Whole Grain Pumpkin Muffins

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

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Servings: 12 muffins

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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

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin pan with liners and set aside.
2. Using a whisk or fork mix together the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. 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.
4. 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.