Buttery Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins

Featured in: Daybreak Buddy Bites

Enjoy moist, tender muffins boasting a buttery crumb and golden cornflake crunch. Pumpkin puree adds flavor and autumnal spice while crushed cornflakes offer delightful texture both inside and atop each treat. These sweets are easy to prepare and require simple ingredients. Mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining and dividing between muffin cups. Finish by sprinkling the cornflake topping, then bake until golden and fragrant. Serve warm with a pat of butter for an indulgent breakfast or snack. Swap in sweet potato puree or add nuts for extra crunch and variety. Suitable for vegetarians, with classic American flavors.

Updated on Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:44:00 GMT
Buttery Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins topped with crunchy flakes, perfect for cozy mornings.  Save to Pinterest
Buttery Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins topped with crunchy flakes, perfect for cozy mornings. | buddybiteskitchen.com

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

I baked these muffins for my family last October, and the combination of pumpkin and crunchy cornflakes made them an instant favorite. They disappeared from the breakfast table within minutes.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups, 220 g): Adds structure and tenderness to the muffin base
  • Cornflakes, lightly crushed (1 cup, 120 g for batter & 1 cup, 120 g for topping): Provides crunch inside and on top of the muffins
  • Granulated sugar (3/4 cup, 150 g): Sweetens and adds moisture
  • Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the muffins rise
  • Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Works with the pumpkin to create a light crumb
  • Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances flavor
  • Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Classic warm spice for autumn flavor
  • Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Adds extra warmth
  • Canned pumpkin puree (1 cup, 240 g): Moisture and rich pumpkin taste
  • Large eggs (2): Gives structure and helps bind batter
  • Unsalted butter, melted and cooled (1/2 cup, 115 g for batter & 2 tbsp for topping): Adds richness
  • Whole milk (1/4 cup, 60 ml): Moistens batter
  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor
  • Brown sugar (2 tbsp for topping): Sweetens topping and creates caramel-like crunch

Instructions

Prep Muffin Tin:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk flour, 1 cup crushed cornflakes, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Mixtures:
Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture. Mix gently just until combined. Do not overmix.
Fill Muffin Cups:
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
Prepare Topping:
Combine 1 cup crushed cornflakes with melted butter and brown sugar. Sprinkle evenly over muffin batter.
Bake:
Bake 20–22 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Cool muffins in tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Deliciously moist Buttery Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins, ideal for autumn snacking or breakfast.  Save to Pinterest
Deliciously moist Buttery Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins, ideal for autumn snacking or breakfast. | buddybiteskitchen.com

My kids love helping sprinkle the crunchy cornflake topping, and these muffins have become a cozy weekend ritual when the leaves start turning.

Required Tools

Muffin tin Mixing bowls Whisk Measuring cups and spoons Wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), eggs. Check cornflake and butter packaging for traces of nuts.

Nutritional Information (per muffin)

Calories: 210 Total Fat: 9 g Carbohydrates: 30 g Protein: 3 g

Golden Buttery Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins with a sweet, crunchy topping, perfect for sharing. Save to Pinterest
Golden Buttery Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins with a sweet, crunchy topping, perfect for sharing. | buddybiteskitchen.com

Enjoy these muffins warm for breakfast or as a comforting snack with your favorite autumn drink.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I substitute sweet potato for pumpkin?

Yes, sweet potato puree works well and offers a similar texture and sweetness. Adjust spices to taste.

How do I achieve a crunchy topping?

Lightly crush cornflakes and mix with melted butter and brown sugar, then sprinkle on before baking for maximum crunch.

What can I add for extra texture?

Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition to the topping, adding more flavor and crunch.

Is it necessary to use paper liners?

No. You can grease the muffin tin well; liners simply make removal and cleanup easier.

Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Always check labels for allergen information if needed.

How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for two days or refrigerate for up to five.

Buttery Pumpkin Cornflake Muffins

Buttery, moist pumpkin muffins with a crunchy cornflake topping. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
22 minutes
Total Time
37 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Daybreak Buddy Bites

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Yield 12 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians

What You'll Need

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

Steps to Follow

Step 01

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

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, crushed cornflakes, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly blended.

Step 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.

Step 04

Combine and blend: Add wet ingredients to the dry mixture and gently stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 05

Portion the batter: Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin.

Step 06

Prepare and add topping: In a small bowl, combine cornflakes, melted butter, and brown sugar. Sprinkle the topping evenly over each portion of batter.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 08

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and eggs. May contain traces of nuts depending on cornflake processing facilities.
  • Verify cornflake and butter packaging for additional allergen advisories.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 210
  • Fat Content: 9 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 30 grams
  • Protein Content: 3 grams