Name: Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin purée; ½ cup cottage cheese; 1 cup almond flour; ¼ cup sugar or sweetener; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp cinnamon; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp almond flour; 1 tbsp brown sweetener

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If you’re craving a deliciously moist, flavorful treat that feels like a cozy autumn hug, the Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. These muffins combine the rich creaminess of cottage cheese with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin purée, all crowned with a perfectly crunchy cinnamon streusel topping. Whether as a satisfying breakfast, a wholesome snack, or a sweet indulgence, this recipe offers a delightful balance of texture and taste that’s truly memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows twelve muffins with crumb topping placed on a silver cooling rack. Each muffin has a light golden-brown base with a rough, crumbly layer on top, giving them a textured and slightly uneven surface. The muffins are all arranged close together in a 3x4 pattern on the rack. The background features a white marbled surface and beige tiled walls behind the rack. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully to create depth in flavor and texture. Each element plays a vital role, from the moist pumpkin purée to the slightly tangy cottage cheese that adds creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.

1 cup pumpkin purée: Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and that perfect vibrant color.
½ cup cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and protein while keeping the muffins tender and rich.
1 cup almond flour: A gluten-free alternative that brings a nutty flavor and soft crumb.
¼ cup sugar or sweetener: Balances the earthiness of pumpkin with a subtle sweetness.
1 tsp baking powder: Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
½ tsp cinnamon: Infuses warmth and a classic pumpkin spice hint.
Streusel topping: 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp almond flour + 1 tbsp brown sweetener for a crunchy, cinnamon-kissed finish.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready to bake the muffins evenly from the moment you place them inside. While it heats up, gather all your ingredients so you can blend everything smoothly in the next steps.

Step 2: Blend the Wet and Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin purée and cottage cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, mix almond flour, sugar or sweetener, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding together until just combined. This balance keeps the texture moist without being dense.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

Mix the butter, almond flour, and brown sweetener to create your streusel. Use your fingertips to crumble the mixture into coarse crumbs. This step is a secret to adding that irresistible crunch and cinnamon flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft muffin.

Step 4: Fill Muffin Cups and Add Streusel

Spoon the batter evenly into a muffin tin lined with paper cups or greased well. Generously sprinkle the streusel on top of each muffin, ensuring every bite has a bit of that delicious topping.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are golden with crisp streusel. Let them cool slightly before enjoying the full flavor and texture experience.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe

A close-up view of three muffins on a white marbled surface, each with a golden-brown crumb topping sprinkled with powdered sugar. The muffin in the front has its white paper liner peeled halfway down, revealing a moist, speckled, light brown cake with a crumbly texture. The two muffins in the background are fully wrapped in their white paper liners, sitting slightly out of focus, with the crumb topping appearing thick and uneven. Small crumbs and a cinnamon stick lay on the surface around the muffins, adding to the rustic feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These muffins shine on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can elevate their sweetness for a special occasion. If you really want to enhance the autumn vibe, serve them with a pinch of cinnamon or even a swirl of whipped cream on top.

Side Dishes

Pairing these muffins with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or warm spiced apple cider can make breakfast or snack time feel extra cozy. They also complement savory breakfast plates with eggs or fall-inspired salads beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the muffins in half and toasting them lightly for a twist on texture. A smear of cream cheese or nut butter inside creates a delightful morning treat. For dessert, add chocolate chips to the batter or serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a pumpkin-streusel parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the muffins have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping the streusel crisp can be a challenge, so if you prefer, refrigerate them to maintain freshness longer.

Freezing

Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you want a quick treat, just thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven to revive their soft interior and crisp topping.

Reheating

To enjoy the muffins warm, heat them in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back that just-baked aroma and perfect texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the streusel soggy.

FAQs

Can I substitute cottage cheese with yogurt?

Yes, you can swap cottage cheese for Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture, but it might make the batter slightly thinner. Adjust almond flour quantities if needed to maintain consistency.

Are these muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Using almond flour instead of regular flour makes these muffins ideal for gluten-free diets, plus they stay moist and tasty.

How can I make the streusel topping sweeter?

Increasing the brown sweetener slightly or adding a pinch of cinnamon sugar can make your streusel even more indulgent. Just be careful not to overpower the pumpkin flavor.

Is it possible to add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Adding a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter brings delightful texture and flavor variations, perfect for dessert muffins.

What’s the best time to eat these muffins?

They’re wonderful any time of the day—perfect for breakfast, as a midday snack, or even a light dessert. Their balanced sweetness makes them versatile and irresistible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a muffin recipe that feels both comforting and special, you must give the Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Streusel Muffins Recipe a try. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate pumpkin season or anytime you want a moist, flavorful treat with a crunchy topping. I promise, once you try them, they’ll become a favorite in your baking repertoire just as they are in mine!