Molten Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins

These indulgent muffins combine pumpkin spice with molten chocolate centers. Perfect warm from the oven when the chocolate is gooey and flowing.

Featured in Sweet treats for any occasion.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:21:41 GMT
A stack of chocolate cupcakes with a melted chocolate piece on top, one cupcake is partially bitten to show the moist interior. Save it
A stack of chocolate cupcakes with a melted chocolate piece on top, one cupcake is partially bitten to show the moist interior. | myhomemaderecipe.com

These Molten Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins came to life one chilly autumn morning when I couldn't decide between making chocolate lava cakes or pumpkin muffins. The combination turned out to be pure magic. The way that warm chocolate center flows into the spiced pumpkin muffin creates something truly special every time I make them my kitchen smells like a cozy fall bakery.

What Makes These So Special

These aren't your ordinary pumpkin muffins. I've discovered that using both pumpkin butter and puree creates the most incredibly moist texture while that molten chocolate center adds pure indulgence. They're perfect slightly warm when the chocolate is still gooey almost like having dessert for breakfast but I won't tell if you won't.

Everything You'll Need

  • Your Fat Choice: I love using coconut oil but butter works beautifully too.
  • Brown Sugar: This adds such wonderful caramel notes.
  • The Flavor Makers: Good vanilla and cinnamon sugar are key for that warm fall taste.
  • Fresh Eggs: These give our muffins perfect structure.
  • Double Pumpkin Power: Both butter and puree for the ultimate pumpkin experience.
  • The Basics: Our flour baking powder and soda create the perfect rise.
  • Chocolate Magic: Rich cocoa powder and dark chocolate create that incredible center.
A close-up image of two stacked chocolate cupcakes topped with glossy chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt, placed on a dark plate. Save it
A close-up image of two stacked chocolate cupcakes topped with glossy chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt, placed on a dark plate. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Let's Bake Together

Starting with Our Chocolate Heart
First we create that magical center mixing egg sugar and cocoa until smooth. When we add the melted chocolate it turns so glossy and beautiful you'll want to sneak a taste.
Creating Our Muffin Base
The pumpkin batter comes together like a dream. I love watching the oil and sugar combine with our pumpkin mixture it turns such a beautiful orange color.
Building Our Muffins
Here's where the magic happens. That moment when we nestle the chocolate mixture into our pumpkin batter it's like hiding little treasures in each muffin cup.
The Final Touch
A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top creates the most wonderful sparkly finish. Into the oven they go and the waiting begins.

My Best Tips

Let me share what I've learned from making countless batches. Using both forms of pumpkin really does make a difference in flavor and texture. Don't overbake these beauties we want that center to stay perfectly molten. And while they're amazing at room temperature warming them up brings back that gooey chocolate magic.

Perfect Pairings

These muffins are absolutely dreamy with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai. Sometimes I'll dust them with a little powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream if I'm feeling fancy. They're perfect for those cozy weekend brunches or afternoon coffee breaks when you need something special.

A stacked pair of chocolate muffins with one revealing a gooey chocolate center, garnished with chocolate shavings and sea salt. Save it
A stacked pair of chocolate muffins with one revealing a gooey chocolate center, garnished with chocolate shavings and sea salt. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know when the muffins are done?
The tops should be just set at 18-20 minutes. Baking longer will make the chocolate center more set, while 18 minutes gives the perfect molten center.
→ Can I skip the cinnamon sugar topping?
Yes, the cinnamon sugar is optional. The muffins are delicious with or without it.
→ Can I use butter instead of coconut oil?
Yes, salted butter can be used as a direct replacement for the coconut oil in equal amounts.
→ Why do ingredients need to be room temperature?
Room temperature ingredients blend better and create a smoother batter, resulting in more evenly baked muffins.
→ How should I serve these muffins?
These muffins are best served warm when the chocolate center is still gooey and flowing.

Molten Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins

Spiced pumpkin muffins filled with molten chocolate centers. A perfect blend of fall flavors and chocolate indulgence.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 muffins)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 egg, room temperature (for molten center).
02 ¼ cup granulated sugar.
03 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder.
04 3.2 ounces dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped.
05 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted.
06 ½ cup melted coconut oil or salted butter.
07 ½ cup brown sugar.
08 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
09 2 eggs, room temperature.
10 ½ cup pumpkin butter.
11 ½ cup pumpkin puree.
12 1½ cups all-purpose flour.
13 1½ teaspoons baking powder.
14 ½ teaspoon baking soda.
15 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
16 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Line 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

Step 02

Mix egg, sugar, cocoa powder until combined. Stir in melted butter and chocolate chunks.

Step 03

Mix oil/butter, brown sugar, vanilla, eggs, pumpkin butter and puree. Add flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.

Step 04

Add half batter to muffin cups. Put 1 teaspoon chocolate mixture in center of each. Top with remaining batter.

Step 05

Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if using. Bake 18-20 minutes until tops set. Best served warm.

Notes

  1. 18 minutes gives perfect molten center.
  2. Can use butter or coconut oil.
  3. Best eaten while warm.

Tools You'll Need

  • 12-cup muffin tin.
  • Muffin liners.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy (if using butter).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 5 g