I finally did it. I’ve been wanting to bake with some alternative flours for some time and this weekend I finally made Pumpkin Muffins using whole spelt flour! And they are deeeelicious. We’ve definitely been missing out. The texture is much more cake-like and the flavor is milder than whole-wheat flour. And it was super easy to make the 1:1 substitution…I have no idea why I kept putting it off! I must thank our sponsor, Nature’s Legacy, for giving me the final push (i.e. a bag of spelt in the mail!) that I needed to dive right in and give it a shot.
Spelt may sound like a “new” grain, but it’s actually been around for more than 9,000 years. As I mentioned the flavor is “lighter” than wheat and even though it contains gluten, some with an intolerance to wheat find that they are able to enjoy spelt. Just like wheat though, you want to be sure to select “Whole Spelt” products as opposed to the refined (white) version. And to keep your whole spelt flour fresh, it’s best to stick it in the freezer (or fridge) along with your other whole grain flours. In addition to flour there are also other spelt products available, like pasta. To learn more about the benefits of eating whole spelt and how it differs from wheat check out this FAQ page.
10/30/13 update: I was in LA recently and got to visit Catherine McCord (of Weelicious) in her kitchen where I showed her how to make these muffins. Check it out in the video below!
Whole Spelt Pumpkin Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole spelt flour can substitute whole-wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup butter melted
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin pan with liners and set aside.
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Using a whisk or fork mix together the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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Make a well (hole) in the center of the flour mixture and drop in the eggs, honey, and melted butter. Mix together until well combined. Fold in the pumpkin puree. Do not overmix.
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Pour the batter into the muffin pan so it’s evenly distributed. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick comes clean, about 18 – 20 minutes. Store at room temperature or freeze for a rainy day.
Recipe Notes
We recommend using organic ingredients when feasible.
What I can I use in place of honey?
Hi. You could sub with maple syrup.
I would prefer not to use syrup. Could stevia be used. If so how much. Thanks
We really don’t use stevia in our baking so I can’t guide you as to an amount.
Can you use stevia in place of the honey and if so how much. I read that real honey is not actually sold in stores and if you want pure honey you should get it from a bee farm. It does not look as pretty as the honey sold in stores. Any advice is much appreciated.
Thanks,
Suzanne
Hi. We really don’t use stevia in our baking. As for honey, if you buy raw honey, you are buying quality honey with all its enzymes in tact. You can find it at stores like Whole Foods but most larger mainstream grocery stores have it, too. Even better, look for local raw honey at your farmer’s market.
Just made these with my boys. In oven now. Subbed maple syrup, coconut oil and added some currants and hemp hearts. Excited for our dessert and snack tomorrow
I love these muffins! I modified this recipe to use 1/3 c egg white instead of whole eggs and 1/3 cup organic, unsweetened applesauce instead of butter. I also used 1/2 c pure maple syrup instead of honey which brings the grams of sugar down. They are still delicious. Moist and cake-like and the maple and apple add a complexity to the flavor. Brings them from 7 weight watchers points down to 3.
These are delicious and super easy to make.
I made these just as written. Loved them, the whole family did! Thank-you!
My super picky preschooler ate 3 of them. Literally licked his plate. I subbed applesauce for butter, maple syrup for honey. They were moist and cake like and easy to make. Not very sweet, which I didn’t mind, but thought my son wouldn’t like them because of that. I was wrong! Yay! I think it was the texture that sold him on them. Now he’s asking for green muffins, so I’m going to try spinach/banana muffins.
I love these muffins? Does anyone know how many calories are in them?
How should I best freeze these so that they last during the school week? Thanks!
Hello. I freeze in ziplock bags, removing as much air as possible.
I just made these… AMAZING! Mornings are hectic here, but these will be a great way to start the day! Thank you!