Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins are a delightful blend of seasonal flavors, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. This simple recipe combines the warm spices of cake mix with the rich creaminess of pumpkin puree. With just three ingredients, these muffins are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious, perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only three ingredients, you can whip these muffins up in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spice cake mix and pumpkin creates a moist and flavorful muffin that everyone will love.
- Versatile Treat: These muffins are great for breakfast, snacks, or as a sweet dessert. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday feast, or simply a cozy morning at home, these muffins fit right in.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will enjoy helping out in the kitchen and eating these tasty treats!
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything on hand will save you time and ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups
- Oven mitts
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: Essential for shaping your muffins. Using paper liners makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing without spills.
- Whisk or spoon: Perfect for combining the ingredients without overmixing.

Ingredients
This 3 ingredient pumpkin muffin recipe brings together the beloved flavors of the season in an easy-to-make treat. The result is Spice Cake Muffins with Pumpkin that are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
For the Muffins
- 1 box of spice cake mix
- 1 can (15 oz.) of pure pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
How to Make Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, and eggs. Stir until just combined; don’t worry if there are some lumps in the batter.
Step 3: Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. This allows space for rising.
Step 4: Bake the Muffins
Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean when done.
Step 5: Cool Down
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy your Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins warm! They are delightful on their own or can be topped with butter or cream cheese frosting if desired.
How to Serve Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins
Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins offer delightful flavors that can be paired with different toppings and sides.
With Butter
- Spreadable Delight: Add a pat of butter on warm muffins for a rich and creamy taste.
With Cream Cheese Frosting
- Sweet Indulgence: Top the muffins with cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of sweetness that complements the spice.
As a Breakfast Sandwich
- Protein Boost: Slice the muffin in half and fill it with scrambled eggs or turkey sausage for a hearty breakfast option.
With Fresh Fruit
- Refreshing Contrast: Serve alongside sliced apples or pears to enhance the autumn flavors of the muffins.
With Hot Beverage
- Cozy Companion: Pair with your favorite coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a comforting treat any time of day.
How to Perfect Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins
To ensure your Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature eggs and pumpkin helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy. Lumpy batter is okay!
- Check Doneness Early: Start checking your muffins 5 minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Properly: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents sogginess.
- Store Correctly: Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to customize the flavor profile and texture of your muffins.
Best Side Dishes for Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins
When serving Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes that enhance their delightful flavors. Here are some great options:
- Greek Yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt adds protein and tanginess that balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon Applesauce: This warm side dish brings additional spice notes, making it a comforting option.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle over the muffin elevates its flavor with sweet maple goodness.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like oranges, berries, and bananas provides freshness and color on your plate.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious side offers a delightful contrast in texture while being wholesome and filling.
- Nuts & Seeds Mix: A handful of spiced nuts or seeds brings crunchiness and enhances the fall-themed meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can impact your final result.
- Skipping the preheating step: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps the muffins rise properly.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense muffins. Stir just until combined; a few lumps are okay.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. This will help maintain the right consistency and flavor.
- Filling muffin cups too full: Fill each cup only two-thirds full. Overfilling can cause muffins to overflow and bake unevenly.
- Ignoring cooling time: Letting muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes helps them set properly and makes removal easier.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture, preventing sogginess.
Freezing Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins
- Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat muffins for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them fluffy.
- Microwave: Heat individually for about 15-20 seconds. Check if warm enough; avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes. This method retains moisture well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes! You can substitute with other cake mixes like yellow or chocolate for varied flavors.
How do I know when my Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they are ready!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the muffins?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
How should I store leftover muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins are a delightful treat perfect for any time of day. Their simplicity and versatility make them ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. You can easily customize them with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warm flavors of fall in every bite!

Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Spice Cake Pumpkin Muffins are a delightful fall-inspired treat, combining the warm spices of cake mix with the creamy richness of pumpkin puree. With just three simple ingredients, these muffins are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Their moist texture and flavorful profile will please everyone, whether enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature. These muffins not only capture the essence of autumn but also offer versatility in serving options, allowing you to pair them with butter, cream cheese frosting, or fresh fruits.
Ingredients
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, and eggs. Stir until just blended (it’s okay if there are lumps).
- Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg