Mediterranean Flourless Pumpkin Cocoa Swirl Muffins With Maple Pecan Dust
These Mediterranean-inspired flourless pumpkin cocoa swirl muffins are wholesome, naturally sweetened, and bursting with warm fall flavors. Made with pumpkin puree, nut butter, and maple syrup, they’re moist, gluten-free, and packed with protein and healthy fats. The cocoa swirl adds a rich chocolatey touch, while a sprinkle of maple pecan dust on top gives crunch and natural sweetness. Perfect as a cozy breakfast, a lunchbox snack, or a guilt-free treat with coffee or tea.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
½ cup almond butter or peanut butter
¼ cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp cocoa powder
¼ cup chopped pecans tossed with 1 tsp maple syrup (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Create the Cocoa Swirl: Transfer about ⅓ of the batter to a separate bowl and mix in the cocoa powder.
Fill the Muffins: Spoon the plain pumpkin batter into each muffin cup, filling about ⅔ of the way. Add a spoonful of cocoa batter on top and use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl.
Top with Pecan Dust: Sprinkle each muffin with the maple-coated pecans.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve: Let muffins cool for at least 10 minutes before removing from the tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
Nut Butter Options: Almond butter gives a lighter flavor, while peanut butter makes them richer. Cashew butter works well too.
Extra Spice: Add nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for a pumpkin spice vibe.
Sweeter Muffins: Increase maple syrup slightly or add a few dark chocolate chips to the batter.
Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini and top with pumpkin seeds instead of pecans.
Texture Boost: Fold in chopped dates, raisins, or dried cranberries for chewy sweetness.
Make it Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water each) and check bake time, as they may need a few extra minutes.
Double the Cocoa: For more chocolate flavor, swirl in extra cocoa batter or mix in dark chocolate chunks.
Meal Prep Friendly: These muffins store well in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months—just warm before serving.
Q&A
Q: Are these muffins gluten-free?
A: Yes, they’re completely flourless and naturally gluten-free since they’re made with nut butter and pumpkin puree.
Q: Can I make them dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. This recipe doesn’t contain dairy, so it’s naturally dairy-free as long as you don’t add chocolate chips with milk solids.
Q: How should I store these muffins?
A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I skip the cocoa swirl?
A: Yes. If you prefer plain pumpkin muffins, just leave out the cocoa step and bake as is. They’ll still be moist and flavorful.
Q: Can I make them sweeter without adding sugar?
A: You can add mashed banana or a handful of raisins/dates for natural sweetness without refined sugar.
Nutrition
(per muffin, based on 10 muffins)
Calories: ~165
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 125mg
(Values are approximate and depend on nut butter choice and toppings.)
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Flourless Pumpkin Cocoa Swirl Muffins with Maple Pecan Dust are wholesome, naturally sweet, and packed with flavor. With no flour, refined sugar, or dairy, they’re a guilt-free treat that doesn’t sacrifice taste. The pumpkin keeps them moist, the nut butter adds richness, the cocoa swirl satisfies chocolate cravings, and the maple pecan topping adds crunch. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a healthy dessert, these muffins are as nourishing as they are delicious.