Pumpkin Spice Protein Muffins with Collagen & Almond (or Oat) Flour
We’re continuing our pumpkin theme for October, and these Pumpkin Spice Protein Muffins might be one of my favorites yet! They’re soft, spiced, and satisfying — made with whole-food ingredients that work with your body, not against it.
Instead of spiking your blood sugar and leaving you crashing midmorning, these muffins deliver steady energy and hormone support — a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack for busy fall days.
🌿 Why These Muffins Are Better for Blood Sugar & Cortisol Balance
Most pumpkin treats this time of year are packed with refined sugar and processed flour — two ingredients that send your blood sugar on a roller coaster. Each spike and crash triggers your stress response, pushing cortisol levels higher and leaving you more tired, anxious, and craving more sugar.
These muffins flip that script. Here’s how:
- Pumpkin Puree adds fiber and beta-carotene, helping to slow digestion and support a healthy gut lining — a key player in hormone balance.
- Almond Flour or Oat Flour gives you flexibility depending on your goals and preferences.
- Almond flour provides healthy fats, protein, and a rich texture that help steady blood sugar and keep you full longer.
- Oat flour adds complex carbs and soluble fiber, offering a gentle energy release that’s perfect for mornings or pre-workout fuel.
- Collagen Peptides (or Protein Powder) add an extra protein boost to support muscle recovery, joint health, and steady blood sugar.
- Maple Syrup, used in moderation, gives natural sweetness with trace minerals and a gentler impact on insulin compared to refined sugar.
- Coconut or Olive Oil provides healthy fats that help blunt the blood sugar spike from carbs.
- Cinnamon and Pumpkin Pie Spice do more than add cozy flavor — they help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.
Together, these ingredients support a calmer, more balanced stress response — helping your body produce energy efficiently without taxing your adrenals.
🧠 Stress-Supportive Nutrition in Every Bite
Keeping cortisol steady isn’t just about managing stress — it’s also about stabilizing your blood sugar. When your energy levels stay balanced, your body doesn’t have to constantly produce stress hormones to keep you going.
That’s why these muffins are perfect for a midmorning pick-me-up, post-workout snack, or afternoon craving. Pair one with herbal tea or a scoop of Greek yogurt for an even more balanced mini-meal.
✨ Simple, Nourishing, and Delicious
You don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to eat in a way that supports your hormones. These muffins come together in under 30 minutes, use one bowl, and make your home smell like fall.
They’re gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and packed with flavor — proof that you can nourish your body and enjoy the season.
💛 Ready to Heal Your Stress from the Inside Out?
If you love recipes like this that balance blood sugar, calm inflammation, and support your body’s natural rhythm, you’ll love my Heal Your Stress Recipe Membership — where I share 10 exclusive recipes every month that help you feel calm, focused, and energized.
👉 Join the Recipe Membership here and start cooking meals that truly support your stress, hormones, and gut health.
Pumpkin Spice Protein Muffins with Collagen & Almond (or Oat) Flour
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- measuring cups and spoons
- whisk
- muffin tin or silicone liners
- muffin liners
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond flour or 1 cup oat flour see note below
- ¼ cup collagen peptides or vanilla protein powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with 8 silicone or parchment liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin, eggs, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla.
- Add almond flour (or oat flour), collagen, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips or walnuts if using.
- Divide batter among muffin cups and bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before storing.
Video
Notes
Notes & Variations
- Flour Option:
- Almond flour makes the muffins richer, more moist, and slightly higher in healthy fats — great for blood sugar stability and hormone balance.
- Oat flour gives them a lighter, cake-like texture with more complex carbs and fiber — perfect for a pre-workout or morning energy boost. If using oat flour, check the batter consistency and add 1–2 tablespoons more if needed (oat flour absorbs moisture differently).
- Storage Tip: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
