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Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, nutritious treat that feels like a warm hug in muffin form, this Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe is going to be your new favorite. I absolutely love how these muffins come out moist and tender, packed with pumpkin richness and an extra boost of protein from collagen peptides—plus, that little surprise bite of melted chocolate chips is pure magic. It’s the perfect recipe to cozy up with during fall, but honestly, I find myself making it year-round whenever I want that seasonal comfort without any gluten worries.

What makes this Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe so worth trying is how effortlessly it balances health and indulgence. The collagen adds this subtle, nourishing twist that supports your skin and joints, while the pumpkin keeps it naturally moist and flecked with warm spices. Trust me, you’ll find that these muffins taste just as good (if not better) than your classic pumpkin treats, but with none of the gluten, making them accessible for a better-for-you snack or breakfast. I used to struggle with dry gluten-free muffins, but this recipe cracked the code brilliantly!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Gluten-Free and Protein-Packed: Perfect for those avoiding gluten while craving a filling, nutrient-rich muffin.
  • Rich Pumpkin Flavor with Chocolate Bliss: That blend of warm spices and chocolate chips makes every bite heavenly.
  • Simple Ingredients You Can Trust: Easy to find pantry staples, plus collagen for a health boost.
  • Moist and Tender Texture: Unlike other gluten-free options, these muffins stay soft and don’t crumble.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient plays a role here, from the pumpkin puree for moisture and flavor, to the collagen peptides that add a protein punch without altering taste. Shopping tip: Choose a good quality gluten-free 1-to-1 flour blend to keep the texture spot-on.

  • Gluten-free 1-to-1 flour blend: Helps keep the muffins light and tender without the gluten.
  • Unflavored collagen peptides: Adds protein and helps with structure, making these muffins extra satisfying.
  • Pumpkin pie spice: This warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings that seasonal pumpkin flavor alive.
  • Baking powder & baking soda: Essential leavening agents for the perfect rise.
  • Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
  • Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient for moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin taste.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together and give structure.
  • Coconut sugar: A natural sweetener that adds a depth of flavor without overpowering.
  • Avocado oil or melted refined coconut oil: Keeps muffins moist and tender with healthy fats.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
  • Paleo chocolate chips: The sweetest little pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love customizing this Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe depending on the mood or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to mix it up, whether it’s swapping chocolate chips for nuts or trying out other sweeteners. Here’s what’s worked well when I experimented.

  • Nutty Twist: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives a nice crunch that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and spice—I tried this last Thanksgiving, and my family went crazy for it.
  • Maple Sweetness: Substituting coconut sugar for pure maple syrup works well if you want a liquid sweetener and a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Seasonal Spice Swaps: Using chai spice or ginger instead of pumpkin pie spice can make these muffins feel new and exciting.
  • Vegan Version: Though I haven’t perfected it yet, substituting eggs with flax eggs works if you want to make the recipe vegan—just expect a slightly denser muffin.

How to Make Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or greasing it lightly. I always like to line mine—it makes cleanup so much easier and helps the muffins release cleanly. Gathering and measuring all your ingredients beforehand helps keep things smooth sailing.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the gluten-free flour blend, collagen peptides, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt together until they’re combined evenly. I love this part because the warm aroma of pumpkin pie spice starts filling the kitchen, setting the mood. Make sure there are no clumps, so the batter mixes easily later.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, coconut sugar, avocado oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. You’ll notice the batter looks thick and glossy at this point—just perfect. This is where the magic happens with moisture and flavor coming together.

Step 4: Combine and Rest Your Batter

Pour the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just some flour streaks remain. Then toss in the chocolate chips and mix until the batter is smooth but don’t overwork it! I discovered this trick because over-mixing here can make your muffins tougher. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes; this step helps hydrate the flours for a moister, more tender muffin.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups—you can add a few extra chocolate chips on top if you want them extra decadent. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few crumbs attached but no wet batter. These muffins are delightfully moist, so letting them cool in the tin for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack is key to keeping their shape and texture. Patience here pays off—I love sneaking a warm one once they’re cooled enough not to burn my fingers!

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Pro Tips for Making Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe

  • Choose the Right Flour: A reliable gluten-free 1-to-1 blend is essential; I’ve found that blends with xanthan gum work best to keep the crumb binding perfectly.
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: Fold just until combined, especially after adding the chocolate chips; over-mixing can make muffins dense instead of light and fluffy.
  • Rest the Batter: Letting it sit for 15 minutes hydrates the flour, resulting in moister, more tender muffins every time.
  • Cool Before Removing: Give muffins time to cool in the tin before transferring to a wire rack to avoid breakage and maintain shape.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually keep these muffins simple, but a light spread of grass-fed butter or a dollop of coconut whipped cream takes them next level. Sometimes I even sprinkle a pinch more pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon sugar on top right after baking for a little extra cozy flair.

Side Dishes

These muffins make an excellent breakfast on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of spiced chai tea or a rich latte. For brunch, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the warm, spiced flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve found that arranging these pumpkin muffins in a rustic basket lined with a cozy kitchen towel makes for an inviting fall centerpiece when entertaining. For holiday gatherings, topping each muffin with a small dollop of maple cream cheese frosting and a pecan half is a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and delicious without getting stale. If I live somewhere humid, I add a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver! I wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When I want one, I just pull it out and let it thaw on the counter for about 20 minutes or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop muffins in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven at 325°F for 5 minutes for a slightly crisp top. This way, you get that fresh-baked feel even with leftovers!

FAQs

  1. Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

    I recommend sticking with plain pumpkin puree rather than canned pie filling because pie filling contains added sugars and spices that might throw off the balance of this recipe.

  2. What if I don’t have collagen peptides? Can I skip them?

    You can omit the collagen, but the muffins might be a bit less firm and less protein-rich. You might want to add an extra tablespoon of gluten-free flour to maintain texture.

  3. How do I know when the gluten-free pumpkin muffins are done baking?

    Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. Remember, these muffins stay moist, so a perfectly clean toothpick is unlikely.

  4. Can I use other oils instead of avocado or coconut oil?

    Yes! Light-tasting oils like grapeseed or neutral olive oil work well too. Just avoid strong-flavored oils that might overpower the pumpkin and spices.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation—it’s that perfect sweet treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome. I love sharing these muffins with friends and family, especially when someone has dietary restrictions, because everyone cheers for the flavor and texture. Once you give this recipe a try, I’m confident it’ll become one of your go-to pumpkin delights. Happy baking, and enjoy every cozy, chocolaty bite!

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Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins with Collagen and Chocolate Chips Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 131 reviews
  • Author: Anna
  • 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 and nutritious treat packed with protein from collagen peptides and flavor from pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack, these moist muffins are enhanced with paleo chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness, all while being gluten free and high in protein.


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 (15oz)
  • 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

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, collagen peptides, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until uniformly mixed.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, eggs, coconut sugar, avocado oil (or melted coconut oil), and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and gently stir with a spatula, leaving some flour still visible to avoid overmixing which can toughen the muffins.
  5. Add Mix-Ins and Rest Batter: Fold in the paleo chocolate chips until no more flour is visible. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes to hydrate the flours and improve texture.
  6. Fill Muffin Cups and Bake: Evenly divide the batter among the 12 muffin cavities, optionally topping each with a few extra chocolate chips. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool Muffins: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting helps them set and enhances texture. Enjoy once cooled!

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the muffins moist and tender.
  • Allowing the batter to rest before baking improves texture by hydrating the gluten free flour.
  • You can substitute paleo chocolate chips with regular chocolate chips if preferred, noting this may affect dietary restrictions.
  • Use lined muffin tins for easy removal and cleanup.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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