Salted Caramel Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground supreme Saigon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons salted caramel spice (such as Savory Spice)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup honey vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Streusel Topping

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon salted caramel spice (such as Savory Spice)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground supreme Saigon cinnamon
• 5 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan or line it with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salted caramel spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
4. Add the vanilla bean paste and eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition.
5. Mix in the pumpkin puree and honey vanilla Greek yogurt, and continue beating until fully combined.
6. Gradually add the dry flour mixture, beating in small batches between each addition until fully incorporated.
7. Fold in the chopped walnuts to the batter until evenly distributed.

For the Streusel Topping:

8. In a separate small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, salted caramel spice, and cinnamon.
9. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse meal.

Assembling the Muffins:

10. Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the batter.
11. Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the batter in each muffin cup.

Baking:

12. Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center of a muffin comes out clean.
13. Remove from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
14. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cook's Note

For best results, I recommend using salted caramel spice from the Savory Spice shop. McCormick also offers a salted caramel spice, but it may have a slightly different flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories	384
Total Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	64mg
Sodium	206mg
Total Carbohydrate	46g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	19g
Protein	7g
Vitamin C	2mg
Calcium	94mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	200mg

Servings Per Recipe: 12

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutritional information is based on available data for the ingredients used.

The Origins and History of Salted Caramel Pumpkin Muffins

Salted caramel pumpkin muffins are a modern twist on the classic pumpkin muffin, combining the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin with the sweet-salty allure of caramel. While pumpkin-based baked goods have roots in early American colonial cooking, where pumpkins were a staple for both savory and sweet dishes, the addition of caramelparticularly salted caramelemerged much later. Salted caramel itself became widely popular in the early 2000s, thanks to French confectioners and American dessert innovators. By merging these two flavors, bakers created a dessert that is both comforting and indulgent, particularly appealing during the fall harvest season.

Regional Characteristics

This recipe reflects a distinctly American approach to seasonal baking. Pumpkin, as a staple in North America, is most commonly harvested in late summer and autumn. In regions like New England and the Midwest, pumpkin desserts are a central part of autumn festivities, especially around Thanksgiving. Salted caramel, originally popular in European patisserie, has been fully embraced in American kitchens, often paired with pumpkin, apple, or chocolate. The combination highlights regional tastes: warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, locally grown pumpkins, and the trend of balancing sweet and savory flavors.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional pumpkin muffins, which focus solely on the pumpkin and spice blend, salted caramel pumpkin muffins introduce a complex flavor layer through the use of salted caramel spice and a streusel topping. The streusel adds crunch and sweetness, creating textural contrast not present in standard muffins. While pumpkin bread may be dense and loaf-like, these muffins are lighter, individual portions that emphasize both moistness and topping crunch. They are also sweeter and more decadent than plain pumpkin muffins, making them stand out as a specialty treat rather than an everyday snack.

Typical Serving Occasions

Salted caramel pumpkin muffins are most commonly enjoyed during fall and winter celebrations. They are a popular choice for brunches, holiday breakfasts, or afternoon tea. Many bakeries serve them alongside coffee or hot chocolate, and they are frequently found at seasonal markets and farmers stalls. Their individual serving size makes them convenient for gifting, picnic treats, or dessert platters at gatherings, adding a festive touch with their golden-brown tops and aromatic spices.

Interesting Facts

• Salted caramel flavor originated in France but gained global popularity through creative dessert chefs.
• Pumpkin is highly nutritious, rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making these muffins a slightly healthier indulgence.
• The combination of sweet and salty in desserts can enhance flavors and create a more memorable taste experience, which is why salted caramel remains so beloved.
• Streusel toppings, common in European baking, were adapted in American muffins to add texture and visual appeal.
• The use of Greek yogurt in the batter adds moisture and a subtle tang, differentiating this recipe from classic pumpkin muffins.

By blending autumn spices, pumpkin, and salted caramel, these muffins represent a fusion of traditional and contemporary baking techniques. They celebrate seasonal ingredients while offering a modern flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates.

FAQ about Salted Caramel Pumpkin Muffins Recipe