Easy & Healthy Kodiak Cakes Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins: Your Go-To Fall Recipe (89 Calories!)
Happy September! As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets crisp, it’s officially all things pumpkin month. Everywhere you look, you’ll find pumpkin-flavored treats, and for good reason! While I’m a relatively new convert to the pumpkin craze, I’ve completely fallen in love with baking with it. Its earthy sweetness and comforting aroma are simply irresistible, especially when combined with warm spices. My journey into pumpkin baking took an exciting turn recently when I was shopping in the U.S. and stumbled upon the pumpkin flax Kodiak Cakes pancake mix. Being a huge fan of Kodiak mixes for their wholesome ingredients and convenience, I knew I had to give this seasonal flavor a try.
The result? These incredible Kodiak Cakes Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins! They are unbelievably tasty, boasting a soft texture, rich pumpkin flavor, and just the right amount of melty chocolate chips. What’s even better is their nutritional profile: each muffin is a mere 89 calories and scores just 3 Weight Watchers Smart Points, making them a perfect guilt-free indulgence for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. Don’t worry if you can’t find the pumpkin-flavored Kodiak mix; I’ve included a note in the directions below on how you can still whip up these delightful muffins using a regular Kodiak mix or even plain flour, along with some extra spices to capture that quintessential fall taste. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the cozy scent of autumn!
Kodiak Cakes Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup liquid egg whites, from a carton
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/2 cup milk, skim milk recommended
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 cup Kodiak Cakes Pumpkin Flax Pancake Mix
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3 Tbsp mini chocolate chips
- Pumpkin seeds for topping, optional
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a regular-sized 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. This will help ensure your muffins don’t stick and come out perfectly.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, liquid egg whites, and brown sugar until well combined. Then, mix in the unsweetened apple sauce, milk, and vanilla extract until the wet ingredients are smooth.
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Add the Kodiak Cakes pumpkin mix, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and can lead to a more tender muffin. Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips.
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Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. For an extra touch, sprinkle a few pumpkin seeds on top of each muffin before baking. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
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This recipe yields 12 delicious muffins, each at 3 Weight Watchers Smart Points (2 points plus on the old WW program).
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Nutritional information per muffin: Calories 89, Fat 1.9g, Saturated fat 0.9g, Carbohydrates 13.8g, Fiber 1.2g, Sugars 7.2g, Protein 4.2g.
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*Note: If you can’t find the Kodiak Cakes pumpkin mix, you can easily substitute it with regular buttermilk Kodiak Cakes mix or even an equivalent amount of whole wheat flour. If using a non-pumpkin mix or flour, make sure to increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to achieve that desired autumn flavor. Adjust spices to your personal preference for a taste that truly sings fall.
Additional Info
Why You’ll Love These Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
These Kodiak Cakes Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins aren’t just a delicious fall treat; they’re also incredibly wholesome and fit perfectly into a health-conscious lifestyle. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Protein-Packed: Thanks to the Kodiak Cakes mix, these muffins offer a significant protein boost, keeping you fuller for longer and making them an excellent choice for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying post-workout snack.
- Low in Calories & Smart Points: At only 89 calories and 3 Weight Watchers Smart Points per muffin, you can enjoy these without any guilt. They’re a fantastic option for managing your calorie intake while still enjoying something sweet.
- Easy & Quick to Make: With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a bake time of 20 minutes, you can have a fresh batch of warm muffins ready in under half an hour. Perfect for busy mornings or an impromptu baking craving.
- Rich Fall Flavors: The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice creates an aromatic and comforting flavor profile that perfectly encapsulates the essence of autumn. The mini chocolate chips add a delightful sweetness that balances the spices.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer more spice, different mix-ins, or need to substitute the pumpkin mix, this recipe is adaptable to your tastes and pantry staples.
The Magic of Pumpkin in Fall Baking
Pumpkin is more than just a seasonal flavor; it’s a nutritional powerhouse that adds incredible moisture and richness to baked goods. Beyond its delicious taste, pumpkin is packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function, and fiber, which aids in digestion. Its natural sweetness means you often need less added sugar in recipes. In these muffins, pumpkin purée (inherent in the Kodiak mix, or added if using plain mix) contributes to their tender crumb and vibrant color, making every bite a celebration of fall. The warm, inviting aroma that fills your home as these bake is an added bonus, instantly creating a cozy, autumnal atmosphere.
Kodiak Cakes: A Smart Choice for Healthy Baking
Kodiak Cakes pancake and waffle mixes have become a favorite for those seeking healthier alternatives in their baking. Made with 100% whole grains and often fortified with extra protein, these mixes provide a nutritious foundation for a variety of recipes. Unlike traditional mixes that can be high in refined flours and sugars, Kodiak Cakes offer complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy. Their pumpkin flax variety, in particular, adds even more fiber and a subtle nutty flavor. Using a pre-made mix like Kodiak Cakes not only saves time but also ensures a consistent, high-quality base for your muffins, allowing you to focus on adding your personal touch with spices and delicious mix-ins like chocolate chips.
Tips for Perfectly Moist and Flavorful Muffins Every Time
Achieving bakery-quality muffins at home is easier than you think with a few simple tips:
- Don’t Overmix: This is perhaps the most crucial rule for tender muffins. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, chewy texture. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: While not strictly necessary for this recipe due to the nature of the mix, using a room temperature egg can help it incorporate more smoothly into the batter, leading to a more uniform texture.
- Fill Muffin Tins Evenly: Use an ice cream scoop or a large spoon to ensure each muffin cup gets an equal amount of batter. This helps them bake evenly.
- Preheat Oven Properly: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature. A hot oven helps the muffins rise quickly, resulting in that desirable domed top.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is the enemy of moist muffins. Start checking for doneness at the minimum bake time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.
- Cool Properly: Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from getting soggy bottoms.
Creative Variations to Try
While these pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are perfect as is, feel free to experiment and customize them to your liking:
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter along with the chocolate chips for extra texture and a nutty flavor.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: For an indulgent twist, swirl a dollop of sweetened cream cheese mixture into the top of each muffin before baking.
- Spice it Up: If you love a stronger spice profile, increase the cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice by another 1/2 teaspoon each. A pinch of ground ginger or cloves can also enhance the warmth.
- Different Chocolate: Instead of mini chocolate chips, try dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or even a mix of both.
- Dried Fruit Addition: Mix in a handful of dried cranberries, chopped dates, or golden raisins for added chewiness and natural sweetness.
- Glaze Topping: A simple drizzle of powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a touch of milk or orange juice) can elevate these muffins for a special occasion.
Serving Suggestions for Your Pumpkin Muffins
These Kodiak Cakes Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Breakfast on the Go: Grab one (or two!) with your morning coffee or tea for a quick, satisfying, and protein-rich start to your day.
- Afternoon Snack: A perfect pick-me-up to combat that mid-afternoon slump.
- Light Dessert: Warm them slightly and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for a healthy sweet treat.
- With a Meal: Pair them with a bowl of chili or soup for a comforting and balanced meal, especially on a chilly day.
- For Guests: These muffins are always a crowd-pleaser and make a lovely addition to any brunch spread or coffee gathering.
Storage Tips
To keep your delicious Kodiak Cakes Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins fresh and enjoyable, follow these storage guidelines:
- Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a paper towel at the bottom of the container and another on top of the muffins can help absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
- Refrigeration: If you live in a humid climate or want them to last a bit longer, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can be enjoyed cold or gently warmed.
- Freezing: These muffins freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds when you’re ready to enjoy.
I hope you enjoy baking and savoring these delightful Kodiak Cakes Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins as much as I do. They truly embody the spirit of fall in every wholesome, flavorful bite. Happy baking!