I kept my camera tucked away for most of this weekend. I spent the majority of the weekend out of town for a funeral for someone incredibly special to me. This person is not a part of my immediate family so I do not feel comfortable sharing much more than this on the blog, but he truly impacted my life in a way I will never begin to be able to adequately express. Maybe one day I will find the words to convey what this person taught me because I feel like it needs to be shared, but right now every time I begin typing, I begin crying and my sentences trail off into nothing and I feel like everything I write feels hollow compared to how I feel.
I spent much of Sunday fighting tears but I also found joy in the day because if there is one thing this person taught me and everyone around him, it was that there was joy to be found in every single day, especially in the smallest of things. Writing is typically the one thing I can turn to that helps me work through my emotions and feelings but writing failed me on Sunday. So I turned to baking. Zoning out in the kitchen, focusing on the simple pleasure of smelling warm, fluffy pumpkin muffins in the oven and cherishing the seemingly everyday moments with my family.
Most of the time, I rush through baking because Iām in a hurry to check something off my to do list, but yesterday, while Chase napped and a Carolina Panthers game played in the background, I streamed the Hamilton soundtrack and let myself slow down and enjoy making these whole wheat pumpkin muffins for my family.
Ever since I introduced Chase to my Whole Wheat Greek Yogurt Muffins, he became a bit of a muffin fanatic so I find myself baking muffins more often than ever before. These whole wheat pumpkin muffins are made with simple ingredients ā a base of whole wheat flour, pumpkin puree and coconut oil ā and were loved by everyone in our house. I jotted down this recipe a couple weeks ago when I had half of a can of pumpkin left on hand that needed to be used and hoped for the best as I played around in the kitchen. I adjusted it a little bit yesterday to reduce the sugar content and they went over well with everyone.
If you decide to make these whole wheat pumpkin muffins, I hope you will take a moment to sit down and enjoy them, preferably with someone you love very much.
Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins
Makes 12 muffins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (this may be increased a bit if you prefer a sweeter muffin)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil (I love this coconut oil which always remains liquid ā no melting required – and has no taste.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a muffin tin with muffin liners.
- Mix all of the dry ingredients (whole wheat flour through pumpkin pie spice) in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine pumpkin puree, eggs, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Pour in melted coconut oil and stir rapidly.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the whole wheat flour mixture and stir to combine.
- Scoop the batter into the muffin tins and bake for 22-26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly and enjoy.
More Pumpkin Recipes
- Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow
- Pumpkin Cake Mix Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream
- Pumpkin Spice Bark
- Pumpkin Pie Spiced Pecans
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins
- Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
Question of the Day
- When you are struggling with feeling sad or working through your emotions, what are some things you do to help make yourself feel better?
For me, it’s all about writing, reading, baking, taking Sadie for a walk and spending time with family.
Julie, thank you for an honest post. I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend and how many are grieving because of it. I am glad you were able to bake and I hope you take the time you need as you continue to grieve. Grateful for you and all the effort you put into the blog.
India(Quote)
I too had never met this person but also followed the family’s story on FB. It’s truly gut-wrenching and unfair. My thoughts and prayers are being sent to the family and everyone that was touched by this loss.
Melissa(Quote)
I’m so sorry for your loss, Julie. Getting creative in the kitchen definitely brings me to a better place when I’m having a hard time. And a good walk outside, venting to a friend, or a sweat session does wonders, as well.
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday(Quote)
I’m so sorry for your loss, Julie. Hug your sweet family tightly today. Thinking of you. xoxoxo
Taylor(Quote)
Blowing bubbles helps me take deep breaths. As the bubbles pop, imagine those negative feelings disappearing too. Sending good thoughts and hugs your way!
Yanet(Quote)
I’m so sorry for your loss Julie! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. <3 For me, baking is THERAPY. I always turn to my kitchen whenever I'm having a bad day, it's amazing how powerful cooking or baking can be! Since I'm a dancer, I also like to turn on some music and improvise my bad thoughts away. That always helps too. š
Marina @ A Dancer’s Live-It(Quote)
So sorry for your loss, Julie. Sending you lots of love and light and just the right support at just the right time, whenever you need it. <3 xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Kim from MN(Quote)
I’m sorry for your loss Julie š
Sam @ Hygge Wellness (fmr Barrister’s Beet)(Quote)
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your friend. After following their story, my heart broke in two and tears were shed when I read about his passing. I’m praying for all that loved him, especially his parents. Honestly, how does one put into words how much he touched everyone. It’s impossible, I’m sure!!
Suzanne @ Mylifeisamix(Quote)
Julie, your blog is a joy to read because of the kindness reflected in your writing. I’m so sorry about your loss. Thanks for still taking the time to share with us.
Correen(Quote)
Still thinking of you and the family of the person lost <3 I, too, was following the story online and can relate all too well to the story as something similar happened with a cousin of mine. Hoping the power of prayers can bring a little comfort to all in this incredibly sad time.
Katie Shottes(Quote)
Hi Julie – Just made your muffins and they taste fantastic! I went to import your recipe into My Fitness Pal, and it showed eggs included in the recipe. I hadn’t added eggs to my muffins! I checked back, and your methodology doesn’t include eggs (they are just noted in the ingredients list). I assume they would be whisked into the pumpkin mix with the rest of the wet ingredients? Nevermind, they still taste great and will be perfect for my 2 year old. Thanks!
Jane(Quote)
yes!! i’m so sorry! i’ll update the post now!
Julie(Quote)
Thanks Julie. I made these muffins, but used oat flour instead of whole wheat as I am gluten free. I also added a scoop of vanilla protein powder and some chocolate chips – mini. They are the best muffins I have ever made gluten free!!! This recipe will be one I will use many times. Have a great weekend!
tracy(Quote)
So sorry for your loss!
Julie(Quote)
simple and delicious! looks like a great healthy recipe! I’m sorry for your loss, I recently attended a funeral and it was hard to find the right words on the blog so I totally understand!
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby(Quote)
This is one of the ONLY recipe I have found on the Internet for baked goods that is actually good. Every single recipe i’ve tried off Internet at random which says it had great reviews either had disgusting amount of sugar or butter, or not enough baking soda/baking powder. Thank you for this amazing recipe it’s going in the books!
Brit(Quote)
Hi Julie,
What would you recommend if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice? Nutmeg?
Thank you š
Kirsten(Quote)