Effortless Fall Delight: 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Yellow Cake Mix

Discover the ultimate secret to quick and delicious fall baking with these incredibly easy-to-make 3-ingredient pumpkin spice muffins! Crafted with a simple yellow cake mix, these delightful treats require minimal effort for maximum flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, you’ll be astonished by how quickly and effortlessly these moist, spiced muffins come together, making them perfect for busy mornings, cozy afternoons, or any autumnal gathering.

Unlocking the Magic of 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins

For years, I harbored a surprising apprehension about baking with pumpkin. Despite countless tantalizing pumpkin recipes gracing my feed, a fear of “messing it up” or producing something less than delicious always held me back. It’s a common sentiment in the kitchen – that hesitation to venture into unfamiliar territory, especially with ingredients that feel a bit seasonal or specific. This year, however, I made a conscious resolution: to conquer my culinary fears and embrace new experiences. And what better way to start than with the quintessential flavor of autumn?

Taking that leap felt incredibly liberating. Pushing past self-doubt and trying something new, even a simple recipe, brings a unique sense of accomplishment. I constantly remind myself that even if a recipe doesn’t turn out perfectly, the experience of trying is invaluable. It’s a lesson in resilience and a stepping stone to building confidence in the kitchen. This very recipe, first shared way back in 2013, was my breakthrough moment, proving that pumpkin baking could be incredibly simple and profoundly rewarding.

The Secret to Effortless Baking: Only 3 Ingredients!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalist approach. You might wonder how something so flavorful can require so few components, but the magic truly happens with just three key ingredients. This simplicity makes it an ideal choice for last-minute treats, beginner bakers, or anyone looking to whip up something delicious without a trip to a specialty grocery store. These muffins prove that you don’t need an extensive pantry or complex techniques to create truly satisfying baked goods.

Essential Ingredients for Your Fall Muffins

Gathering your ingredients for these pumpkin spice muffins is perhaps the easiest part of the entire process. You’ll be delighted to find that these are readily available staples, making this recipe incredibly accessible. The combination of these three simple items transforms into a wonderfully moist and aromatic muffin that captures the essence of autumn.

Ingredients:

•  Yellow Cake Mix (one standard box)
• Canned Pumpkin Puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• Pumpkin Pie Spice

That’s it! Just three items stand between you and a batch of warm, fragrant pumpkin spice muffins. The yellow cake mix provides the perfect sweet base and structure, while the pumpkin puree adds incredible moisture and that classic pumpkin flavor. A dash of pumpkin pie spice ties it all together with warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, truly bringing the taste of fall to your table.

Recommended Kitchen Equipment

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, having a few basic kitchen tools on hand will make the process even smoother and more enjoyable. These are common items you likely already own, but if not, they make great additions to any home kitchen.

Equipment Needed:

• KitchenAid Stand Mixer (or a large mixing bowl and hand mixer/sturdy spoon)
• Muffin Pan (standard 12-cup)
• Muffin liners or non-stick cooking spray
• Heat Resistant Potholders: Safety in the kitchen is paramount. We had a frightening fire scare a few years ago when a cloth potholder caught fire after we unknowingly left a burner on. Since then, we’ve exclusively used these reliable heat-resistant silicone potholders. They provide peace of mind and are an essential tool for safely handling hot muffin pans from the oven.

  These muffins turned out absolutely fantastic! The ease of preparation combined with the rich, autumnal flavors makes them an instant favorite. I’m already planning my next batch, and next time, I think I’ll be adding a generous extra dash of pumpkin pie spice to truly amplify that cozy, warm aroma and taste. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice level to your personal preference!

  Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Muffins

  • Don’t Overmix: While the batter is thick, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
  • Fill Evenly: Use an ice cream scoop or two spoons to distribute the batter evenly into the muffin liners. This ensures all muffins bake consistently.
  • Adjust Spice: The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Feel free to add an extra ½ to 1 teaspoon for a bolder flavor profile, especially if you love a strong spice kick.
  • Cool on a Rack: Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

  Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

  These 3-ingredient pumpkin spice muffins are incredibly versatile and delicious on their own, but they also lend themselves beautifully to various enhancements and serving ideas:

  • Classic Enjoyment: Serve them warm with a pat of butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a simple yet satisfying treat.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: Elevate them to cupcake status with a dollop of cream cheese frosting. A simple frosting made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla would be divine.
  • Add-ins: Before baking, gently fold in a handful of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white), chopped pecans or walnuts, or even dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
  • For Breakfast or Brunch: These muffins are perfect alongside your morning coffee or as part of a festive fall brunch spread.
  • Holiday Gatherings: Their seasonal flavor makes them a wonderful addition to Thanksgiving or fall-themed parties.

  Why You’ll Love These Easy Pumpkin Muffins

  There are so many reasons to fall in love with this pumpkin muffin recipe. First and foremost, the incredible simplicity means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creation. It’s perfect for those busy weekdays or when you need a quick dessert without fuss. Secondly, the use of yellow cake mix as a base makes these muffins consistently moist and tender, providing a foolproof texture every time. Finally, the comforting blend of pumpkin and warm spices truly captures the essence of autumn, filling your home with an irresistible aroma that embodies the cozy spirit of the season. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a personal confidence booster for any home baker.

  Discover More 3-Ingredient Wonders

  We absolutely adore creating recipes that are not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably simple, requiring just a handful of ingredients. These 3-ingredient recipes are some of our most cherished, proving that you don’t need a gourmet pantry to whip up something special. They’re perfect for leveraging common pantry staples to create quick, budget-friendly, and satisfying meals or treats.

  • 3-Ingredient Beer Bread: A rustic, flavorful bread that’s unbelievably easy.
  • 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies: A classic, chewy cookie that comes together in minutes.
  • 3-Ingredient Crockpot Apple Spice Dump Cake: A comforting, warm dessert that cooks itself.
  • 3-Ingredient Nutella Cookies: Irresistibly rich and chocolatey, a dream for Nutella lovers.

  Don’t miss out on all of our other fun Yellow Cake Mix Recipes for even more simple baking ideas!

  We genuinely hope you savor every bite of these crazy easy 3-ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins. They’re more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to joyful, stress-free baking and a delightful taste of autumn.

  Explore More Delicious Recipes

  Are you a passionate recipe enthusiast? Dive into our extensive collection of culinary delights. We offer a wide range of options to satisfy every craving:

  • Discover innovative twists on your favorites with our Copycat Recipes.
  • Indulge your sweet tooth with our decadent Dessert Recipes.
  • Enjoy convenient, slow-cooked meals with our amazing CrockPot Recipes.

  Stay connected and never miss a new recipe! Follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all our latest culinary inspirations and posts.

  

  3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins

  Easy to make 3 ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins! All you need is a yellow cake mix, pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spice!

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  Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

  Cook Time: 18 minutes minutes

  Total Time: 23 minutes minutes

  Servings: 12

  Calories: 171kcal

  Author: Tammilee Tips

  Ingredients

  • 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
  • 15 oz Pumpkin Puree/Canned Pumpkin
  • 1 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice

  Instructions

  • Mix everything together
  • The batter is really thick. I recommend using a KitchenAid or stand mixer to mix everything together, though a strong arm and spoon will also work!
  • Use cupcake liners or thoroughly spray your Muffin Pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  • Bake for 16-20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  Kitchen Tools

  • KitchenAid Mixer
  • Muffin Pan

  Nutrition

  Nutrition Facts

  3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins

  Amount Per Serving

  Calories 171
  Calories from Fat 9

  % Daily Value*

  Fat 1g2%

  Saturated Fat 1g6%

  Sodium 316mg14%

  Potassium 93mg3%

  Carbohydrates 38g13%

  Fiber 2g8%

  Sugar 20g22%

  Protein 2g4%

  Vitamin A 5515IU110%

  Vitamin C 1mg1%

  Calcium 101mg10%

  Iron 1mg6%

  * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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  Recipe originally shared on February 22, 2013. Updated on April 10, 2020.