Sourdough Pumpkin Muffins

Imagine pulling a tray of golden sourdough pumpkin muffins from the oven—the warm spices filling your kitchen and that irresistible oat-streusel topping begging for a taste.

This recipe is the perfect way to use your sourdough starter or discard, turning it into a fall treat that feels homemade and special without being complicated.

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A display of sourdough pumpkin spice muffins, with a couple placed on a plate, showcasing their golden color and streusel topping, surrounded by mini pumpkins and a muffin tin full of more muffins.

Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee, tuck them into lunchboxes, or serve them at a cozy fall gathering, these muffins are a must-bake for pumpkin season.

If these sourdough pumpkin muffins have you craving more autumn flavors, try my Sourdough Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole Recipe for a cozy breakfast, bake up a batch of Sourdough Apple Fritters Recipe (discard or starter) for a cozy weekend treat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive fall flavor: Tangy sourdough, real pumpkin puree, and warm spices make these muffins taste like autumn in every bite.
  • Starter or discard friendly: Works beautifully with either an active starter or extra discard you want to use up.
  • Moist and tender: Pumpkin puree, yogurt, and brown sugar keep these muffins soft, fluffy, and full of flavor.
  • Quick and simple: Mix, bake, and enjoy in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy mornings.
    Perfect anytime: Delicious for breakfast with coffee, an after-school snack, or a cozy fall gathering.

“It’s so good! Thank you for sharing your recipe!” – YouTube Comment

A hand picking up a freshly baked sourdough pumpkin spice muffin, highlighting the golden, crumbly streusel topping, with more muffins in the background.

Ingredients

  • Pumpkin puree: Brings moisture and rich pumpkin flavor. Homemade or canned both work (just not pumpkin pie filling).
  • Pumpkin pie spice: A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for that classic fall flavor.
  • Brown sugar: Sweetens with a hint of caramel depth.
    All-purpose flour: The base of the batter. You can also use whole wheat pastry or einkorn flour.
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream: Keeps the muffins tender and moist.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the pumpkin and spice notes.
  • Melted butter: Adds richness and soft texture.
  • Baking soda + baking powder: Essential for rise and lightness.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and bind the batter.
  • Rolled oats: Used in the crumbly streusel topping for a bit of crunch.

Featured Video


Sourdough Pumpkin Muffin Recipe | Discard or Starter

Bake along on YouTube and learn how to make these soft, spiced sourdough pumpkin muffins. 🍂

Recipe Tips

Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off—too much flour makes muffins dense.

Check your starter: If using active starter, make sure it’s bubbly and recently fed for the best rise.

Don’t skip the streusel: It adds both flavor and texture. Press it gently into the batter so it bakes into a crunchy topping.

Cool before storing: Let muffins cool completely on a rack before storing to prevent condensation and soggy tops.

Reheat gently: Warm leftovers in a toaster oven for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

A bowl of soft, orange pumpkin spice muffin batter, ready to be baked. Surrounded by small pumpkins and cinnamon sticks, creating a cozy autumn vibe.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with coconut oil.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter or discard, pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, yogurt or sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Bring the batter together: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps the muffins soft.
  5. Portion and top: Scoop the batter into the muffin tin, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle generously with streusel topping.
  6. Bake and enjoy: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a rack.

Don’t forget to pin this for later!

Golden sourdough pumpkin muffin topped with a crunchy oat streusel, served on a white plate with a muffin tin and warm autumn spices in the background. Text overlay reads: Sourdough Pumpkin Muffin Recipe.

FAQ’s

No, you can use either active starter or discard. Active starter gives a little extra rise, while discard still adds great flavor.

Yes, swap the yogurt or sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt, and use plant-based butter.

All-purpose flour works best for a light texture, but you can also use whole wheat pastry flour or fresh milled flour for a heartier bite.

Yes! Just bake them in a mini muffin tin for about 10–12 minutes, checking early for doneness.

Absolutely. You can cut the sugar by about one-third without changing the texture too much—just know the muffins will be less sweet.

Make sure your streusel is crumbly (not too wet) and gently press it into the batter before baking so it holds its place.

Recipe Variations

  • Chocolate chip pumpkin muffins: Fold in semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
  • Nutty pumpkin muffins: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and warmth.
  • Pumpkin seed topping: Sprinkle raw pepitas on top before baking for a rustic look and added texture.
  • Maple glazed muffins: Drizzle warm muffins with a simple maple glaze once cooled.
  • Mini muffins: Use a mini muffin tin and bake for 10–12 minutes for bite-sized treats.

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Another favorite from my kitchen to yours, where the seasons guide the table and every meal is an act of love — may this recipe become a favorite in your kitchen too.
With gratitude & love,
Emily

A display of sourdough pumpkin spice muffins, with a couple placed on a plate, showcasing their golden color and streusel topping, surrounded by mini pumpkins and a muffin tin full of more muffins.
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Sourdough Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

Author: Emily Rider
Warm and fragrant with autumn spices, these sourdough pumpkin muffins are a cozy treat for crisp mornings. The tender crumb and buttery streusel topping make them a delightful treat to a cup of tea or coffee.
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Resting Time:8 hours
Total Time:8 hours 45 minutes
Course: Dessert, Sourdough
Cuisine: American, Cottage Style
Servings: 12 muffins
Calories: 5kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon 7 g pumpkin pie spice seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon 3 g salt
  • 1 cup 245 g pumpkin puree
  • ¾ teaspoon 4 g baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon 12 g baking powder
  • ¾ cup 150 g brown sugar
  • 2 large 100 g eggs
  • ½ cup 120 g Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon 5 g vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 240 g sourdough discard or starter
  • 2 ¼ cups 270 g unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more as needed

Streusel Topping:

  • 3 tablespoons 45 g salted butter
  • ½ cup 63 g all-purpose flour
  • cup 65 g granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with liners or grease with coconut oil.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together sourdough discard, pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
  4. Blend wet and dry: Stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Make the streusel: Mix butter, flour, and sugar together until crumbly.
  6. Fill muffin cups: Scoop batter into cups, filling about ¾ full, and sprinkle streusel topping evenly on top.
  7. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool: Let muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

Overnight fermentation: For deeper flavor, mix all ingredients except baking powder, baking soda, eggs, seasoning, and salt. Refrigerate overnight, then stir in reserved ingredients before baking.
Texture tip: Add extra flour a spoonful at a time until the batter is thick enough to hold shape.
Storage: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 5kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.02g | Saturated Fat: 0.003g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 0.1mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 0.04g | Calcium: 0.3mg | Iron: 0.02mg

Did you make this recipe?

If you gave it a try and loved it, I’d be so grateful if you came back to leave a 5 “⭐️” rating. Use the buttons below to share, comment, or connect—I truly enjoy seeing and celebrating your beautiful bakes.

Close-up of a woman in a peach blouse smiling and leaning against a kitchen counter, with fresh flour and wheat berries visible beside her.

Emily Rider

Cottage lifestyle blogger and home miller with 25+ years of sourdough and fresh-milled flour experience.
Sharing cozy homemade recipes that help you bake with confidence, celebrate each season, and savor the beauty of everyday cottage living.

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