Rustic Matcha Pumpkin Muffins

Featured in: Morning Bites

Enjoy the harmonious blend of Japanese matcha and sweet pumpkin, perfectly balanced by warming cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. These muffins come together with ease, using wholesome ingredients and a simple folding technique that keeps the texture light. Toasted pumpkin seeds and a hint of sugar on top add crunch and a touch of sweetness, making each bite satisfying and aromatic. Great for breakfast, snacking, or afternoon tea, these muffins offer a comforting treat with a unique flavor profile. Serve fresh or freeze to enjoy later, and feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for extra variety.

Updated on Mon, 27 Oct 2025 15:29:00 GMT
Moist Rustic Matcha Pumpkin Muffins topped with pumpkin seeds and warm spices.  Save
Moist Rustic Matcha Pumpkin Muffins topped with pumpkin seeds and warm spices. | nachohaha.com

Moist, aromatic muffins blending earthy matcha with sweet pumpkin and warm spices, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

I first made these rustic matcha pumpkin muffins on a chilly autumn weekend, and their warm aroma filled the kitchen instantly. The unexpected blend of earthy matcha and sweet pumpkin was an instant hit with my family and friends.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
  • Matcha green tea powder: 1 tbsp
  • Baking powder: 1 1/2 tsp
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Ground ginger: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
  • Canned pumpkin puree: 1 cup (240 g)
  • Packed light brown sugar: 2/3 cup (130 g)
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Milk: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
  • Pure vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • Pumpkin seeds (pepitas): 2 tbsp (optional)
  • Coarse sugar: 1 tbsp (optional)

Instructions

Prep:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with oil.
Mix dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
Mix wet ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Combine:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Fill & top:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and coarse sugar, if using.
Bake:
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool:
Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
Deliciously fluffy Rustic Matcha Pumpkin Muffins, perfect for breakfast or snacks.  Save
Deliciously fluffy Rustic Matcha Pumpkin Muffins, perfect for breakfast or snacks. | nachohaha.com

One of my fondest family memories is baking these muffins together during the holidays, letting everyone add their favorite toppings. They become a cozy centerpiece for our breakfasts and snacks.

Required Tools

You'll need a 12-cup muffin tin, paper liners or oil, mixing bowls, a whisk, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and a wire cooling rack for this recipe.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains eggs and wheat (gluten). For nut-free muffins, simply omit any added nuts and double-check all ingredient labels before preparing.

Nutritional Information (per muffin)

Each muffin provides approximately 185 calories, 7 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.

Aromatic Rustic Matcha Pumpkin Muffins blending sweet pumpkin with earthy matcha flavors. Save
Aromatic Rustic Matcha Pumpkin Muffins blending sweet pumpkin with earthy matcha flavors. | nachohaha.com

Enjoy these muffins warm with a cup of tea or coffee. They're perfect for meal prep or sharing with friends!

Recipe FAQ

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute pureed fresh pumpkin for canned. Ensure it's smooth and not too watery for best results.

How do I prevent overmixing?

Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. It's fine if the batter remains a bit lumpy.

Can I freeze these muffins?

Absolutely. Cool muffins fully, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What is a good substitute for matcha powder?

If needed, omit matcha or replace with cocoa powder for a different flavor, though the color and taste will change.

Are there ways to add extra texture?

Mix in chocolate chips or chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor, or sprinkle with pumpkin seeds before baking.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat and ensure all other ingredients are free of dairy.

Rustic Matcha Pumpkin Muffins

Earthy matcha and pumpkin paired with warm spices create moist, fluffy muffins for any time of day.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Carlos Vega


Complexity Easy

Heritage Fusion (Japanese-American)

Output 12 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
03 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
08 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
02 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
03 2 large eggs
04 1/2 cup vegetable oil
05 1/4 cup milk
06 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

01 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
02 1 tablespoon coarse sugar

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat oven to 375°F and arrange paper liners in a 12-cup muffin tin or apply a thin layer of oil to grease each cup.

Phase 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until evenly blended.

Phase 03

Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until mixture is smooth and uniform.

Phase 04

Unite Mixtures: Gently fold wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a spatula, stirring just until no dry flour remains; avoid overmixing for optimal texture.

Phase 05

Portion Batter and Add Toppings: Evenly divide batter into prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and coarse sugar if desired.

Phase 06

Bake Muffins: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin emerges clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Phase 07

Cool: Allow muffins to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools needed

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Paper muffin liners or oil for greasing
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Contains eggs and wheat (gluten).
  • May contain nuts if added as a variation.
  • Verify all ingredient labels for allergen information.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 185
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g