From their soft pumpkin muffin base to their sweet espresso glaze, these pumpkin spice latte muffins are a delicious breakfast that tastes like your favorite fall coffee drink.
Back in high school and college I worked at a local (to Oregon) drive-through coffee shop. For those of you who had the pleasure of the visiting the Pacific Northwest in the late 90s/early 2000s, you know that those wonderful little shops used to outnumber Starbucks by a significant number. . .not so much anymore.
Those shops were doing pumpkin spice lattes long before PSL was a hashtag. At my shop, we ordered vats upon vats of pumpkin spice sauce for our lattes (NOT the syrup—customers wanted the real deal thick sauce-y stuff, not the anemic-looking stuff in a glass bottle).
Anyone who’s ever worked as a barista probably knows what I mean when I say I often felt like a drug dealer, especially when working the morning shift and people’s hands shook as they reached out their car windows for their morning Americano.
But never was that feeling more profound than in late August, when people started asking when we’d get in our pumpkin. When? Not until NEXT MONTH? But the Halloween candy is out at Bi-Mart! Fall is HERE!
Then they’d drive off in a huff, glowering into their no-whip half-caff soy mochas, and leave me dreading the long, hard slog that is PSL season.
Now might be a good time to mention that I’ve never in my whole life finished a pumpkin spice latte. Even if I liked sweet beverages, which I do not, I would have burned myself out on PSLs back in my coffee-slinging days.
But I can still appreciate the flavor combo! And these muffins are my ode to pumpkin and coffee—a totes delicious little breakfast, if I do say so myself.
This is my new favorite pumpkin muffin recipe. It’s super light and totally pumpkin-y. The espresso glaze on top of the pumpkin spice latte muffins is worthy of slurping with a straw, but restrain yourself so you can top your muffins with it.
Or make a double batch of glaze and feel free to slurp away.
These little hunks o’ love just call out to be consumed by the dozen alongside your morning coffee/tea/no whip soy mocha. Make a batch of pumpkin spice latte muffins today and celebrate all things autumn!
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- 3/4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon*
- 3/4 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 4 teaspoons instant espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 3 to 6 tablespoons warm coffee or whole milk
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line 15 or 16 muffin cups with paper liners or spray with cooking spray. Set pan aside.
- Combine the eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Beat until smooth.
- Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices in a medium mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the pumpkin-oil mixture until just moistened.
- Fill prepared muffin cups about 3/4 full. Bake 15 to 18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Combine the powdered sugar, espresso powder, melted butter, and 3 teaspoons of the milk in a small mixing bowl. Stir vigorously until smooth. Add additional coffee or milk if necessary to thin the glaze. Spoon over the muffins, then let the muffins sit until the glaze sets. Serve.
*You can substitute 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice for the spices listed in this recipe.
Muffins adapted from Taste of Home
evolvewithmary says
I worked at Starbucks throughout college, I totally felt like a drug dealer. The sad part was when coffee virgins came in confused and a little lost, then 6 month later they were cussing me out if I came between them and their coffee fix. I’ve only had one or two PSL in my life, I usually don’t drink Lattes and I also don’t drink much coffee but they are truly delicious. You muffins look delicious
Kelsie says
Hahaha! Yes, it’s amazing how fast people get addicted to their coffee :). Thank you, Mary!
Maria Doss says
I’m one of those odd ones out there who is not a fan of pumpkin spice latte. Weird, right? But, I so love all bake pumpkin spice treats. This is such a warm muffin and all that dripping glaze,looks too delicious:)
Kelsie says
I don’t think it’s weird. I love the flavors in a psl just not the cloying sweetness in my coffee :). Thank you, Maria!
Teesh Osita says
I feel cheated that we never have pumpkin anything and the autumn weather! This looks yummy 🙂
Kelsie says
I know! You’re missing out and need to come out this way next fall! Thank you Teesh 🙂
Amy (Savory Moments) says
I love the idea of putting the coffee in the glaze!!! These look super yummy!
Kelsie says
Thank you Amy! Happy Tuesday!
Agness of Run Agness Run says
Yum! These muffins combine some great ingredients, Kelsie. I’ve never though of using a pumpkin for muffins!
Kelsie says
Thank you Agness! Pumpkin is so good in muffins!
Kelly @ Kelly Lynn's Sweets and Treats says
Confession: I have never had a PSL!!! I would much rather eat one of these muffins! Mmmmm that glaze 🙂
Kelsie says
I’ll take one of these over a latte too :). Have a great rest of your week, Kelly!
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
I’m a little jealous of your time as a barista. I feel like everyone should experience the feeling of handing someone their morning coffee – shakes and all! I’ve never been one to obsess over pumpkin spice lattes, but I totally appreciate the flavour combo too, and I think I’d reallllly appreciate it in muffin form! Yum!
Kelsie says
Haha! It was a fun job most of the year :). Thank you Katherine!
Karly says
It’s a latte. And it’s pumpkin. In a muffin. OOOOOOH yes, child. I need these ASAP!
Kelsie says
I’ll send you a batch! Have a great week, Karly!
Ben|Havocinthekitchen says
I’m not a huge fan of PSL (I’m not a fan of other overly sweet coffee drinks either. I like latte, but I prefer it without sugar. But with a flavorful shot). I mean, I enjoy it once or twice during the season, but I won’t cry if I don’t. Indeed, as a naive provincial boy I used to think for a long time that PSL must have pumpkin puree…I told you, naive guy! But I was glad to discover last year some coffee chops started to incorporate real pumpkin which is a nice thing to do! Anyways, pumpkin and coffee make a pretty awesome combo, and so are these muffins, Kelsie! Well done.
Kelsie says
It only makes sense that a PSL would have pumpkin puree–I can’t deal with the pumpkin spice stuff that contains no real pumpkin. Hello? Truth in advertising? Thank you, Ben!
Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess says
Those look divinely heavenly. I love everything about them Kelsie!!!
Kelsie says
Thank you, Kim! Have a great week, my dear!
Marissa (@pinchandswirl) says
I would 100% choose muffin over latte in a pumpkin spice standoff and these look just perfect, Kelsie!!
Kelsie says
Hahaha! I’m picturing that standoff now :). Thank you, Marissa!
hummingbirdthyme says
Now this is a PSL! I would so rather eat sugar than drink it, so these babies are right up my alley – I love that coffee glaze on the top, too! So thankful to that dreaded PSL for inspiring these lovely cakes!
Kelsie says
I’d rather eat it too. Thank you Laura! Have a great week, my friend!
lynne hoareau says
Ooooooo I want these in my life !!!! oh and just for the record, I have never had a pumpkin latte 🙂 x
Kelsie says
Thank you Lynne! You’re not missing much with the pumpkin lattes 🙂
marcie@flavorthemoments says
I used to love pumpkin spice lattes then suddenly just said no to sweet coffee drinks. I’d much rather save the sugar on things I can eat like these muffins! Where were these when I had breakfast this morning? I’m loving that glaze!
Kelsie says
Me too–I’ll eat sugar any day but rarely do I want to drink it! Thank you Marcie!
Yumgoggle says
I’ll bet pumpkin spice season is a nightmare for the baristas! I can see why you’d be tired of it, but not too tired for muffins! These look great!
Kelsie says
I still have dreams about working there this many years later, haha! And it’s alllll because of pumpkin spice :). Thank you!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
I’ll take a baker’s dozen, please! I’ve never gotten into the PSL either – I take my coffee straight up – no cream , no sugar, no nothin’! These muffins on the other hand – I’ll take it al!
Kelsie says
Me too! Just gimme the non-adulterated coffee and I’m happy! Thank you Annie :). Have a great week!
Mary Ann @ thebeachhousekitchen says
OMG! Count me in for a few of these Kelsie! That glaze…I could drink it from the bowl!
Kelsie says
Thank you Mary Ann! I may or may not have had a little sip of glaze 😉
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Soooo, confession. I’ve never had a PSL. Mostly because I just started to like pumpkin. But still, no way will you ever catch me buying one of those overpriced drinks. I’d MUCH RATHER eat these muffins!! I mean, HELLO! These look just amazing!!! Forget the coffee! Hand me a dozen of these! Cheers!
Kelsie says
Muffins are better than overpriced coffee any day! Thank you Chey! Have a great week 🙂
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
You’re too funny, Kelsie!! I’m not a huge fan of sugary drinks either. Hubby usually makes me a PSL at home and it’s not sweet at all and the perfect pumpkin flavour 😉 I do love me some pumpkin and these little cuties are calling my name! That glaze on top sounds delish! Have an awesome week!!
Kelsie says
I think a PSL must be much better homemade! Thank you Dawn! Have a great week, my dear 🙂
David | Spiced says
Hah! I’ve never thought about the #PSL craze from a barrista’s point of view. Umph. I bet this season really is a slog. Pumpkin spice is the Fall flavor that everyone loves to hate…but secretly everyone just loves it. 🙂 I’m with you on sweet coffee drinks. I like my coffee strong. Like I want my spoon to stand up straight in the mug. But every once in a while I do enjoy adding a bit of pumpkin spice to my coffee. Desserts are where I like my pumpkin spice, and I’m all about these muffins! I can still have my strong coffee and get my #PSL fix at the same time. Pass me a muffin, Kelsie!!
Kelsie says
Combine the pumpkin craze with holiday shopping and you have a recipe for stressed out baristas! I’m with you–the stronger the coffee, the better, and I don’t want anything getting between me and that strong flava! Thank you David. Have a great week, my friend!