Pumpkin Nut Crunch Muffins

I love to bake so much, that sometimes I will wake up early in the morning and throw something together before I leave for work. Some may say I'm crazy- why would you want to wake up when it's still dark out, to bake?  For me, it's the best start for a day. I get in my "fix" ( if I don't come home after work and bake some more) and my day is always better when it begins with baking. 

Listen, everyone has a little "thing"- this one is mine.

So, early this morning I was going through my routine of checking mail, FB (tried to stop but that didn't work), Pinterest- and somewhere, can't remember where, I came across this recipe by Jennifer at Once Upon a Chef.  Looked like my kind of recipe so I dove right in, put it together in 45 minutes (including the baking) and took them to school hot- right out of the oven. 

I think my colleagues were pleased, at least it appeared that way! Hey, if I can bring a smile to someones face with my baking, then I've achieved my goal! Many have asked for the recipe so- here you go guys- have fun!

Make these- now. You won't be sorry. 

Then, make them again.

Pumpkin Nut Crunch Muffins
(adapted from http://www.onceuponachef.com/)

Makes about 18 standard muffins

What you need
Topping
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup demerara sugar
½ cup chopped pecans  or walnuts
¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour (280 grams)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1½ cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened (170 grams)
2 large eggs
1 15-ounce can 100% pure pumpkin

What to do

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 C). Spray two standard muffin pans with non-stick cooking spray.

For Topping: Combine flour, butter, demerara sugar, chopped pecans or walnuts and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.

For Muffins: Combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium bowl and mix well (I use a whisk). Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar at low speed until just blended. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; continue beating at medium speed until very light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Add pumpkin and beat until combined, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. Turn speed down to low and mix in flour mixture until just combined. Use an ice cream scoop to transfer batter to muffin pans, filling each muffin tin about ¾ full. Sprinkle topping evenly over batter. Bake for about 30 minutes. Let cool on rack for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto rack to cool completely (use a butter knife to lift them out of pan).

I also made some without the nuts for anyone who either doesn't like nuts or has an allergy.

These are easy and quick to make, taste amazing right out of the oven or later if you can wait. Perfect for freezing and pulling out whenever you get the craving!
Enjoy!