Name: Sweet Potato Muffins with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-482856H37M14S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (packed); 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder; 1/2 tsp Baking Soda; 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon; 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1 cup Mashed Roasted Sweet Potatoes (about 1 medium sweet potato); 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (melted); 2 Large Eggs; 1/2 cup Buttermilk (or whole milk); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans; 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour; 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (packed); 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon; 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cold and cubed)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Get ready to indulge in the cozy flavors of fall (or anytime, really!) with these Sweet Potato Muffins with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel. These muffins are everything you love about sweet potatoes—soft, sweet, and subtly earthy—but they’ve been taken to the next level with a crunchy, spiced streusel topping. The warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted pecans pair perfectly with the sweet potato base, creating a muffin that’s rich in flavor and texture. They’re the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Potato Muffins with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel

A Perfect Balance of Flavors

The natural sweetness of the sweet potato shines through in these muffins, while the cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth. The pecan streusel topping adds that perfect crunch and a bit of extra sweetness. Every bite is a little bit of heaven!

Moist and Tender

Thanks to the sweet potato, these muffins are wonderfully moist and tender. They won’t dry out quickly, so you can savor them throughout the week (if they last that long!).

Perfect for Fall, or Anytime

While these muffins are ideal for cozy autumn mornings, the flavor combination works year-round. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering or just because, these muffins are sure to make any day feel special.

Easy to Make

These muffins might sound fancy, but they come together in no time! With just a few simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you’ll have a batch of golden, tender muffins ready in less than an hour.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base for a soft, fluffy texture.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These give the muffins their rise, making them light and airy.
Salt: A pinch helps balance the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
Ground Cinnamon: Warm and comforting, cinnamon is the perfect spice to complement the sweet potato.

Ground Nutmeg: Adds a little extra warmth and depth to the flavor.
Sugar: Sweetens the muffins, enhancing the natural sweetness of the sweet potato.
Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together while adding richness.

Sweet Potato: The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the muffins moist and tender without adding heaviness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of sweetness and warmth to the batter.

For the Cinnamon Pecan Streusel:

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the streusel and gives it structure.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness to the streusel.
Ground Cinnamon: Gives the streusel a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the muffins.

Salt: Enhances the sweetness and flavor of the streusel.
Pecans: Toasted pecans provide a crunchy, nutty texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft muffins.
Butter: Brings everything together, creating a rich, crumbly topping.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

Make the Muffin Batter:

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and mashed sweet potato until smooth and combined.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.

Prepare the Streusel Topping:

Make the streusel: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and chopped pecans. Add the cold butter, cutting it in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assemble the Muffins:

Fill the muffin tin: Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 of the way full. Sprinkle the cinnamon pecan streusel generously on top of each muffin.

Bake the Muffins:

Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Cool and Serve:

Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve: Enjoy these muffins warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect on their own or paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 230
Fat per serving: 14g
Carbs per serving: 28g
Protein per serving: 3g
Sugar per serving: 15g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes

How to Serve Sweet Potato Muffins with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel

Breakfast or Brunch:

These muffins are perfect for breakfast or brunch, either on their own or with a side of scrambled eggs or yogurt. Their warm flavors and satisfying texture make them an excellent choice for the first meal of the day.

Snack Time:

Whether you need a quick snack or a treat to go with your afternoon coffee, these muffins hit the spot. The cinnamon pecan streusel topping adds just the right amount of crunch and sweetness.

For Dessert:

With their comforting flavors, these muffins can double as a simple yet delicious dessert. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Gift Idea:

These muffins make a thoughtful homemade gift! Wrap them up in a cute box or basket, and you’ve got a cozy, delicious gift for family, friends, or coworkers.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes:

For the best flavor and texture, be sure to use fresh sweet potatoes. Roast or boil them until tender, then mash them for the perfect muffin base.

Make a Double Batch:

These muffins freeze beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze any extras for later. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for a quick snack.

Add More Spice:

If you love a little more spice, feel free to increase the cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter. You could even try adding a dash of ginger or allspice for a unique twist.

Customize the Streusel:

If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can swap them for walnuts, almonds, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. The streusel is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste.

Make Them Gluten-Free:

To make these muffins gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum to help with texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
A1: Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes in place of fresh ones. Just be sure to drain and mash them thoroughly.

Q2: Can I make these muffins vegan?
A2: Yes! Substitute the eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) and use a non-dairy milk and oil for a vegan version.

Q3: How do I store these muffins?
A3: Store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.

Q4: Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
A4: Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. The muffins will still turn out soft and flavorful!

Q5: How can I make these muffins sweeter?
A5: If you prefer sweeter muffins, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of sugar to the batter or top the muffins with a glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk.

Q6: Can I add other nuts to the streusel?
A6: Absolutely! You can substitute the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor.

Q7: Can I skip the streusel topping?
A7: While the streusel adds a great texture and flavor, you can skip it if you prefer a simpler muffin. These muffins are still delicious without it!

Q8: Can I use sweet potato puree?
A8: Yes, sweet potato puree works great! Just make sure it’s not too watery, as that could affect the batter consistency.

Q9: How do I make sure the muffins don’t stick to the pan?
A9: Grease the muffin tin well or use paper liners to prevent sticking. If you’re using a silicone muffin tin, there’s no need for extra grease.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes, you can double the recipe. Just ensure you have a large enough muffin tin and check the muffins a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.

Conclusion

These Sweet Potato Muffins with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel are the perfect balance of soft, spiced muffin and crunchy, sweet topping. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert, they’re sure to please every palate. The earthy sweetness of the sweet potato pairs wonderfully with the warm spices and rich pecans, making each bite a cozy treat. Enjoy!

Sweet Potato Muffins with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel