If you’re anything like me and love the warm flavors of fall wrapped in a cozy, healthy treat, this Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe is going to become a staple in your kitchen. What makes this recipe stand out isn’t just the classic pumpkin and chocolate chip combo—it’s the way the collagen peptides boost the protein, making these muffins not only delicious but nourishing too. I love reaching for these as a quick breakfast or a snack that feels indulgent without the guilt.
One of the best parts? They’re naturally gluten free and so tender thanks to the blend of gluten free flour and collagen. I remember the first time I made these; my family went crazy for them, and they disappeared within a day! Whether you’re hosting a brunch or want a wholesome treat for the kids’ lunchboxes, this Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe fits the bill perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gluten-Free and Protein-Packed: Perfect for those avoiding gluten while wanting a satisfying high-protein snack.
- Moist and Flavorful Texture: Thanks to pumpkin puree and collagen, these muffins stay tender and rich.
- Simple, Real Ingredients: No complicated steps or mysterious additives—just wholesome pantry staples.
- Chocolate Chip Happiness: The melty chocolate chips add the perfect hint of indulgence without overpowering the pumpkin spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The blend of gluten free flour and collagen peptides is a game changer here, providing structure and protein without sacrificing that soft muffin crumb. The pumpkin puree keeps everything moist, while the paleo chocolate chips add a melty touch of sweetness that’s totally irresistible.
- Gluten free 1-to-1 flour: Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for best texture and avoid single-grain flours for this recipe.
- Unflavored collagen peptides: I use a high-quality brand that dissolves easily without adding flavor—you’ll appreciate the added protein boost.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Freshly mixed or store-bought works; it brings that cozy fall flavor every bite needs.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Help the muffins rise just right, so make sure these are fresh.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without being noticeable.
- Pumpkin puree: Use plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the ideal pumpkin flavor and moisture.
- Eggs: They bind the ingredients and add richness; room temperature works best here.
- Coconut sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes and keeps the sweetness natural.
- Avocado oil or melted refined coconut oil: Either works well; avocado oil keeps a neutral taste while coconut oil adds a slight tropical note.
- Vanilla extract: The secret magic that lifts every flavor, trust me on this.
- Paleo chocolate chips: I prefer this brand because they’re dairy-free and melt beautifully in the oven.
Variations
I love how versatile this Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. I’ve experimented with a few variations that turned out amazing, and I encourage you to make this recipe your own!
- Nut-Free Version: I’ve swapped out the paleo chocolate chips for chopped dried cranberries or raisins when avoiding nuts or processed chocolates.
- Extra Spice Love: Sometimes I boost the pumpkin pie spice with a dash of ground ginger or cloves for an even bolder flavor.
- Vegan Adjustments: I’ve tried replacing eggs with flax eggs and used coconut yogurt instead of oil, and results were still tasty though slightly denser.
- Lower Sugar Option: Reducing coconut sugar by a quarter and adding a splash of maple syrup lets me control sweetness without losing texture.
How to Make Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Adding liners to your muffin tin makes cleanup a breeze and helps the muffins hold together when you remove them. If you don’t have liners, lightly grease the tin so nothing sticks.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients with Care
In a large bowl, whisk together your gluten free flour, collagen peptides, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these well ensures even distribution so all your muffins get consistent flavor and good rise. I’ve found that a quick whisk here saves me from surprises later.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients Until Smooth
Grab another bowl and whisk the pumpkin puree, eggs, coconut sugar, avocado or coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. This helps create a silky batter base, which is key to tender muffins. I like breaking up the eggs first, then slowly adding the sugar to avoid any gritty texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry, Then Add Chocolate Chips
Add the dry mixture to the wet in batches, stirring gently with a spatula. Don’t worry if some flour streaks remain—that’s totally fine before resting! Now fold in your paleo chocolate chips, which add pocketed bursts of melty sweetness throughout. Resist the urge to over-mix here—just enough to bring it all together.
Step 5: Let the Batter Rest
This is my favorite trick! Letting the batter sit for 15 minutes before baking really helps the gluten free flours absorb moisture and relax, resulting in incredibly moist and tender muffins. It also gives the collagen peptides time to hydrate, boosting the texture further.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Divide the batter evenly into your 12 muffin cups. I often sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for an extra appetizing look. Bake for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean but the muffins still feel soft. Since these are very moist, cool them in the tin for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. Trust me, patience here pays off—you’ll avoid crumbly muffins.
Pro Tips for Making Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It’s a small detail, but using room temp eggs and pumpkin really helps the batter come together smoothly without clumps.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Let the batter rest for 15 minutes before baking to improve texture dramatically—I’ve seen it make the difference between crumbly and perfectly tender muffins.
- Choose the Right Flour Blend: I recommend a 1-to-1 gluten free baking flour with xanthan gum already added to achieve a crumb structure like regular muffins.
- Watch Your Bake Time Closely: These muffins stay moist, so keep an eye near the end and use the toothpick test to avoid overbaking which dries them out.
How to Serve Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these muffins with a little cinnamon sprinkle or even a light drizzle of maple syrup when serving them for breakfast. Sometimes I add a slather of almond butter or cream cheese to balance their sweetness with some creaminess. It’s simple touches like these that make them feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a hot cup of chai latte or your favorite coffee for an easy fall-inspired snack. If serving for brunch, a side of fresh fruit or a green salad works beautifully to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, I’ve arranged these muffins on a wooden board surrounded by small pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, and autumn leaves to make a welcoming centerpiece. Wrapping each muffin in parchment paper tied with twine makes them perfect for gifting too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, I store them in the fridge to keep them fresh longer, though I always let them come to room temp before eating for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
These muffins freeze wonderfully! I wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. When I want a quick snack, I just thaw them on the counter or microwave gently for about 20 seconds—almost like fresh-baked all over again.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer a quick 15-20 second zap in the microwave or 5 minutes in a low-temp oven. This brings back the soft texture and warm chocolate chips without drying the muffins out.
FAQs
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Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free flour in this pumpkin muffin recipe?
Absolutely! If gluten isn’t a concern, you can swap in all-purpose flour in the same measurement. The texture will be similar but potentially a little lighter. Just keep the other ingredients unchanged for best results.
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What brand of collagen peptides is best for baking this recipe?
I recommend an unflavored, high-quality collagen peptide brand that dissolves easily and has no added taste. Brands like Vital Proteins work well, but any reputable source suitable for cooking will do. Avoid flavored powders to keep the pumpkin and chocolate flavors shining.
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Can I make these muffins ahead of time for a party or gathering?
Yes! These muffins store well for up to two days at room temperature, and you can also freeze them in advance. Just thaw and reheat gently before serving to maintain their moist texture and melty chocolate chips.
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Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
While I haven’t perfected a vegan version, you can try substituting flax or chia eggs for the regular eggs and use coconut yogurt or applesauce in place of the oil. Keep in mind this may make the muffins denser, but still tasty.
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Why do I need to rest the batter before baking?
Resting the batter for 15 minutes allows the gluten free flours and collagen to hydrate fully. This step results in a tender crumb and more uniform rise. Skipping this can lead to crumbly muffins, so it’s worth the wait!
Final Thoughts
This Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe is one of those cozy, reliable bakes I keep going back to when I want a snack that’s both nourishing and comforting. The way the warm spices, pumpkin, and chocolate chips come together is just magic—and the collagen makes me feel good about indulging a little. I hope you enjoy making—and eating—these as much as I do. Seriously, once you try them, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary pumpkin muffins!
PrintGluten Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are a delicious, high-protein treat perfect for fall or anytime you crave a moist, flavorful muffin. Made with gluten free flour and collagen peptides for an added protein boost, these muffins combine the warm spices of pumpkin pie spice with the sweetness of coconut sugar and rich paleo chocolate chips. Soft and tender with a hint of autumnal spice, they’re a healthy yet indulgent snack or breakfast option.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup gluten free 1-to-1 flour (156g)
- ½ cup unflavored collagen peptides (49g)
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup coconut sugar (81g)
- ¼ cup avocado oil or melted refined coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup paleo chocolate chips (182g)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the muffins.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, unflavored collagen peptides, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, coconut sugar, avocado oil (or melted refined coconut oil), and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and gently stir with a spatula until some flour is still visible. This prevents overmixing and keeps the muffins tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Rest Batter: Fold in the paleo chocolate chips until the batter is just evenly mixed with no visible flour remaining. Avoid over-stirring. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes to improve texture and moisture absorption.
- Fill Muffin Cups and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, topping each with a few extra chocolate chips if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean and the muffins feel set but still moist.
- Cool the Muffins: Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for 15 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely before serving. This helps prevent them from crumbling and keeps the texture perfect.
Notes
- Use gluten free 1-to-1 flour for best texture and rise; other gluten free blends may vary.
- Allowing the batter to rest helps the flour hydrate and the muffins achieve a moist crumb.
- Do not over-mix the batter to avoid tough muffins.
- Use unflavored collagen peptides to add protein without altering flavor.
- You can substitute avocado oil with melted refined coconut oil for a slight variation in flavor.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze cooled muffins for up to 3 months and thaw before eating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg