Pumpkin oatmeal muffins are small baked cakes made with pumpkin puree and oatmeal. Other ingredients often included in the muffins are flour, raisins, oil, eggs, spices, baking soda, and brown sugar. The small cakes are baked inside of muffin pans to achieve a domed, rounded appearance. It is common to eat pumpkin oatmeal muffins during breakfast, but they may be consumed any time of day.
During autumn and winter, pumpkin is often used in numerous types of dishes and baked goods such as cakes, pies and muffins. Even though pumpkin is seen as somewhat of a seasonal ingredient, it is not uncommon to find it used all throughout the year in some foods. Pureed pumpkin goes especially well with cinnamon, oats, and brown sugar, which is why it is found in so many baked foods and sweet dishes. When baking pumpkin oatmeal muffins, canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin puree may be used.
Typical ingredients found in most baked goods — such as flour, eggs, baking soda, and sugar — are also included in pumpkin oatmeal cakes or muffins. Quick oats, pumpkin puree, and raisins are added to the mix, as well as ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped walnuts. Butterscotch and chocolate chips can also be added to the muffins, if desired. The batter is added to muffin pans and baked for several minutes or until the muffins are firm to the touch.
Although pumpkin oatmeal muffins are normally eaten as a breakfast food, they may also be consumed as a dessert or snack food. In the United States, it is quite common to serve pumpkin muffins and cakes during Thanksgiving and Christmas, as pumpkin tends to be viewed as a holiday food. The muffins can be served heated or at room temperature, and many prefer to add butter, cinnamon, or honey on top of the small cakes.
Consuming both pumpkin and oatmeal can provide numerous health benefits. Pumpkin is high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants such as beta carotene. Zinc is also found in pumpkin, which has been known to strengthen immunity and bone health. It is also good for combating signs of aging in the skin, and can ward off diseases such as arthritis and prostate cancer.
Oatmeal is also high in fiber and can lower bad cholesterol levels when eaten regularly. Copper, zinc, selenium, iron, and magnesium are also found in oatmeal. In addition, the phytochemicals present in oatmeal may help prevent various types of cancer. When eaten daily, oatmeal can also prevent heart disease and obesity.
