Pumpkin Spice Muffins – Cleveland Clinic – GWC Mag

Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Special occasions and holidays often call for a baked treat, and pumpkin is certainly a crowd pleaser! These muffins are not only moist and delicious, but they’re also significantly lower in calories, saturated fat and sugar than their traditional counterparts. Impress guests with these tasty treats.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
• 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup pureed pumpkin
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 3/4 cup low fat buttermilk
• 1 box instant pumpkin spice pudding

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Paper-line or grease 18 muffin cups.
2. Combine flour, salt, sugar, spices, baking soda, and instant pudding mix in a bowl.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, eggs, canola oil and buttermilk. Beat with hand mixer until blended evenly.
4. Add dry mixture to wet mixture, and stir just until moistened.
5. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
6. Once completely cooled, store muffins in lidded container or sealable plastic bags.

Ingredient health benefits

This tasty baked treat is made with many health ingredients, boasting a lot of benefits.

• Whole-wheat flour: Healthier for you than white flour, whole grains carry more fiber, help improve cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and more.
• Cinnamon: This ancient spice not only bursts with flavor, but it’s also anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce blood sugar levels and may help reduce cholesterol.
• Raisins: This dried fruit is rich in iron.
• Pumpkin: The classic fall fruit is a superfood, rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and cancer-fighting carotenoids.
• Eggs: Packed with protein, eggs are also rich in vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B12, vitamin B9 and lutein.

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 18 muffins
Serving size = 1 muffin

Calories: 120
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrate: 21 g
Dietary fiber: 1 g
Total fat: 4 g
Saturated fat: 0.5 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 160 mg
Cholesterol: 20 mg