Are you craving the cozy flavors of autumn but short on time? Then these Pumpkin Spice and Cake Mix Muffins are your answer! This incredibly simple recipe uses a cake mix as a base, making it a fantastic quick dinner idea or a perfect addition to your brunch spread. It's so easy, even beginner bakers will feel like pros. Get ready for a delicious, homemade treat that’s bursting with pumpkin spice goodness!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This simple step ensures your muffins bake evenly and are easy to remove.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
Step 3: Add Mix-ins (Optional)
Stir in the chocolate chips and/or nuts, if desired. This is where you can get creative and personalize your muffins!
Step 4: Fill Muffin Cups
Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full. Avoid overfilling, as the muffins will rise during baking.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, delicious pumpkin spice muffins with a cup of coffee or tea!
Tips for Pumpkin Perfection:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh ingredients: Using fresh eggs and oil will enhance the flavor of your muffins.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet muffin, reduce the amount of sugar in the cake mix by 1/4 cup. You can also substitute some of the oil for applesauce for a healthier twist.
- Get creative with mix-ins: Try adding different nuts, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips for variations on this recipe.
Variations:
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and swirl it into the batter before baking for an extra decadent treat.
- Maple Pumpkin Muffins: Substitute maple syrup for some of the oil for a delicious maple-pumpkin flavor combination.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 10-15g Protein: 3-4g Carbohydrates: 35-40g Sugar: 15-20g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy pumpkin spice and cake mix muffin recipe is a delightful addition to any autumn gathering or a simple yet satisfying treat for any day. Enjoy the delicious results of this simple homemade cooking adventure!