I love these protein pumpkin muffins and having something like these to give extra protein to my boys is wonderful. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Happy baking!

Fall brings a shift in the air. There are crisp mornings, warm sweaters, and the irresistible flavor of pumpkin spice. While everyone loves indulging in pumpkin-flavored treats, they don’t always have the nutrients we need. So, let’s try out protein pumpkin muffins: a wholesome, delicious way to enjoy fall flavors while fueling your body with protein, fiber, and nutrients. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a pre-workout snack, or a nutritious option to grab on the go, these muffins pack a punch. They deliver not just the essence of autumn, but also the balanced energy you need to stay strong and active during the busiest months of the year. They are a hit around my house!

The Delicious Recipe: High-Protein Pumpkin Muffins for Anytime

Now, let’s get into the recipe that will take you through the busy fall season with energy and flavor. This version uses a combination of one of our top favorite pancake mixes and avocado oil to create a yummy muffin that’s packed with protein. It’s the perfect make-ahead recipe for busy mornings or a quick snack before hitting the gym. It’s also ok to eat them just because! There really isn’t a bad time of year to enjoy these high protein healthy pumpkin muffins.

Ingredients for Kodiak Protein Muffins:

• 2 cups Kodiak Power Cakes Buttermilk Flapjack Mix (this takes the place of all flour options like oat flour, coconut flour, almond flour, and all purpose flour). 
• ¾ cup milk 
• ¾ cup light brown sugar 
• ¼ cup avocado oil
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ tsp. Cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice)
• 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions for this Protein Muffin Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.

2. Mix all of the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well mixed. (You are adding in the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients at the same time)

3. Add mix-ins, such as chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips, for extra flavor and texture.

4. Scoop the batter into the muffin cups prepared with the liners, filling each cup about two-thirds full.

5. Bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

8. Remove the muffins from the muffin pan and let them cool on a cooling wire rack.

The Nutritional Power of Pumpkin

Pumpkin, the special ingredient of these muffins, does more than satisfy cravings for seasonal flavors. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A, C, and E. It supports immune function, skin health, and vision, which is perfect for keeping your body strong during colder months. It also contains high levels of fiber, which aids digestion, keeps you feeling full longer, and helps stabilize blood sugar. 

That makes pumpkin an ideal ingredient for a breakfast muffin, especially when combined with protein to round out the nutritional benefits. Kodiak Flapjack and Waffle Mix is made with 100% whole wheat flour, 100% whole grain oat flour, whey protein concentrate, vital wheat gluten, brown sugar, wheat protein isolate, milk protein concentrate, leavening, buttermilk, and sea salt. This sweet treat is a perfect way to get extra protein into your day. 

Pumpkin can blend into both sweet and savory dishes. It adds a natural sweetness and moist texture to baked goods without the need for excessive sugar or oil. In the case of protein pumpkin muffins, this means you get a delicious, nutrient-packed treat that tastes indulgent but remains incredibly healthy. Your family will love this delicious treat.

Why Protein Matters

While pumpkin provides vitamins and fiber, protein completes the nutritional package. Protein builds and repairs muscles, supports metabolic function, and helps balance energy levels throughout the day. It’s especially important for those with active lifestyles, as well as anyone looking to keep cravings in check and maintain steady energy between meals.

These protein-boosted muffins serve as a great post-workout recovery option or a grab-and-go breakfast. They satisfy hunger and provide lasting fuel. Choosing the right type of protein to complement the pumpkin ensures you get all the benefits without compromising flavor or texture.

That’s where we let Kodiak Pancake Mix do the work. They have created a wonderful brand with delicious options. Their pancake mix is perfect for these protein pumpkin muffins. There are 21 grams of protein per serving when you make the pancakes. I don’t know the exact amount of protein per muffin, but this gives you a general idea. You don’t need different protein powders, baking soda, or baking powder for these Kodiak pumpkin muffins. It is a complete mix, so it has those ingredients included. I highly recommend their different products!

Protein Pumpkin Muffins: The Perfect On-the-Go Snack

People are busy. Everyone needs healthy snacks that offer convenience without sacrificing nutrition. Protein pumpkin muffins check all the boxes: they’re portable, easy to make, and provide a balanced blend of carbs, protein, and fiber. You can prepare a batch over the weekend and store them for quick snacks or breakfasts throughout the week.

I love that you know exactly what ingredients go into them. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs. You can use gluten-free flour, dairy-free options, or lower-sugar alternatives.

Customizing Your Protein Pumpkin Muffins

One of the best parts about baking protein pumpkin muffins is the room for customization. By making a few tweaks, you can adjust the recipe to fit your specific health goals or flavor preferences. Here’s how you can mix things up:

Add-ins for Flavor and Texture:

Chopped Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds bring a satisfying crunch and extra protein.

Dark Chocolate Chips: A sprinkle of dark chocolate chips adds sweetness and richness while keeping the sugar content in check. Yes! Perfect for that sweet tooth! 

Dried Fruit: Cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates introduce a chewy texture and natural sweetness.

Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger enhance the pumpkin’s flavor and give your muffins that classic fall spice blend during pumpkin season.

Seeds: Chia seeds or flax seeds increase the fiber and omega-3 content for a nutritional boost. You can top them with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even some peanut butter.

How to Store and Enjoy Your Muffins

These protein pumpkin muffins store well for a few days. They make for a great grab-n-go snack. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for one to two days. They stay good in the fridge for 2-3 days. I wouldn’t go past three days.

Enjoy the Best of Fall Without the Guilt

With protein pumpkin muffins, you can indulge in the rich, spiced flavors of fall while staying on track with your health goals. These muffins fit seamlessly into a balanced lifestyle, whether you need fuel for your workout, a quick breakfast on a busy morning, or a satisfying snack that keeps you going. It is really nice to have these on hand.

I hope you love these as much as my family does. Enjoy!

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