Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Spice Muffins (Refined Sugar-Free!)

Pumpkin spice muffins, but make them healthy. These cozy muffins are naturally sweetened with maple syrup and make a light, not-too-sweet breakfast treat!


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I personally think pumpkin spice season should be year-round — and these muffins are a great excuse to make that happen. They’re soft, warmly spiced, and just the right amount of sweet thanks to pure maple syrup. Plus, they use sourdough discard, so they’re not only delicious but help cut down on waste, too. Whether it’s fall or not, these pumpkin spice sourdough muffins are always a good idea.

Top them with a dollop of maple cream cheese frosting for an extra treat — or leave them plain for a wholesome, on-the-go breakfast. Either way, they’re a win.


Why You’ll Love These Muffins:

  • Refined sugar-free – sweetened with pure maple syrup
  • Uses sourdough discard – no waste, and a subtle tang
  • Quick and easy – one bowl, no mixer required
  • Moist and not overly sweet – perfect for breakfast

Ingredients

Wet ingredients:

  • 100g sourdough discard
  • 50g neutral oil or melted butter
  • 150g pure maple syrup
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)

Dry ingredients:

  • 170g organic all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp salt

Optional Cream Cheese Topping

For a light and creamy dollop on top:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • A *small* splash of vanilla, maple syrup, and milk

Mix until smooth but thick — it should hold its shape when piped or spooned on top.


Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12 cup muffin tin.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the 100g sourdough discard, 50g oil or melted butter, 150g maple syrup, 2 eggs, and one 15oz can of pumpkin puree until well combined.
  • Sift in the 170g flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, and 1 tsp salt. Stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix.
  • Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin. Pipe cream cheese filling on top if using.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips

  • Want to add texture? Mix in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans.
  • For a dairy-free option, skip the cream cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Final Thoughts

These muffins are a year round favorite in my home — and because they’re naturally sweetened and made with real ingredients, I feel good about serving them to my family.

Whether you’re deep in sourdough baking or just looking for a cozy, nourishing muffin recipe, I hope this one becomes a staple in your kitchen too.

Let me know in the comments if you try them!

Love These Muffins? Try These Next!

If you’re looking for fun and easy ways to use up your sourdough discard, I’ve got you covered! Here are a couple more favorites:

Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Spice Muffins (Refined Sugar-Free!)

These cozy Pumpkin Spice Muffins are naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and made with sourdough discard — no refined sugar needed! They’re soft, warmly spiced, and not overly sweet, making them a perfect breakfast or snack. An easy one-bowl recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Keyword: breakfast sourdough recipes, fall recipes, healthy muffin recipe, low sugar muffins, maple syrup sweetened, naturally sweetened, pumpkin spice, sourdough discard muffins
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 Muffins
Calories: 145kcal

Equipment

  • 1 12 Cup Muffin Tin non stick
  • 1 Medium/ Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk or Rubber Spatula
  • 1 Piping bag or ziplock for cream cheese filling

Ingredients

  • 100g or 1/2 cup Sourdough discard cold from fridge is fine
  • 50g or 3 1/2 tbsp neutral oil or melted butter
  • 150g or 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 15oz can pumpkin puree
  • 170g or 1 1/3 cup organic all-purpose flour I use Kirkland
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp salt

Optional Cream Cheese Topping

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • *Small* splash of vanilla, maple syrup, and milk

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12 cup muffin tin.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the 100g sourdough discard, 50g oil or melted butter, 150g maple syrup, 2 eggs, and one 15oz can of pumpkin puree until well combined.
  • Sift in the 170g flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, and 1 tsp salt. Stir gently until just combined- don’t overmix.
  • Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin. Pipe on cream cheese filling if using.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cream cheese Filing (if using)

  • Mix 4oz softened cream cheese, a *small* splash of milk, maple syrup, and vanilla until creamy (not loose) consistency. Put in a Ziploc or piping bag and put a dollop on top of each muffin before baking.

Notes

These work best not put into muffin liners but baked directly in a non stick muffin tin. 
Nutrition Facts are written without cream cheese topping

Nutrition

Serving: 90g | Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g

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