Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly spray each cup of a standard 12-cup muffin pan with a little bit of vegetable spray and use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly along the bottom and up the sides of each cup.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin and sour cream. Add the eggs and butter and whisk until combined.

Step 3

In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar.

Step 4

Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the well, and fold until just combined. Fold in three-quarters of the cheese.

Step 5

Divide the batter among the muffin cups. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and the pumpkin seeds on top of the muffins. Bake muffins for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 6

Let the muffin pan cool on a rack for 10 minutes before turning out the muffins. Serve them warm.