Have you noticed that autumn seems to have a new name? The season of mesmerizing foliage, bountiful harvests, and pumpkin patches has been referred to by many as pumpkin spice season. Whether in jest or not, it’s easy to see why. The demand for the popular spice seems to increase each fall exponentially.

But while many people crave pumpkin spice during this time of the year, not everyone who does likes pumpkin. That explains all of the popular beverages that contain the spice without any pumpkin. Treats, however, are generally made with both. So, these pumpkin spice streusel muffins should be a welcome change for many people.

The main reason that this treat is a bit healthier is that it will fulfill your craving for pumpkin spice without the enormous amount of sugar and artificial ingredients that follow it into those spiced drinks. Making a pumpkin spice treat at home reduces the unhealthy ingredients significantly. So, it’s a treat that you can feel better about consuming. 

Another factor that makes these muffins healthier is their ingredients. Cashews,, for instance, are rich in many nutrients. They provide fiber, healthy fats, protein and antioxidants such as polyphenols. Additionally, they’re a good source of magnesium, zinc, copper, vitamin B6, vitamin K, manganese and phosphorus. They are believed to offer better heart health, immunity and blood sugar regulation. And they may help lower the risk of stroke.

Pumpkin spice – which primarily consists of cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg—also has nutritional benefits. Cinnamon has antioxidant properties. Ginger has antibacterial properties. Cloves are rich in manganese and contain powerful antioxidant properties. And nutmeg has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Pumpkin Spice Streusel Muffins 

Ingredients:

2 Cups of Flour

½ Cup of Granulated Sugar 

1 tsp. of Baking Soda

1 tsp. of Pumpkin Spice 

2 Eggs

½ Cup of Olive Oil or Salted Butter

¾ Cup of Milk

2 tsp. of Vanilla

Streusel Topping:

1 Cup of Unsalted Cashews (not roasted)

½ Cup of Brown Sugar 

2 Tbsp. of Butter or Olive Oil 

2 Tbsp. of Flour 

2 tsp. of Pumpkin Spice 

Directions:

Combine flour, one teaspoon of pumpkin spice and baking soda in a large bowl.

Combine sugar, butter (or olive oil), milk, vanilla and eggs in a separate bowl.

Mix together the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.

Pour half of the batter evenly into 12 muffin cups .

Combine the streusel ingredients and distribute half evenly over the muffin batter. Then, distribute the second half of the batter. Finally, distribute the remaining streusel for the topping.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 20-25 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool until warm. 

There are many delicious pumpkin desserts  But you can enjoy the spice without the pumpkin in some equally delicious ones. Happy (healthier) fall baking!