Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Featuring: Pumpkin's brilliant orange colouring comes from the carotenoids beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants essential for eye health. Beta-carotene helps you see in the dark. Lutein and zeaxanthin prevent macular degeneration.

Makes 24

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup canola or avocado oil
  • 398ml pumpkin puree*
  • 2 cups buttermilk**
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 4 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp cloves

Special Ingredients (choose 1 of the following if desired)

  • 1½ cups raisins
  • 1½ cups chopped apple
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup crystallized ginger

*You can roast and puree your own pumpkin, or use 1 14-ounce can of pumpkin puree.
**Make your own buttermilk by adding 2 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice to 2 cups milk; let sit for 5 minutes.

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare 2, 12-muffin pans by spraying with nonstick spray or using paper baking cups. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl: mix sugar and vegetable oil together. Add eggs, mixing well after each addition. Add buttermilk and pumpkin. Mix well.
  3. Add whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until just combined.
  4. Fold in your special ingredient of choice.
  5. Using a ¼ cup measure, fill each muffin cup.
  6. Bake 18–22 minutes until puffed and golden.

special-ingredient-pumpkin-spice-muffins

Beta-carotene (Vitamin A)
Zeaxanthin
Lutein