Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This pumpkin muffin recipe using spice cake mix is your answer. It’s the perfect blend of homemade goodness and convenient shortcuts, resulting in moist, spiced pumpkin muffins that are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet scrumptious recipe – it’s one of those easy recipes that always delivers!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This step ensures your muffins bake evenly and are easy to remove.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed until everything is well combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Add Mix-ins (Optional): Stir in your optional pecans or walnuts and chocolate chips. The nuts add a wonderful crunch, while the chocolate chips offer a delightful sweet contrast to the pumpkin spice.
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Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full. This prevents overflow during baking and ensures perfectly domed muffins.
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Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy. Once cool, enjoy your delicious homemade pumpkin muffins!
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Muffins:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and oil helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Muffin Liner Tip: Using muffin liners not only makes cleanup a breeze but also prevents sticking and allows for easy removal of the muffins.
- Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Variations:
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a swirl of cream cheese frosting to the batter before baking for an extra decadent treat.
- Spiced Streusel Topping: Make a simple streusel topping by combining brown sugar, oats, flour, and cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the muffins before baking.
- Different Nuts: Feel free to experiment with other nuts, such as almonds or macadamia nuts.
- Add Spices: Boost the spice by adding a pinch of ground cloves, ginger, or nutmeg to the batter.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 3-4g
This pumpkin muffin recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of fall. It's a quick dinner idea for a simple yet satisfying meal, or a perfect addition to any gathering. The ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for both beginner bakers and seasoned cooks. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking!