Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins (Moist, Cozy & Perfect for Fall Baking)
A Cozy, Autumn-Inspired Bake
Fall baking season is officially here — and nothing captures the season better than Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins. These tender, spiced muffins are bursting with real pumpkin flavor, balanced by tart pops of cranberry and a hint of orange.
This easy pumpkin muffin recipe fills your kitchen with the warm scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and comfort. Whether you make them as muffins or pumpkin cranberry bread, this recipe is guaranteed to become a cozy fall favorite.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cranberry Muffin Recipe
- Moist and flavorful: Real pumpkin puree creates a soft, tender crumb.
- Tart contrast: Cranberries add a bright pop of flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples — no fancy tools or mixers required.
- Versatile: Make as muffins, loaves, or mini loaves for gifting.
- Freezer-friendly: Bake once, enjoy all season long.
This is the kind of nostalgic, approachable fall baking recipe that feels homey yet fresh — perfect for anyone who loves cozy, seasonal flavors.
🧁 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup orange juice (or water)
- 1 cup cranberries (sweetened dried, fresh, or frozen)
👩🍳 How to Make Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans or line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, and orange juice until smooth.
- Combine: Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture; stir until just moistened.
- Fold in cranberries gently.
- Bake:
- Loaves: 60–65 minutes
- Muffins: 30–35 minutes
(Check doneness with a toothpick — it should come out clean.)
- Cool: Let rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Yields: 2 loaves, or 1 loaf + 6 large muffins

🔍 Expert Baking Tips
- Use orange juice: Enhances pumpkin flavor and complements cranberries.
- Don’t overmix: Keeps the muffins soft and fluffy.
- Try fresh cranberries: Adds juiciness and a beautiful ruby color.
- Storage: Keep covered at room temp up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Optional topping: Sprinkle coarse sugar for a bakery-style finish.
☕ Serving Suggestions
These cozy Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins pair perfectly with:
- A warm mug of chai, coffee, or apple cider
- Cinnamon butter or orange-honey glaze
- A fall brunch spread with yogurt, eggs, and fresh fruit
They’re just as delicious the next morning — especially warmed with a pat of butter.
🍁 Why This Recipe Works
This pumpkin cranberry muffin recipe combines classic fall ingredients — pumpkin puree, cinnamon spice, and tart cranberries — into a perfectly moist, aromatic bake. It’s easy, adaptable, and designed to satisfy seasonal cravings for pumpkin spice comfort without being overly sweet.
Perfect for searchers looking for:
- “easy pumpkin muffin recipe”
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🧡 FAQs About Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh or frozen cranberries add a juicy, tart flavor. If using frozen, don’t thaw before mixing.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Q: Can I turn this into pumpkin cranberry bread?
Definitely. Use a loaf pan and bake for 60–65 minutes.
🌾 The Heart of Fall Baking
There’s something grounding about baking with pumpkin — the scent, the rhythm, the warmth. These muffins invite you to slow down, savor the season, and share something simple and sweet.
So grab your mixing bowl, turn on your favorite fall playlist, and let these Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of autumn.
Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins
These moist and fluffy Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins blend real pumpkin puree, tart cranberries, and warm fall spices. An easy, cozy autumn muffin recipe perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon coffee.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 can (15 ounces) Pumpkin Puree
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice or water
- 1 cup sweetened dried, fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Grease and flour a muffin tin or two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans.
- Combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Combine sugar, pumpkin, eggs, oil, and juice in a large mixer bowl; beat until just blended.
- Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture; stir just until moistened.
- Fold in cranberries.
- Scoop batter into prepared muffin or loaf pan.
- Bake loaves for 60 to 65 minutes (muffins for 30-35 minutes) or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Makes two loaves of bread or one loaf and 6 large muffins.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1027Total Fat: 40gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 31gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 1004mgCarbohydrates: 158gFiber: 5gSugar: 105gProtein: 12g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate. You should spot check this information.