The perfect pumpkin muffin. It is something I aspire to create. The last week or so has been spent tweaking my basic pumpkin recipe.
Five extra pounds of Ima Shanna later, the final results are scrum-didily-umptious! Presenting my family’s forever favorite sweet, squash creation.
Mr. Pumpkin and Ms. Dark Chocolate are an unexpectedly delectable combination. The two sing harmoniously on the palette. Of course, Dark Chocolate never saw a Madame Cherry or Sir Walnut she didn’t get along swimmingly with. But, can the four ingredients unite with fabulous flourish?
Yes. Oh, the flavorful four shine together in “Light, Loaded Pumpkin Muffins with Dark Chocolate, Cherries and Walnuts.”
Fortunately, my little brother (well, he is actually quite big: 6’6″ tall!) is staying with us for a bit. Thus, I have an extra taste-tester on hand. “Dod (uncle in Hebrew) P.” has refined taste-buds, so he makes a trustworthy sampler – and he is shares his honest opinions. Dod P. gave the muffins two thumbs up. Yay!
Snu Magoo and Littlest Guy ate two muffins for breakfast – each. They crumbled more on the floor than usual: they inhaled these pillows of pumpkin perfection with lightening speed. I consider these facts a sign of kiddie endorsement: The Munchkin Seal of Approval.
Let’s. Get. Baking. !
First, combine the wet ingredients…
…And mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
… And stir, stir, stir. Maybe one more stir.
Incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients…
… and mix well.
Snu Magoo and Littlest Guy are small (but mighty!) mixing helpers.
Use an ice cream scoop to fill twelve muffin cups.
Bake for 20-25 minutes…
… And cool oh-so-slightly.
Then, eat a soft, pillowy, slightly sweet muffin while warm.
The pleasure of oozing dark chocolate envelopes savory, crunchy walnuts and warm, soft cherries in a warm, delicious hug.
Critic A approves.
The second judge concurs.
It’s unanimous: “Yummy in my Tummy, Ima!”
Thank you for visiting us at Casa Curls and Carrots. Do try these muffins for your family, friends – or for a bit of pleasure not to be shared.
You deserve a treat!
Warmly,
Shanna
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Light, Loaded Pumpkin Muffins with Dark Chocolate, Cherries and Walnuts
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Curls and carrots 
Oh my goodness–these look amazing and wonderful. If I could eat one through my computer right now, I would! I might try it with dried cranberries, since I always have those on hand, along with Ghiradelli bittersweet chocolate chips, of course! 🙂 Maybe after Thanksgivukkah (I already have 2 loaves of pumpkin bread in the freezer for that.)
Hi, Merril,
I am a bit pumpkin obsessed. You see, I have a loaf of pumpkin-raisin bread in the freezer, as my recipe makes two (https://shannaward.com/2013/11/06/spiced-whole-grain-pumpkin-bread/). Still, I am baking pumpkin muffins! Truth be told, these muffins go very quickly – probably because of the dark chocolate inside!. I think they will be delicious with any dried fruit that you, your husband and daughters fancy. Thank you kindly for taking the time to visit and leave a warm, encouraging comment.
Good Shabbos!
Shanna
Again: your children are adorable! And no wonder with a mother that makes then all these treats… Yum!
Oh, Sofia, thank you for the generous and warm words. Must you always be so incredibly sweet and encouraging? I appreciate your visit, amiga. Have a fabulous weekend with your loved ones! Warmly, Shanna
Have a great weekend you too amiga!
Very delectable! Adorable post Shanna. 🙂
Seana,
Well, THANK you, dear. 🙂 Coming from you, this is quite a compliment. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend!
Warmly,
Shanna
yum!!! Love that your perfecting a pumpkin recipe. Even better that your kiddos lap them up. They’re all about the muffin, aren’t they? 😉
Oh, Liz – Kids seem to adore muffins. Truth be told, I secretly hope mine get full and leave a few crumbs. Especially when it comes to this recipe. Many thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your warm and bright words. xx Shanna
I have a pumpkin just waiting for this recipe! Going to make them this morning!
YES. I can’t wait to hear your feedback! SO excited to hear about some happy palettes and full tummies. Warmly, Shanna
Such a nice post and recipes! Love your step by step instructions and how you “concur” your “judges”. They are soooo cute!
Dan,
Thank you! Your comments are so uplifting. I am touched and honored that you stopped by – and left such warm, encouraging words. Thank you. Have a great weekend! Oh, and as as for the two munchkins: I’ll keep ’em.
Warmly,
Shanna
Lovely combination specially the nutmeg and cherries ..your muffin looks wonderful …with cinnamon flavor should be yummy
Thank you, Amal. I appreciate your consistent support and warm encouragement. Best – Shanna
My pleasure ..Have wonderful day
lovely combo Shanna! aaah, kids at work, so cuute!! 🙂
Cris – Thank you so much for leaving such lovely words. I am so glad to see that you stopped by, friend. Best wishes, Shanna
another winner, Shanna. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thank you, Anna! I appreciate your visit. Have a great day, PRSS! xx Shanna (P.S. I am making the R in PRSS tonight with dinner as a special treat!)
Oh, I’m jealous! 🙂 I’m sure it was good!
PRSS – Oh, I wish you could taste them!!!! Thank you for stopping by. Warmly, Shanna
PRSS, just to satisfy my craving for R, I made some quinoa. Now, I’m okay. 🙂
Haha, Anna – EXCELLENT. Noms. 🙂 – Shanna
🙂
Looks so tasty and healthy ! I envy your kids (-:
Michal – Thank you for your warm and kind comment. I do wish we could share some with you – in the beautiful homeland. Have a great day. Best wishes, Shanna
The just love pumpkin and chocolate together! And anything dark chocolate is just divine. Anything kiddo approved is always great! Crumbs from kids, I have no clue about that, ha ha ha! Mine boys can be quite messy, especially with muffins.
Hi, Gretchen,
Yes, messy eaters – we can relate on this, having crumbly little ones!
I love pumpkin and chocolate, too. MMM. I appreciate you leaving a sweet note. Update me if you give these bad boys a try. Have a great day!
Warmly,
Shanna
These muffins look glorious! I like the combination of dark chocolate, cherries, and walnuts 🙂 Good thing you had an extra taste tester and, as always, little helpers!
Howdy, Amiga Ada,
Thank you so much for visiting and leaving such bright, supportive words. Your visits are so uplifting. I am happy to hear that you like the combination – do let me know if you try the recipe. You are a great baker. Have a fabulous Sunday!
Warmly,
Shanna
Great post Shanna,as you know…I adore pumpkin in different way…and this post is Meraglioso!!!
Massi – Thank you so much! Your comments are so encouraging and kind. I am glad that you “visited!” Be well – Shanna
Another great pumpkin recipe for my archives Shanna! How will I ever catch up? 🙂
OH my gosh, Lidia. I think that I had cherries and chocolate on my mind because you mentioned the combination with pumpkin previously. I should have cited you as my inspiration. Well, I now wholeheartedly thank you, a bit late. Thank you for coming by – you have made my night. Warmly, Shanna xx
They are definitely loaded! 🙂 Hehe. Looks yummy. I’ll have to try this sometime. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you SO much for your kind words! I hope that you give them a try. They are loaded, delicious and fairly good for you (never hurts). Warmly, Shanna
Chocolate, cherries, and walnuts I know play very well together. I didn’t realize there was room for pumpkin, too, at the party. These sound great, Shanna. I bet that flavor combination surprises everyone. It certainly would me.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Hanukkah, Shanna.
Hi, John,
You see, I am slowly attempting to lure you into making pumpkin muffins. Eventually, you will break down and give them a go. 😉 Thank you for your warm wishes for the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Max, Zia – and all who you care for.
Warmly,
Shanna