Buttery Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins

Featured in: Classic American Desserts

Buttery Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins offer a tender, moist treat highlighted by a crunchy cornflake topping. The batter combines pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla for rich flavor, while cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth. A topping of crushed cornflakes, brown sugar, and additional melted butter provides extra crispness, creating a delightful texture contrast. Easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast or snacks, these muffins can be customized with chopped nuts for added crunch, or swapped out with sweet potato puree for variety. Serve warm for maximum enjoyment.

Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:07:00 GMT
Buttery pumpkin cornflake muffins with golden tops and crunchy sweet cornflake topping.  Save
Buttery pumpkin cornflake muffins with golden tops and crunchy sweet cornflake topping. | epicurestates.com

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

I always bake a batch of these pumpkin cornflake muffins when the weather starts to turn chilly. They are a family favorite for their tender crumb and unique buttery crunch.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 1 3/4 cups (220 g)
  • Cornflakes, lightly crushed: 1 cup (120 g) for batter + 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)
  • Large eggs: 2
  • Unsalted butter, melted and cooled: 1/2 cup (115 g) for batter + 2 tbsp for topping
  • Whole milk: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • Brown sugar: 2 tbsp for topping

Instructions

Prepare oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease.
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 until smooth.
Combine batter:
Pour wet into dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fill muffin tin:
Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups.
Make topping:
Combine 1 cup crushed cornflakes with 2 tbsp melted butter and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Sprinkle mixture evenly over batter.
Bake:
Bake 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool:
Cool in tin for 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Warm, moist pumpkin muffins paired with crispy cornflakes, perfect for breakfast.  Save
Warm, moist pumpkin muffins paired with crispy cornflakes, perfect for breakfast. | epicurestates.com

My kids love helping sprinkle the buttery cornflake topping before baking. Muffins are cooled on the wire rack and often disappear before they have a chance to fully cool!

Required Tools

Muffin tin mixing bowls whisk measuring cups and spoons wire rack

Notes

For extra crunch add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping. Swap pumpkin puree for sweet potato if you like. Serve warm for the best flavor.

Category and Yield

Breakfast or snack. Easy difficulty. American cuisine. Makes 12 muffins. Vegetarian.

Delicious buttery pumpkin cornflake muffins, ideal for cozy autumn snacks or brunch. Save
Delicious buttery pumpkin cornflake muffins, ideal for cozy autumn snacks or brunch. | epicurestates.com

Perfect with coffee or tea these muffins offer a delicious autumn treat that's quick for busy mornings.

Recipe FAQs

What makes these muffins so tender and moist?

The combination of pumpkin puree, melted butter, and eggs gives a soft, moist crumb while milk adds richness.

How do cornflakes contribute to texture?

Cornflakes add a crisp crunch both inside the batter and on top, enhancing the eating experience.

Can I use a different puree instead of pumpkin?

Yes, sweet potato puree is an excellent alternative and delivers similar flavor and texture.

Are there mix-in options for extra crunch?

Chopped walnuts or pecans make a tasty addition to the topping if you want more texture.

What is the best way to serve these muffins?

They are delicious served warm with a pat of butter, especially for breakfast or as a snack.

How should I store muffins to retain freshness?

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

Buttery Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins

Tender pumpkin muffins with buttery crumb and cornflake crunch for delicious autumn snacks or breakfast.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
22 min
Complete duration
37 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Dietary considerations 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

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, 1 cup crushed cornflakes, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Integrate Mixtures: Pour wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir gently until just incorporated. Avoid excessive mixing.

Phase 05

Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, ensuring even distribution.

Phase 06

Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup crushed cornflakes with melted butter and brown sugar. Sprinkle topping evenly over each muffin portion.

Phase 07

Bake: Place the tin in the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center withdraws clean.

Phase 08

Cool Completely: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Necessary tools

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wire rack

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and eggs; Topping may present traces of nuts due to shared facilities; always verify cornflake and butter packaging for allergen information.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Protein: 3 g