Go Back

Pumpkin Muffins with Dark Rum and Spices

These pumpkin muffins are baked until golden and moist, with a tender crumb enhanced by warm spices and a splash of dark rum for added depth. The batter is mixed simply and baked in the oven, resulting in a fluffy, fragrant final product that’s perfect for cozy mornings or brunch gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 240

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 2 tablespoons dark rum

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Muffin tin
  • Paper or silicone muffin liners
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves until well combined. This helps evenly distribute the spices throughout the dry ingredients.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and dark rum until smooth and slightly frothy. This creates a moist, cohesive wet mixture.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, then gently fold them together with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy but uniform.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. The batter will be thick but scoopable.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll start to smell warm spices and pumpkin as they bake.
  7. Remove the muffins from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes to avoid burning your mouth and to set their moist crumb.
  8. Once cooled slightly, grasp a muffin and gently squeeze to check their moist but tender texture. They should feel soft but hold their shape nicely.
  9. Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a pat of butter or a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy the aromatic spices and rich pumpkin flavor with every bite.

Notes

For a more intense rum flavor, add an extra tablespoon of dark rum to the batter. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer freshness.