Are you craving the cozy flavors of fall but short on time? Then look no further! This recipe uses a simple cake mix as a base to create unbelievably delicious pumpkin spice muffins in a fraction of the time it takes to make muffins from scratch. It’s a perfect example of homemade cooking made easy, ideal for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend baking project. These muffins are the ultimate in quick dinner ideas (or dessert!), offering a healthy balance of sweet and spice. Get ready to enjoy the best recipes for a simple, yet impressive, autumnal treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 3 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:
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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 and flour the tin. This simple step ensures your muffins bake evenly and release easily.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of pumpkin remaining.
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Mix the Batter: Add the spice cake mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
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Add Mix-ins (Optional): If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts. This is a great opportunity to get creative! Consider adding dried cranberries, chopped apples, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon.
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Fill the Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full. This allows room for the muffins to rise during baking.
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Bake to Perfection: 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.
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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. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature – they're delicious either way!
Tips for Pumpkin Perfection:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and oil helps create a smoother batter.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 18 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer 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 up: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Nut-free: Omit the nuts for a nut-free option. Sunflower seeds or pepitas are great substitutes.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These easy pumpkin spice cake mix muffins are a delicious and convenient dessert or snack. They are perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a festive gathering. Enjoy the delightful aroma and the comforting flavors of fall with every bite!