Buttery Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins

Featured in: Everyday Bites

These tender, moist muffins bring together the comforting flavors of pumpkin and buttery cornflakes in every bite. Soft pumpkin batter is enhanced with a warm blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, making them ideal for cool mornings or as a savory snack. Each muffin is topped with a golden, crunchy layer of cornflakes, brown sugar, and extra butter for irresistible texture and taste. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or cooled to perfection, they offer a touch of seasonal indulgence and can be easily customized with extra nuts or a simple swap for sweet potato.

Updated on Thu, 30 Oct 2025 08:08:00 GMT
Tender Buttery Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins with a crunchy topping for autumn delights. Save
Tender Buttery Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins with a crunchy topping for autumn delights. | fryflick.com

Tender, moist pumpkin muffins with a buttery crumb and a delightful cornflake crunch, perfect for autumn breakfasts or snacks.

Growing up, my family always made pumpkin muffins as soon as the leaves started to turn. Adding cornflakes and butter to the topping gave them a nostalgic crunch everyone loved with each bite.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 1 3/4 cups (220 g)
  • Cornflakes, lightly crushed: 1 cup (120 g), plus 1 cup (120 g) for topping
  • Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150 g)
  • Baking powder: 1 tsp
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
  • Canned pumpkin puree: 1 cup (240 g)
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Unsalted butter, melted and cooled: 1/2 cup (115 g), plus 2 tbsp for topping
  • Whole milk: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • Brown sugar: 2 tbsp (for topping)

Instructions

Prepare Muffin Tin:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, 1 cup crushed cornflakes, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry:
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fill Muffin Tin:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
Prepare Topping:
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup crushed cornflakes with melted butter and brown sugar. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the muffin batter.
Bake:
Bake 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cool:
Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
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My kids love helping crush the cornflakes and sprinkle them on top. It's a special fall tradition that fills our kitchen with warmth and laughter each year.

Required Tools

Muffin tin (12-cup), mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, wire rack

Nutritional Information

Estimated per muffin: 210 calories, 9 g total fat, 30 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a pat of butter or add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch.

Fluffy Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins served warm, perfect for cozy breakfast moments. Save
Fluffy Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins served warm, perfect for cozy breakfast moments. | fryflick.com

These muffins stay moist for days and make the best comfort treat on crisp mornings.

Recipe Guide

How do I achieve a crunchy muffin topping?

Mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter and brown sugar, then sprinkle on top before baking for the crunch.

Can I substitute sweet potato for pumpkin puree?

Yes, sweet potato puree lends a similar texture and flavor; simply replace the pumpkin puree in equal amounts.

What's the best way to serve these muffins?

Serve warm with a pat of butter or enjoy cooled for a portable breakfast or snack.

How can I make these muffins extra crunchy?

Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for additional crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Are these muffins suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, they use vegetarian-friendly ingredients like eggs, dairy, and pumpkin puree.

How should I store the muffins?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer freshness.

Buttery Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins

Moist pumpkin muffins featuring a buttery cornflake topping for delightful autumn breakfasts or snacks.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
22 min
Complete duration
37 min
Created by Olivia Parker


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Dietary guidelines Meat-free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 cup cornflakes, lightly crushed
03 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 1 teaspoon baking powder
05 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
02 2 large eggs
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
04 1/4 cup whole milk
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

01 1 cup cornflakes, lightly crushed
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly.

Phase 02

Mix Dry Components: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, 1 cup crushed cornflakes, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.

Phase 03

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract until fully blended.

Phase 04

Integrate Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add wet mixture to dry ingredients, gently mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to retain tenderness.

Phase 05

Fill Muffin Cups: Distribute the batter evenly among all muffin cups, filling to approximately three-quarters full.

Phase 06

Assemble Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup crushed cornflakes, melted butter, and brown sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly atop the batter in each cup.

Phase 07

Bake Muffins: Transfer muffin tin to the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.

Phase 08

Cool and Serve: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then relocate to a wire rack for complete cooling before serving.

Tools needed

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and measuring spoons
  • Wire rack

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and eggs. May contain traces of nuts if processed in facilities using shared equipment. Verify labels for allergen information.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Proteins: 3 g