Pumpkin puree isn’t just a fall staple for pies and spiced lattes. It’s also an excellent ingredient for delicious low-carb muffins.
These fluffy keto pumpkin muffins are perfect for breakfast or dessert, are packed with nutrients, and won't derail your keto diet.
Why you’ll love these Keto Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkins are an adaptable fruit that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
The main ingredient in these muffins is pumpkin puree, which offers a naturally sweet flavor and delivers a beneficial dose of beta-carotene, which helps support healthy vision and skin.
Beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, is a powerful antioxidant that also plays a role in immune function and overall well-being.
Research published in ACS Omega found that pumpkin offers various health benefits due to its high concentrations of bioactive compounds, including antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The study further explains how pumpkins have historically been used as a therapeutic remedy for parasitic infections, including tapeworm and schistosomiasis, highlighting its potential to promote intestinal health.
Packed with pumpkin pie spice, these easy pumpkin muffins offer cozy autumn flavors and a guilt-free indulgence perfect for those following a low-carb diet.
Instead of brown or granulated sugar, this recipe uses erythritol as a sweetener, making these muffins an excellent choice for individuals with diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Canned vs. homemade pumpkin puree
While canned pumpkin puree is convenient and readily available, it often contains added preservatives or sweeteners that could disrupt ketosis.
In fact, most canned pumpkin products are pumpkin pie filling, which can contain as much as 60 grams of carbs per cup (250 grams).
On the other hand, homemade pumpkin puree made from fresh pumpkins offers a natural flavor free of added sugars that perfectly complements this pumpkin muffins recipe.
Additionally, homemade mixes allow you to control the ingredients and avoid potentially harmful additives or chemicals that may be present in store-bought brands.
Fresh pumpkin puree also retains more nutrients, as commercial canning, which involves high heat to extend shelf life, tends to destroy heat-sensitive nutrients, including vitamin C.
If you don’t have fresh pumpkin, opt for 100 percent pumpkin puree and check the label to avoid hidden carbs and sugars.
Benefits of baking with almond flour
Almond flour is a nutritious, low-carb, and gluten-free substitute for traditional bleached and whole wheat flour.
This nutritious nut flour is a rich source of healthy fats and protein, making it a perfect choice for individuals following a Healthy Keto® diet.
Almond flour is also loaded with vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage and supports immune function.
It also contains minerals, including magnesium and iron, essential for various bodily functions, including muscle function, oxygen transport, and nerve signal transmission.
"Due to its low glycemic index, almond flour doesn't cause spikes in blood sugar or insulin levels, making it suitable for diabetics or those monitoring their glucose levels," explains Dr. Berg.
Almond flour also provides a delightful nutty flavor and moist texture to baked goods, enhancing both taste and nutritional value.
How to serve keto pumpkin muffins
There are many ways you can enjoy these keto pumpkin muffins.
For a simple, indulgent treat, serve them warm topped with grass-fed butter or a drizzle of homemade maple syrup.
If you’re looking for something more decadent, cover muffins with a keto-friendly glaze icing made with erythritol, milk, and vanilla extract. Place them on a rack to cool completely before glazing to prevent muffins from becoming soggy.
These muffins also pair well with bulletproof coffee, providing a boost of energy and a delicious flavor combination for a morning pick-me-up.
For those who prefer tea, these muffins beautifully complement the subtle flavors of herbal and green tea.
Adding a side of fresh berries can introduce a refreshing, light contrast to the muffins' rich flavors.
For a complete breakfast, serve these muffins alongside popular keto dishes, such as:
Storing and reheating tips
To prolong the freshness of your muffins, place them in an airtight container for up to three days.
Alternatively, you can freeze pumpkin muffins for up to three months. Label the muffins with the date to avoid consuming stale baked goods.
To reheat, place them back in the muffin pan and bake in the oven at 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) for ten minutes until they're heated through and soft.
Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven to reheat individual muffins. However, avoid overheating them as it could dry out the muffins' moisture, resulting in a tough texture.
For best results, let thawed muffins rest at room temperature for a few minutes before reheating.
Key takeaways
These moist and fluffy pumpkin muffins are packed with fall flavors, low in carbs, and sugar-free.
Pumpkin puree is keto-friendly and adds a delightful sweet and earthy flavor while offering beta-carotene and other bioactive compounds linked to a lower risk of chronic inflammation and enhanced immune functions.
FAQ
1. Are pumpkin muffins keto-friendly?
Traditional pumpkin muffins made with all-purpose flour and brown sugar are high in carbs and not keto-friendly.
However, this recipe uses low-carb almond flour and substitutes sugar with erythritol, creating a keto-approved treat that won’t kick you out of ketosis.
2. How many carbs are in keto pumpkin muffins?
These pumpkin muffins contain five grams of carbs per serving, making them an excellent choice for individuals following a keto diet.
3. Can I have pumpkin on the keto diet?
Yes, pumpkin is permitted on keto in moderation. However, canned pumpkin products often contain sugars and other additives that can interfere with ketosis, and it’s best to make homemade pumpkin puree or opt for 100 percent pumpkin puree.
4. Can I bake with almond flour on keto?
Yes, almond flour is an excellent substitute for traditional flour on a keto diet. It's low in carbs, rich in nutrients, and adds a subtle nutty flavor to baked goods.
5. Is erythritol keto-friendly?
Erythritol is a keto-friendly sweetener with zero calories and doesn't affect blood sugar levels. However, check the label and opt for 100 percent pure erythritol without any added fillers.
6. Is pumpkin high in carbs?
No, pumpkin is relatively low in carbs compared to other fruits. One cup (250 grams) of pumpkin contains only eight grams of net carbs.
7. Is canned pumpkin puree keto-friendly?
Not all canned pumpkin puree is keto-friendly. Some brands contain added sugars or preservatives that could disrupt ketosis.
It's best to check the label and opt for pure, unsweetened, 100 percent canned pumpkin or make homemade puree using fresh pumpkins.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10761000/
