Are you searching for a delightful autumn treat that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin, sweet dates, and crunchy praline topping? Look no further than these Praline Pumpkin Date Muffins! Perfect for a cozy morning breakfast or a comforting afternoon snack, these muffins are sure to bring a touch of seasonal charm to your table.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– ½ cup brown sugar
– ⅓ cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ cup chopped dates
– ½ cup chopped pecans
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup chopped pecans
– 2 tbsp melted butter
– 2 tbsp flour
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Pan:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin pan with paper liners or grease the wells with butter or cooking spray.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well combined.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate large bowl, mix together the canned pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. **Incorporate Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix the batter.
5. **Fold in Dates and Pecans:** Gently fold in the chopped dates and pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. **Prepare Praline Topping:** In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, chopped pecans, melted butter, and flour. Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly topping.
7. **Fill Muffin Cups:** Spoon the pumpkin date muffin batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
8. **Add Praline Topping:** Sprinkle the prepared praline topping over the muffin batter in each cup, ensuring an even distribution.
9. **Bake Muffins:** Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
10. **Cool and Enjoy:** Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve while still slightly warm for the best taste and enjoy the wonderful blend of flavors in every bite!
These Praline Pumpkin Date Muffins are a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall and add a touch of sweetness to your day. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an indulgent treat in the afternoon, these muffins are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Give them a try and delight your taste buds with every bite!