Are you craving the comforting flavors of fall but short on time? Then these Pumpkin Muffins made with cake mix are the perfect solution! This recipe is incredibly easy, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum deliciousness. Forget complicated baking; this simple recipe uses a box of your favorite spice cake mix as a base, transforming it into moist, spiced pumpkin muffins bursting with autumnal warmth. They're perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a delightful dessert. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional, for extra pumpkin flavor)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Combining the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin puree, oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until well combined. The batter will be thick. Don't overmix!
Adding the Extras (Optional):
- Stir in the pumpkin pie spice (if using), pecans or walnuts (if using), and chocolate chips (if using). The optional ingredients add delightful textures and flavors, but feel free to adapt to your preferences.
Filling the Muffin Tin:
- Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. Overfilling can lead to muffins that spill over and don't bake evenly.
Baking the Muffins:
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
Cooling & Serving:
- Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Muffins:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree: Canned pumpkin puree is readily available and works best for this recipe.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweet muffins, reduce the amount of sugar in the cake mix slightly. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Get creative with add-ins: Try adding different spices like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg. Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apples would also be delicious additions.
Variations:
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Swirl this mixture into the batter before baking for an extra decadent treat.
- Streusel Topping: For a crunchy topping, combine ½ cup of flour, ¼ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of oats, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle over the muffins before baking.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 3-4g
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These easy pumpkin muffins are a perfect addition to your fall baking repertoire. They are quick to make, delicious to eat, and sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!