Carving a Halloween pumpkin? Don’t let that vibrant orange flesh go to waste — turn it into delicious pumpkin muffins instead! They’re perfect for a seasonal snack, and make a great addition to autumn lunchboxes.
Carving a pumpkin is one of the most exciting Halloween activities kids look forward to, but your pumpkin is also a delicious meal or snack in itself. Once the carving is done, scoop out the flesh and pop it to one side rather than binning it — it’s the star ingredient in this recipe.
You can also make a tasty snack from the seeds with our easy recipe for roast pumpkin seeds, flavoured with everything from simple salt and pepper to salted caramel — yum!
You may also enjoy: 12 Perfect Pumpkin Recipes for the Family this Halloween
Seasonal Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
Makes 12 muffins
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 400g pumpkin flesh
- 200ml orange juice with bits
- 125g sultanas
- 300g plain flour
- 250g caster sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 50g walnut pieces
- 270g jar apple sauce
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas Mark 4.
2. Cut the pumpkin flesh into pieces and cook in a saucepan with the orange juice for about 10 minutes, until soft. Then purée using a food processor or a stick blender.
3. In a mixing bowl, add the pumpkin purée, apple sauce, walnuts and sultanas, and mix well. In a separate bowl, combine all the dry ingredients — flour, caster sugar, baking powder, salt, bicarbonate of soda and cinnamon — and mix well.
4. Whisk the eggs together and add to the pumpkin mix. Then fold this mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases. Divide the mixture evenly between the cases. Bake for 30 minutes, until risen and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
With thanks to Aldi for the recipe — check out more great recipes on Aldi.ie
You may also enjoy: 10 MORE Incredibly Easy Pumpkin Recipes to Make at Home
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use tinned pumpkin purée instead of fresh pumpkin?
Yes — if you don’t have leftover pumpkin flesh from carving, a tin of plain pumpkin purée works well as a substitute. Just make sure it’s unsweetened, plain pumpkin rather than a spiced pie filling.
Can I freeze pumpkin muffins?
These muffins freeze well. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to two months. Defrost at room temperature before serving.
Can I leave out the walnuts?
Absolutely — the walnuts are easy to leave out if you’re baking for a nut-free classroom or for younger children, and the muffins will still turn out moist and tasty thanks to the pumpkin and apple sauce.
Related Articles
- Easy Roast Pumpkin Seeds
- 12 Perfect Pumpkin Recipes for the Family this Halloween
- 10 MORE Incredibly Easy Pumpkin Recipes to Make at Home
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