Pumpkin Streusel Muffins – Easy Fall Recipe with Crunchy Topping

Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are the ultimate cozy fall bake, with a soft, spiced pumpkin base and buttery brown sugar streusel topping. Ready in about 30 minutes, these moist muffins keep well for days and taste like autumn in every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

These muffins bring together everything you love about fall baking. The pumpkin base turns out extra moist thanks to buttermilk and pumpkin puree.

Pumpkin pie spice adds warmth in every bite. The crunchy streusel topping bakes into that bakery-style finish you can’t resist.

They’re simple to mix in just a couple of bowls, so no fancy equipment is needed. You’ll have 20 muffins ready in under half an hour, perfect for quick breakfasts, Halloween parties, or holiday brunches.

Because the streusel holds its crunch and the muffins stay soft for days, you can bake ahead with confidence. Kids and adults both love them, and you can easily dress them up with chocolate chips, nuts, or seeds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Streusel Topping

• 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt

Mix these by hand until clumps form, then chill until you’re ready to use. Keeping the butter cold is the secret to a crunchy streusel.

For the Muffins

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not homemade, which holds too much water)
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature

For the best results, make sure all wet ingredients are at room temperature. The pumpkin puree keeps the crumb moist, while buttermilk gives a light, tender texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Streusel

Combine butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt with your fingertips until crumbly. You want small, buttery clumps. Chill in the fridge while you make the batter so the topping stays crisp during baking.

Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisking now prevents clumps later and evenly distributes the spice.

Step 3 – Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add pumpkin puree and buttermilk, then whisk again until well combined.

Step 4 – Combine and Fill

Stir the dry mixture into the wet bowl until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix, or the muffins may turn dense. Divide batter into 20 lined muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Top generously with chilled streusel.

Step 5 – Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes. Insert a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out with only a few moist crumbs. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Keep the streusel cold until baking, since warm butter will melt too quickly in the oven. Never reduce the sugar in the batter, as it helps create the right texture. If you prefer muffins without streusel, bake plain pumpkin muffins instead but start checking at 15 minutes. For fun twists, fold in about 1/2 cup chocolate chips, toasted pecans, or even pumpkin seeds. These variations still work beautifully with Pumpkin Streusel Muffins, and you may get 22–24 muffins. If you’re in the mood for more fall treats, try soft and spiced baked pumpkin donuts or chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, both equally festive.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The streusel topping will hold its crunch well. For longer storage, freeze muffins in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the microwave for that just-baked taste. These muffins are perfect for meal prepping ahead of busy school mornings or for planning fall get-togethers.

FAQs

Related Recipes to Try

• soft and spiced baked pumpkin donuts
• chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
• fluffy pumpkin cream cheese swirl muffins
• cozy pumpkin cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting

Conclusion

Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are everything you want in a fall bake: moist, warmly spiced, and topped with buttery crunch. These Pumpkin Streusel Muffins are quick to prepare, freezer-friendly, and always a hit at Halloween parties, fall gatherings, or cozy breakfasts. Bake a batch, and your kitchen will smell like autumn magic. You can even share your creations or find more fall inspiration on my Pinterest board.

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