Pumpkin Muffins from Old Salem

Heritage Delight: Pumpkin Muffins from Old Salem

Indulge in a taste of history with our Pumpkin Muffins from Old Salem recipe! Rooted in tradition and bursting with warm spices, pumpkin puree, and sweet molasses, these muffins offer a delightful journey back in time to the charming streets of Old Salem. Whether you’re savoring them for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat, these muffins are sure to evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort. So, let’s embark on a culinary adventure and recreate the flavors of yesteryears with this beloved recipe!

Ingredients

Produce

  • 1/2 tsp Ginger, ground
  • 1 cup Pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup Raisins

Refrigerated

  • 2 Eggs

Condiments

  • 1/4 cup Molasses

Baking & Spices

  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp Baking powder
  • 3/4 cup Brown sugar, light or dark
  • 1/4 tsp Cloves, ground
  • 1/2 tsp Nutmeg, grated
  • 1/2 tsp Salt

Dairy

  • 3/8 cup Butter
  • 1/2 cup Milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground ginger, ground cloves, grated nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add the pumpkin puree, molasses, and milk, and mix until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough muffins.
  5. Gently fold in the raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  8. Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Once cooled, serve the pumpkin muffins warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations

  • Texture Enhancement: For added texture and crunch, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, on top of the muffins before baking.
  • Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer sweeter muffins, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or molasses used in the recipe. Alternatively, you can add a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the muffins after they have cooled for extra sweetness.
  • Flavor Experimentation: Feel free to experiment with additional spices such as cinnamon or allspice to customize the flavor profile of the muffins to your liking.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree? A: Yes, you can certainly use fresh pumpkin for this recipe. Simply roast or steam the pumpkin until tender, then puree it in a blender or food processor until smooth. Be sure to strain any excess liquid from the puree before using it in the muffin batter.

Q: Can I make these muffins ahead of time? A: Absolutely! These pumpkin muffins can be baked in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven before serving.

Q: Can I omit the raisins or substitute them with something else? A: Yes, you can omit the raisins if you prefer or substitute them with other mix-ins such as dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chocolate chips for added sweetness and flavor.

Keto Version

To make a keto-friendly version of these Pumpkin Muffins from Old Salem, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of the brown sugar and molasses. Additionally, you can use full-fat coconut milk instead of regular milk to reduce the carb content.

Low-Carb Version

For a low-carb version, follow the instructions for the keto version and reduce the amount of pumpkin puree used in the batter to lower the carb content further. You can also add extra spices such as cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice for enhanced flavor without adding extra carbs.

In conclusion, these Pumpkin Muffins from Old Salem are a delightful treat that pays homage to the rich history and culinary traditions of the past. With their warm spices, tender crumb, and comforting aroma, these muffins are sure to transport you to a bygone era with every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an afternoon snack, these muffins are a delicious reminder of the simple pleasures in life. So, embrace the flavors of Old Salem and delight your senses with these timeless pumpkin muffins!