Kodiak Pumpkin Muffins (Easy High Protein)

5 from 18 votes
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These Kodiak pumpkin muffins might just be the only pumpkin muffin recipe you need this fall. This recipe uses high protein pancake mix and a few other simple ingredients to make pumpkin muffins that are nutritious and so so incredibly good.

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Kodiak pumpkin muffins loosely in a bowl.

Why you’ll love these

As soon as the beginning of fall starts approaching, it’s officially pumpkin season and all I can think about is pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin treats!

There are so many reasons to love these pumpkin protein muffins made with higher protein whole grain pancake mix and simple ingredients.

Not only are these pumpkin muffins absolutely delicious, but they also have 7 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per muffin! That means they’re going to keep you fuller and more satisfied longer than your standard pumpkin spice treat.

Using a higher protein mix like Kodiak pancake mix instead of adding protein powder means you still get more protein content without a weird taste or texture.

I love enjoying one of these muffins with a cup of coffee and vanilla Greek yogurt for a quick and easy healthy breakfast.

I promise your whole family will LOVE these. Let’s get into what you need to make these delish pumpkin protein muffins!

Ingredients for kodiak pumpkin muffins on a countertop with labels.
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Ingredients

  1. Kodiak Buttermilk Pancake Mix: This high protein pancake mix is perfect for baked goods, like these high protein pumpkin muffins (have you tried my kodiak banana bread!?). It’s made with whole grains, higher protein and works perfectly as a “swap” for regular flour.
  2. Pumpkin puree: Make sure you grab real pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling. Keep in mind that some canned pumpkin brands have a higher moisture content than others- I typically use Libby’s. If your pumpkin has a higher water content you’ll likely need a couple of extra minutes of baking time. Pro tip: Save extra pumpkin puree in an airtight container in the fridge for yogurt, oatmeal or dip!
  3. Greek yogurt: I love using plain Greek yogurt in baked goods like these because it adds a few extra grams of protein and moisture to the muffins. Sour cream would work here too but doesn’t have the same protein content.
  4. Banana: Banana adds moisture and some extra natural sweetness to these muffins.
  5. Eggs: You’ll need eggs to add structure and moisture to the batter.
  6. Neutral oil: My favorite neutral oil to bake with is avocado oil (this one is my favorite!) because it’s neutral-flavored, has a high smoke point and is a great source of healthy fats! You can use any other cooking oil that you typically use for baked goods.
  7. Honey: Honey is my favorite for these muffins, but maple syrup or brown sugar would work as well.
  8. Vanilla extract: I love this vanilla extract best.
  9. Pumpkin pie spice + cinnamon: I love pumpkin pie spice seasoning, but I like to add extra cinnamon for even more fall flavor.
  10. Baking powder + salt
Kodiak pumpkin muffins stacked on a plate.

How to make Kodiak pumpkin muffins

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine pancake mix, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, baking powder, and salt. Mix well until fully combined.
Kodiak pancake mix, cinnamon, pumpkin spice seasoning, salt and baking powder in a bowl unmixed.
Kodiak pancake mix, cinnamon, pumpkin spice seasoning, salt and baking powder in a bowl mixed.
  1. In a medium bowl, combine mashed banana, pumpkin, plain Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, eggs, honey, and oil. Mix well until fully combined.
Wet ingredients for pumpkin kodiak muffins in a glass bowl.
Wet ingredients for kodiak pumpkin muffins mixed in a glass bowl.
  1. Slowly pour wet ingredients into the large bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until combined well.
Dry ingredients for kodiak pumpkin muffins being mixed in with wet ingredients in a glass bowl.
Kodiak pumpkin muffins mixed batter in a glass mixing bowl.
  1. Line a muffin pan with muffin liners (you can also use silicone muffin tins). Fill muffin wells evenly with pumpkin muffin batter and then smooth the top.
  2. Sprinkle the top of each muffin with a pinch of brown sugar.
A muffin pan with unbaked kodiak pumpkin muffin batter.
Brown sugar being sprinkled onto the tops of kodiak pumpkin muffin batter in a muffin pan.
  1. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick or fork comes out clean and tops are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack until just about room temperature and serve. Note: All ovens are different and baking times may vary slightly.
Baked kodiak pumpkin muffins in a muffin pan.

How to store

Store muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. To freeze, arrange in a single layer in an airtight container and freeze for up to two months.

Kodiak pumpkin muffins cooling on a baking rack.

Variations

  • Add chocolate chips or white chocolate chips.
  • Add chopped walnuts, pecans or almonds.
  • Drizzle with peanut butter, almond butter or cashew butter before serving.
  • Serve with pumpkin butter or apple butter for an extra indulgent treat!
  • Easily turn these into a dessert by topping with some chocolate or vanilla frosting.
  • Instead of regular size muffins, use a mini muffin pan for mini kodiak pumpkin muffins!
Kodiak pumpkin muffins in a bowl with a kitchen cloth.

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Kodiak pumpkin muffins loosely in a bowl.
5 from 18 votes

Kodiak Pumpkin Muffins

Fluffy moist pumpkin muffins made with high protein pancake mix, pumpkin and fall spices.
Jamie N, Registered Dietitian
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Servings: 12
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Ingredients 

  • 2 cups Kodiak buttermilk pancake mix
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1.5 tsp pumpkin spice
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 banana, mashed
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil, or any neutral oil
  • brown sugar (optional), for sprinkling the tops of muffins

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a large bowl, combine pancake mix, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, baking powder, and salt. Mix well until fully combined.
  • In a medium bowl, combine mashed banana, pumpkin, plain Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, eggs, honey, and oil. Mix well until fully combined.
  • Slowly pour wet ingredients into the large bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until combined well.
  • Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners or use a sillicone muffin pan. Fill muffin wells evenly with pumpkin muffin batter and then smooth the top.
  • Sprinkle the top of each muffin with a pinch of brown sugar.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick or fork comes out clean. Note: All ovens are different and baking times may vary slightly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1muffin | Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 248mg | Potassium: 106mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 3225IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an estimate.

Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment + star rating below!

Hi, I'm Jamie

Iโ€™m a Registered Dietitian of over 10 years and I love creating simple, delicious recipes that leave you feeling good, too. Healthy eating doesnโ€™t have to be complicated! Let me show you with easy healthy recipes and realistic nutrition tips.

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5 from 18 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




39 Comments

  1. Liz says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! I am loving all the Kodiak cake mix recipes, it really cuts down on shopping for ingredients and measuring them while making! I added sliced almonds in for some crunch plus a few chocolate chips.

    1. Jamie N, Registered Dietitian says:

      So glad you’re loving them! I love them too- I always have some pancake mix on hand and it’s perfect for adding a little nutrition kick ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Michelle says:

    5 stars
    Wonderful recipe. Love this fall treat. Ended up only using 1/3 cup of honey because that was all I had. It did not lack sweetness, especially with the little sprinkle of sugar on top. Next time Iโ€™ll add nuts!

    1. Jamie N, Registered Dietitian says:

      Thank you for leaving a review Michelle ๐Ÿ™‚ Happy to hear that they still had plenty of sweetness with a little less honey!

  3. Sue Dodier says:

    5 stars
    I made these today and they were delicious! I have made many Kodiak cake muffins but these are the best weโ€™ve had! Will definitely be making another batch! ๐Ÿ’›

    1. Jamie N, Registered Dietitian says:

      I love these so much too! Thank you for the review Sue ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Christine says:

    These are the best pumpkin muffins I had and love the fact that there are healthier substitutes added to it. Easy to make too.

    1. Jamie N, Registered Dietitian says:

      Yay! Thank you for leaving a review Christine ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Liz Hyatt says:

    5 stars
    Omgggggg these are so delicious!!!! 10/10! I added 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, but they would have been perfect without. I am obsessed.

    1. Jamie N, Registered Dietitian says:

      Yay! So glad you loved! Thank you for leaving a review ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Jessica says:

    Could you make these without the banana?

    1. Jamie N, Registered Dietitian says:

      I haven’t tried, so I’m not sure. You’d have to replace it with something else, like maybe a 1/2 cup applesauce.

    2. Nicole Daley says:

      Hey! Iโ€™ve actually made Kodiak pumpkin pancakes for just four ingredients! 2 cups, Kodiak pancakes mix, 15 oz Pumpkin pie purรฉe, One egg, And 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips!

  7. Kate says:

    5 stars
    These are great – picky kid approved!

    My picky kid decided they don’t like Kodiak pancakes after I bought a multipack size box at BJ’s so I’ve been looking for ways to use it and will definitely be making these again. I had Cabot Vanilla Bean Greek yogurt in so I used that instead of plain and it’s a lovely swap. Also added a cup of mini choc chips to the dry ingredients and sprinkled a few more on top of each muffin along with a little brown sugar-cinnamon. I got 12 regular sized muffins and 12 mini muffins out of the batch, which is great because they’re not going to last long in my house! (For the record, pick kid didn’t taste the banana.)

    1. Jamie N, Registered Dietitian says:

      It’s always a major compliment when it’s picky eater approved :)! Thank you for leaving a review!

  8. Kyley says:

    5 stars
    Great recipe! I did not have honey but I did add dark chocolate chips and pecans and they turned out great! Thanks for sharing.

    1. Jamie N, Registered Dietitian says:

      Yum I bet these were amazing with pecans!! Thank you for leaving a review ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. HK says:

    5 stars
    Thanks for sharing! I made these twice already with a slight modification (swapping 1/2 the honey for maple syrup and 1/2 monkfruit sweetener). They did have to bake longer than the posted time (25-30 minutes vs the 18-20 minutes written). But they turned out delicious! Trying to get more protein in, and these are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack topped with some butter or TJ’s maple butter with some coffee. Will be making these again ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Jamie N, Registered Dietitian says:

      Happy to hear you enjoyed them! ๐Ÿ™‚ Thank you for leaving a review!

  10. Natalie says:

    How do you store these?

    1. Jamie N, Registered Dietitian says:

      In an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week!