Are you craving the warm, comforting flavors of fall but short on time? Then these Pumpkin Spice Muffins made with cake mix are the perfect solution! This recipe takes the classic pumpkin spice flavor profile and simplifies it, delivering delicious, moist muffins in a fraction of the time of a recipe from scratch. It's the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, weekend baking, or even a spontaneous dessert craving. Get ready to enjoy the best of autumn in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (any kind will work)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Pumpkin pie spice for sprinkling (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 prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk until everything is thoroughly mixed and smooth.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the spice cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing 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 Nuts (Optional): Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired. These add a wonderful crunch and texture.
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Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. This leaves room for the muffins to rise.
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Sprinkle with Spice (Optional): For extra pumpkin spice flavor, sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice over the tops of the muffins.
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Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as ovens can vary.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Muffins:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk helps create a more evenly mixed batter.
- Muffin Liner Hack: If you don’t have muffin liners, generously grease your muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
- 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.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful twist.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Prepare a simple cream cheese frosting and swirl it into the batter before baking for an extra decadent treat.
- Different Nuts: Experiment with other nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free spice cake mix to make these muffins gluten-free.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: Approximately 12-15g
- Protein: Approximately 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40g
This easy pumpkin spice muffin recipe is a perfect example of quick and delicious homemade cooking. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the simple pleasure of a warm, spice-filled muffin, and happy baking!