Baking 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins is one of my all-time favorite fall traditions. It’s just not September or October in my house until the aroma of warm, spiced pumpkin fills the air. I can still remember the first time I made these easy 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins – I was in college, homesick, and craving that cozy, comforting flavor of fall. I scrounged up the few ingredients I had on hand and whipped up a batch, and let me tell you, those muffins were an instant hit! My roommates gobbled them up in seconds, and from that day on, 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins became my go-to recipe whenever I needed a little taste of home.
Why This 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins
The beauty of this 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins recipe is in its simplicity. With just three humble ingredients, you can create the most tender, flavorful pumpkin muffins that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The secret is in the perfect ratio of pumpkin puree, cake mix, and eggs – it results in a muffin that’s moist and delicious, without any fussy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Plus, this recipe is so easy to customize with your favorite spices and mix-ins, making it the ultimate blank canvas for all your pumpkin baking dreams.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pumpkin puree: The star of the show! Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
- Cake mix: Any spice cake mix or yellow cake mix will work beautifully here. It provides the structure and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Eggs: Binding the batter together and adding richness.
Step-by-Step 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins Instructions
Preparing Your 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins
These 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins come together in a snap, with just 10 minutes of prep time and 18-20 minutes in the oven. All you’ll need is a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a standard 12-cup muffin tin. Let’s get baking!
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, cake mix, and eggs. Use a whisk to mix everything together until you have a smooth, well-combined batter.
3- Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full.
4- Bake the 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6- Serve your delicious 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins warm, or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins is to not overmix the batter. This can result in tough, dense muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and be gentle.
Another tip is to use a spring-loaded ice cream scoop or large spoon to portion the batter into the muffin cups. This ensures even baking and a nice, uniform shape.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with mix-ins and toppings! Chopped pecans, chocolate chips, or a streusel topping can all take these 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins to the next level.
Serving and Storing Your 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins
Perfect Pairings for 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins
These 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins are the ultimate autumn treat. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider for a cozy breakfast or snack. You can also serve them alongside a hearty soup or chili for a satisfying fall meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage – just wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes.
These muffins also make a great make-ahead option. You can bake them in advance and store as directed above, or even prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just scoop and bake when the craving strikes!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins
Creative 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins Variations
The beauty of this 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins recipe is how easily it can be customized. Try folding in chopped pecans, chocolate chips, or cinnamon streusel for extra flavor and texture. You can also make it a bit more decadent by swirling in a cream cheese filling or topping the muffins with a vanilla glaze.
For a seasonal twist, replace the spice cake mix with a pumpkin or gingerbread cake mix, or add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter. The possibilities are endless!
Making 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins Diet-Friendly
To make these 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free yellow or spice cake mix. For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with a flax or chia “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
If you’re watching your carbs, you can use a low-carb or keto-friendly cake mix, and the pumpkin puree itself provides a good dose of fiber and nutrients. No matter your dietary needs, these 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins can be easily adapted to fit your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
A: No, it’s important to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains additional sweeteners and spices that can throw off the texture and flavor of the muffins.
Q: How long do these 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins take to bake?
A: The muffins bake for 18-20 minutes at 350°F. Be sure to keep an eye on them and check for doneness with a toothpick – you want it to come out clean when inserted in the center.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffin batter can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just give it a quick stir before scooping into the muffin tin.
Q: How many muffins does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes 12 standard-sized 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins. You can easily scale the recipe up or down to suit your needs.
Q: Why did my muffins turn out dry or dense?
A: Overbaking or overmixing the batter can cause 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins to become dry and dense. Be sure not to mix the batter too vigorously, and start checking for doneness a couple minutes before the recommended baking time.
3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 12
Description
These 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins are a deliciously easy and quick treat that come together in just 10 minutes. With just a few simple pantry staples, you can enjoy moist, flavorful pumpkin muffins anytime.
Ingredients
– 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
– 3 large eggs
– 1 box spice cake mix
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
2. – In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, eggs, and spice cake mix until well combined.
3. – Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full.
4. – Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. – Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
– For a sweeter muffin, add 1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup to the batter.
– Try using a different flavor of cake mix, such as yellow or chocolate, for variation.
– Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Breads & Beverages
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There you have it – the easiest, most delicious 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins you’ll ever make! This simple recipe is a true fall favorite in my house, and I know it’ll become a go-to for you too. The hardest part is waiting for them to come out of the oven, filling your kitchen with that incredible pumpkin spice aroma.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your three ingredients and get baking! I can’t wait to hear how your 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins turn out. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know. Enjoy!