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Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Muffins That Will Change Your Fall Baking Game

Sourdough discard pumpkin muffins with moist texture and pumpkin spice topping

These sourdough discard pumpkin muffins are moist, warmly spiced, and the perfect zero-waste treat for fall. A delicious way to use extra starter!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240g) sourdough starter discard
  • 1 cup (240g) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For optional crumb topping:

  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease well.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together sourdough discard, pumpkin purée, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
  4. Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Optional: In a small bowl, mix crumb topping ingredients until coarse and crumbly.
  6. Divide batter evenly between muffin cups, filling 3/4 full. Sprinkle crumb topping over each if using.
  7. Bake for 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

You can freeze these muffins for up to 3 months. For extra moisture, try replacing 1/2 cup of the flour with whole wheat pastry flour. Add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips work beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: sourdough discard pumpkin muffins, fall muffins, discard recipes