If you love the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin and the indulgent surprise of molten chocolate, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Molten Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins Recipe. These muffins are a perfect blend of moist pumpkin cake infused with warm spices and a gooey, melted chocolate center that oozes with every bite. Ideal for a cozy fall morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a delightful dessert, these muffins bring together simple ingredients in a way that feels luxurious and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Molten Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins Recipe is a breeze, but every single one plays an important role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and color. From the rich cocoa powder to the warm pumpkin pie spice, each item enhances the comforting, decadent results.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your muffins, ensuring they’re tender yet sturdy enough to hold that molten center.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness—key for balance.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the muffins rise to fluffy perfection.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder to keep muffins light and tender.
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A fragrant blend that brings classic fall warmth to every bite.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate and pumpkin flavors.
- ¾ cup canned pumpkin puree: Moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin taste make these muffins unique.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a touch of caramel and depth.
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil: Ensures the muffins stay moist and tender without heaviness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all ingredients together for the perfect crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts overall flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Small bursts of melted chocolate throughout the muffin.
- 12 chocolate truffle pieces or chocolate squares: The magic molten center everyone will love.
How to Make Molten Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners—this saves cleanup time and keeps muffins perfect. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This mix ensures the spices and leavening agents get evenly distributed among the muffins, so every bite tastes just right.
Step 2: Combine Pumpkin Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. This mixture should be silky and well-blended, laying the foundation for a rich and moist muffin. The brown sugar brings a hint of caramel sweetness, while the pumpkin puree keeps the muffins tender and moist.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. After mixing, stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, which add pockets of melty chocolate throughout the muffin layers.
Step 4: Fill Muffin Cups With Batter and Add Chocolate Truffles
Fill each muffin liner about halfway with the batter. Then, nestle one chocolate truffle or chocolate square into the center of each cup. This hidden gem creates the molten core that sets these muffins apart. Cover each truffle with additional batter, filling the cups to about three-quarters full. This layering ensures a perfect balance of cakey muffin and molten center with each bite.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the muffins have set on top but still maintain that soft interior. You can test by inserting a toothpick near the edge of a muffin — it should come out clean, not wet with batter. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes in the pan before serving warm, so the molten chocolate remains luxuriously gooey.
How to Serve Molten Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate, snowy touch that makes each muffin look irresistible. For extra indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top complements the rich chocolate and pumpkin flavors wonderfully. Fresh cinnamon sticks or pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top bring festive flair.
Side Dishes
Molten Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins pair perfectly with a warm cup of spiced chai, pumpkin latte, or even a creamy hot chocolate. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the richness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes an unforgettable dessert when these muffins are served slightly warm.
Creative Ways to Present
Make these muffins feel extra special by presenting them in a decorative basket lined with a cozy kitchen towel. For parties, place each muffin in a colorful wrapper or tie a small ribbon around the base. You can even serve them with a small pot of chocolate sauce for extra dipping fun, making your Molten Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins Recipe an impressive centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; this keeps the muffins moist and the chocolate indulgent. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for up to five days, but allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully, making them perfect for batch baking. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They will stay delicious for up to two months. When you want one, simply thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave to revive that molten center.
Reheating
Reheat muffins in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to re-melt the chocolate inside, creating that signature molten core again. Avoid overheating, which can dry the muffins out. A few seconds is enough for that warm, gooey magic to come back to life.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, roast it until soft, then puree until smooth for the best texture. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before measuring to keep the batter from becoming too wet.
What type of chocolate works best for the molten center?
Chocolate truffles or good-quality chocolate squares with a creamy filling melt beautifully to create the luscious molten center. Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolates give a nice balance of sweetness to the pumpkin-rich muffin.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a perfect 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, you can make these muffins safe for gluten-sensitive diners without sacrificing texture or flavor.
How spicy are these muffins with the pumpkin pie spice?
The pumpkin pie spice adds warm, cozy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, but it’s mild and balanced. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount slightly or customize to your taste.
Are these muffins suitable for breakfast or only dessert?
Molten Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins are fantastic any time of day! Their hearty pumpkin base makes them perfect for breakfast, while the molten center offers an indulgent twist that feels like dessert. It’s the best of both worlds.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cozy treat that blends the best of autumn flavors with a decadent chocolate twist, do not hesitate to try this Molten Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins Recipe. They are quick to make, endlessly satisfying, and guaranteed to warm your heart and home. Once you have a batch fresh from the oven, you’ll see why these muffins quickly become a beloved favorite to share and savor again and again.
Print
Molten Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Molten Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins combine the rich flavors of cocoa and pumpkin with a gooey molten chocolate center, perfect for a cozy fall dessert or snack. Moist and tender with a hint of pumpkin spice, each muffin reveals a luscious chocolate truffle surprise that melts delightfully when served warm.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12 chocolate truffle pieces or chocolate squares (for molten center)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Then fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to distribute throughout the batter.
- Assemble Muffins: Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the batter. Place one chocolate truffle piece or chocolate square in the center of each, then cover with more batter until each muffin cup is about ¾ full.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the muffin tops are set and a toothpick inserted off-center comes out clean, avoiding the molten center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool for 5 minutes in the tin before serving warm to enjoy the gooey molten chocolate center that melts beautifully when slightly warm.
Notes
- For a gooier molten center, serve the muffins slightly warm.
- If muffins cool completely, reheat them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to re-melt the chocolate center.
- You can substitute chocolate truffle pieces with small squares of your favorite chocolate for a similar molten effect.
- Ensure not to overfill the muffin cups to prevent batter overflow during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
