22 g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on brands and exact ingredients used. Consult a professional if you require precise nutritional guidance.

Cuisine: American, Universal
Course: Dessert
Author: Jessica Hylton