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Irresistible Nutella Filled Pumpkin Muffins: Your New Favorite Fall Treat

As the leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin and spices wafting from the kitchen. But what if we told you there’s a way to elevate your favorite fall baked goods to an entirely new level of deliciousness? Enter our incredible Nutella Filled Pumpkin Muffins! These are not just any pumpkin muffins; they are moist, incredibly fluffy, and harbor a delightful secret center of rich, sweet Nutella that melts in your mouth with every bite.

The combination of pumpkin and chocolate has become a beloved duo, and for good reason. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, where the earthy, sweet notes of pumpkin and warm autumn spices perfectly complement the decadent, nutty sweetness of chocolate hazelnut spread. If you haven’t yet experienced this fantastic pairing, prepare to be amazed!

Why These Nutella Filled Pumpkin Muffins Are a Must-Try

These muffins bring together everything you love about classic pumpkin muffins and add an unexpected twist that makes them truly extraordinary. Imagine biting into a soft, perfectly spiced pumpkin muffin, only to discover a warm, gooey center of Nutella. It’s a delightful surprise that transforms a simple breakfast or snack into a gourmet treat. The spices – cinnamon, ginger, and a hint of cloves or nutmeg – create that quintessential fall flavor, while the Nutella provides a luxurious sweetness and a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the muffin’s tender crumb.

We’ve had great success with other pumpkin recipes, like our Skinny Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins, so we knew these Nutella-filled versions would be an instant hit. And they were! The entire batch vanished in record time, a testament to their irresistible appeal. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a weekend brunch, or simply to treat yourself and your family, these muffins are guaranteed to bring smiles all around.

The Perfect Balance: Pumpkin, Spice, and Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl

What makes these muffins stand out is their wonderfully soft and fluffy texture. They’re incredibly easy to make, with a foolproof batter that comes together in mere minutes. The real magic happens when you fill each muffin cup halfway with the spiced pumpkin batter, add a spoonful of Nutella, and then top it off with more batter. This technique ensures that every muffin has a luscious chocolate hazelnut surprise waiting inside.

For an extra touch of elegance, especially if you’re serving these for a brunch or gathering, you can gently warm up some additional Nutella and drizzle it over the cooled muffins. Not only does it add another layer of flavor and visual appeal, but it also serves as a delicious hint to your guests about the special filling hidden within!

Essential Ingredients for Your Fall Baking Masterpiece

Crafting the perfect Nutella Filled Pumpkin Muffin starts with a thoughtful selection of ingredients. We combine all-purpose flour with a precise balance of leavening agents – baking soda and baking powder – to ensure a light and airy texture. The blend of warming spices, including ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves (or nutmeg), infuses the muffins with that quintessential autumn essence. Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that complements the pumpkin beautifully, contributing to the muffins’ moistness and tender crumb.

For the wet ingredients, pure pumpkin puree is crucial – remember, this is *not* the same as pumpkin pie filling, which often contains added sugar and spices. Using pure pumpkin ensures the authentic flavor and moisture we’re aiming for. Canola or vegetable oil keeps the muffins incredibly moist, while milk adds tenderness. Two large eggs bind everything together, and a touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors. And, of course, the star of the show: Nutella. We use a generous amount to guarantee a delightful, creamy center in every single muffin.

Tips for Muffin Baking Success

Achieving bakery-quality muffins at home is simpler than you might think with a few key tips:

Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is perhaps the most crucial rule for tender muffins. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until they are *just* incorporated and no streaks of dry flour remain. Lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough, chewy muffins.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. This helps them combine more evenly with the other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a better texture in the final product.
Proper Muffin Cup Filling: To get that perfect Nutella center, fill each muffin cup about halfway with batter, add your spoonful of Nutella, and then top with the remaining batter. This encapsulates the Nutella perfectly, preventing it from sinking to the bottom or overflowing during baking.
Preheat Your Oven Properly: Always preheat your oven to the specified temperature before placing the muffins inside. A properly heated oven ensures that the muffins rise correctly and bake evenly.
Use Good Quality Pumpkin Puree: As mentioned, use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter has added sugars and spices, which will alter the flavor and sweetness profile of these muffins.
Cooling Time is Key: While it’s tempting to dig in right away, allowing the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them set and prevents them from falling apart. Cooling completely on a rack prevents the bottoms from getting soggy.

Nutella Filled Pumpkin Muffins

Moist and fluffy pumpkin muffins filled with sweet Nutella!

Author:
Anna

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Total Time:
35 mins

Course:
Breakfast

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
12 muffins

Calories:
293 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves or nutmeg
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
¼ cup canola or vegetable oil
¼ cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¾ cup Nutella

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
Grease or line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves/nutmeg), salt, and brown sugar until well combined.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, oil, milk, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just incorporated and no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be lumpy.
Place about 1 and ½ tablespoons of pumpkin batter into each muffin cup. Drop a teaspoon of Nutella into the center of the batter. Top with another 1 and ½ tablespoon scoop of pumpkin batter, completely covering the Nutella.
Bake the muffins for 19 to 23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the pumpkin muffin part comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, if desired, you can drizzle the muffins with a little extra warmed Nutella for an added touch of indulgence.
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

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Variations and Serving Suggestions

These Nutella Filled Pumpkin Muffins are fantastic as is, but you can always customize them to your liking. For an extra crunch, sprinkle a streusel topping (made with flour, sugar, butter, and a pinch of cinnamon) over the top of the muffins before baking. If you prefer a glaze, a simple powdered sugar glaze mixed with a little milk or orange juice would add another layer of sweetness. You could also swap out some of the Nutella for a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist, or even add mini chocolate chips to the pumpkin batter for a double chocolate pumpkin experience.

These muffins are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a quick breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack with your favorite coffee or tea. They are perfect for school lunchboxes, holiday brunches, or simply as a comforting treat on a chilly autumn day. Their rich flavor and surprising center make them a wonderful dessert option as well.

Storage Tips

While it might be challenging to keep these delicious muffins around for long (they have a tendency to disappear quickly!), proper storage ensures they stay fresh. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Simply wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their soft, moist texture and gooey Nutella center.

The deliciousness of these muffins speaks for itself. Every time we bake a batch, they vanish in no time. It’s a continuous challenge to save even one for a quiet morning coffee the next day! You might find yourself wanting to make a double batch, and we highly recommend it. They’re simply that good!

More Fall-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re anything like us and can’t get enough of pumpkin and fall flavors, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes:

Skinny Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Crumb Bars