Cinnamon Streusel Sweet Potato Muffins

Sweet potato muffins are super moist, light and fluffy, even a day or two later. Mashed sweet potatoes are the secret to a delicious breakfast muffin. Topped with a pecan streusel, these muffins are going to be your new favorite breakfast or snack.

Sweet potatoes are the secret ingredient for making extra moist muffins that stay moist for days, which is one of the reasons this recipe is great for meal prep. Make a batch or two of these sweet potato muffins for ready to eat snacks/breakfast for the week. They keep so well in an airtight container.

If you struggle with breakfast muffins that are dry the next day, you’re going to love this recipe! There’s nothing more comforting then a muffin for breakfast, but no one wants a dry muffin.

Not only are these muffins extra moist, they’re simply a fun change from the classic blueberry muffins or spiced apple muffins. I love the streusel topping with pecans that reminds me of sweet potato pie. 

They have just the right amount of sweetness for me, but if you’re looking for more, try adding the cream cheese caramel icing that I serve with apple cinnamon rolls.

If you’re making a favorite sweet potato casserole, bake a couple of extra sweet potatoes and freeze them for when you’re ready for some streusel muffins. You can whip them up for a last minute brunch or to take to a friend.

Can you microwave the sweet potatoes?

You don’t have to bake the sweet potatoes for this easy muffin recipe. You can simply poke holes in the sweet potato, wrap in a damp paper towel, and microwave for about five minutes. Microwave time will depend on the size of the potato. If you’re not in a hurry I would recommend baking your sweet potato for a smoother sweet potato mash. 

Why sweet potato muffins

• They’re a little healthier, yet delicious, breakfast recipe that’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and complex carbs. 
• They have a moist yet fluffy texture
• Reminds you of yummy sweet potato pie on thanksgiving 
• An easy  recipe and no mixer is required.
• A great way to use leftover sweet potatoes. 
• The crumbly streusel topping on top of the muffin is to die for!

Lots of ingredients, but most are pantry staples

• Sweet potatoes – You’ll need about 2 small sweet potatoes.
• Pecans – You’ll use them in the muffin batter as well as in the streusel. 
• Brown sugar – Brown sugar compliments sweet potatoes so well. Make sure you have enough for the crumble topping and the muffins. 
• Molasses – this adds a sweet distinct flavor to the muffins.
• Flour – I like all purpose flour but you could substitute some of the white with whole wheat flour.
• Spices – You’ll need cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and allspice for the best muffin recipe.
• Pantry items – eggs, oil, baking powder and butter.

Get out your mixing bowl, it’s time to make some sweet potato muffins!

Step 1: make the streusel

Place all the streusel ingredients in a small bowl and combine with your fingers.

Step 2: whisk the dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and salt.

Step 2: combine wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, oil and sugar. Add mashed sweet potatoes and molasses and stir until well mixed.

Step 3: mix together

Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Gently fold in the pecans.

Step 4: fill the muffin pan

Using an ice cream scoop, spoon batter into each muffin tin to about ¾ full. Add a large tablespoon of streusel to the top of the muffins and push it in with your fingers.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs.

Pro tip: Add chocolate chips or marshmallows for a sweeter variation. Or even drizzle with a cream cheese caramel icing.

How should you store muffins

Even these muffins will start to get stale after a couple of days. What I suggest is to store what you can eat the next day on the counter in a sealed container and freeze the rest. Try freezing them in an individual sealed baggie that you place in a larger plastic sealed container.

If frozen, take out the number you need the night before and let them thaw at room temperature. Eat as is or warm in the toaster oven. Avoid the microwave unless you want rubbery muffins.  If you need a breakfast treat but don’t want to get up early to make it, these are just what you’re looking for.

Tips for Success

What does molasses taste like?

Molasses adds a sweet flavor to baked goods, with a distinct taste like what you find in gingerbread. It has a slightly bitter taste, so use it in moderation if you’re new to this ingredient.

Do sweet potatoes need to be pierced before baking?

Yes, you should pierce sweet potatoes and normal potatoes before baking to allow excess moisture to escape when cooking. This is especially important when microwaving but should also be done when baking for best results. 

Can I use sweet potato puree? 

If you’re in a hurry, you can use sweet potato puree but the muffins will not be as flavorful or fresh compared to baked sweet potatoes. Sometimes canned sweet potato puree is more watery than real sweet potatoes so keep that in mind. 

What makes a muffin light and fluffy?

Making sure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature is a sure way to make your muffins will expand properly when baking. The mixture helps trap in air when heated so that the muffins rise for a perfect light and fluffy texture. 

More muffin recipes

• If you love banana bread, then try Chunky Monkey Muffins
• Raspberry white chocolate muffins with almonds are always a favorite
• If you’ve got apples around, try these unique Apple Spiced Muffins
• Cream cheese is swirled into these pumpkin muffins.

If you love all things STREUSEL, then check out this Streusel Coffee Cake, or Cherry Streusel Bars or streusel topped pear muffins.