If you love pumpkin spice and easy homemade desserts, these 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins are about to become your favorite fall baking recipe! 🍂🧁
Made with just a box of spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin puree, these muffins are incredibly soft, moist, fluffy, and full of warm autumn flavors.
The best part? No eggs, oil, butter, or milk are needed! Just mix, scoop, and bake. They’re perfect for busy mornings, afternoon snacks, holiday gatherings, or a cozy dessert with coffee.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home baker, this easy pumpkin muffin recipe delivers delicious results with minimal effort.
⏱️ RECIPE INFORMATION
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
- Total Time: 28–32 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cooking Method: Oven Baking
- Best For: Breakfast, Snacks, Fall Desserts, Thanksgiving
🛒 INGREDIENTS
For the Pumpkin Muffins
- 1 box (13.25–15.25 oz) spice cake mix
- 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
Important: Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that can change the texture and flavor.
Optional Add-Ins
For extra flavor, you can add:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These additions are completely optional. The basic recipe requires only two ingredients.
👩🍳 HOW TO MAKE 2-INGREDIENT PUMPKIN MUFFINS
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Position the oven rack in the center so the muffins bake evenly.
Allow the oven to heat completely before placing the muffins inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Pan
Take a standard 12-cup muffin pan.
Place a paper cupcake liner into each cavity.
Alternatively, lightly grease the muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Paper liners make the muffins easier to remove and help simplify cleanup.
Step 3: Add the Pumpkin Puree
Open the 15-ounce can of pure pumpkin puree.
Spoon the entire contents into a large mixing bowl.
The pumpkin should be thick, smooth, and bright orange.
Do not drain the puree or add water.
Step 4: Add the Spice Cake Mix
Open the box of spice cake mix.
Pour the entire dry mix directly into the bowl containing the pumpkin puree.
Do not follow the instructions printed on the cake mix box.
You will not need the eggs, oil, or water typically listed on the package.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the dry cake mix into the pumpkin puree.
Continue mixing until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure no pockets of dry cake mix remain.
The batter will be noticeably thicker than traditional muffin batter. This is completely normal.
Avoid overmixing once everything is combined.
Step 6: Add Optional Mix-Ins
If desired, gently fold chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or additional cinnamon into the batter.
For chocolate lovers, semi-sweet chocolate chips create a delicious combination with the pumpkin spice flavor.
For extra crunch, chopped pecans or walnuts work beautifully.
Step 7: Fill the Muffin Liners
Use a cookie scoop or large spoon to divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups.
Fill each liner approximately ¾ full.
Because this batter is thick, it may not spread naturally.
Use the back of a spoon to gently smooth the tops if desired.
Step 8: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin pan on the center rack of the preheated oven.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the muffins are puffed, lightly golden, and set in the center.
The tops should look slightly rounded with small natural cracks.
Oven temperatures vary, so begin checking at 18 minutes.
Step 9: Check for Doneness
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin.
If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the muffins are ready.
If wet batter sticks to the toothpick, continue baking for another 2–3 minutes and check again.
Avoid overbaking because pumpkin muffins taste best when they remain soft and moist.
Step 10: Cool the Muffins
Remove the muffin pan from the oven.
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for approximately 5 minutes.
Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool further.
This helps prevent moisture from collecting underneath the paper liners.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the muffins slightly warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy them plain, with a little butter, or alongside a cup of hot coffee.
For a sweeter dessert, add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze.
These muffins are especially delicious during the fall season!
⭐ COOKING TIPS FOR PERFECT PUMPKIN MUFFINS
- Use pure pumpkin puree.
Avoid pumpkin pie filling because it contains additional ingredients that may affect the recipe. - Do not add the cake mix box ingredients.
The pumpkin provides the moisture needed for this simple recipe. - Expect thick batter.
Unlike traditional cake batter, this mixture will be dense and scoopable before baking. - Avoid overmixing.
Mix only until the cake mix is fully incorporated for a tender texture. - Do not overbake.
Check the muffins early to keep them moist. - Try chocolate chips.
Adding ½ cup of chocolate chips transforms these into a delicious pumpkin chocolate chip treat. - Use a cookie scoop.
This helps create evenly sized muffins that bake at the same rate. - Let them cool slightly.
Freshly baked muffins are delicate, so allow them to set before removing the liners.
🍫 DELICIOUS RECIPE VARIATIONS
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Fold ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
The melted chocolate pairs perfectly with the warm spices.
Pumpkin Pecan Muffins
Add ½ cup chopped pecans for a crunchy texture and rich nutty flavor.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
After baking and cooling, top the muffins with a simple cream cheese frosting.
This creates a bakery-style fall dessert.
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins
Lightly brush the cooled muffin tops with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
For this variation, the recipe will no longer contain only two ingredients.
🧊 HOW TO STORE PUMPKIN MUFFINS
Room Temperature
Store completely cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to 2 days in a cool room.
Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture.
Refrigerator
Store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Allow them to return to room temperature before serving, or warm them briefly.
Freezer
Wrap each completely cooled muffin individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm one muffin in the microwave for approximately 10–15 seconds.
For a freshly baked texture, heat in a 300°F oven for about 5–8 minutes.
📊 NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Estimated nutrition per muffin (12 muffins, using a typical 15.25-ounce spice cake mix and 15 ounces of pumpkin puree, without optional add-ins):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Total Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and vary depending on the cake mix brand, package size, and any additional ingredients.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make pumpkin muffins without eggs?
Yes! This recipe does not require eggs. The pumpkin puree provides moisture and helps bind the batter together.
Do I need to add oil or butter?
No. You only need the spice cake mix and pumpkin puree for the basic recipe.
Can I use yellow cake mix instead?
Yes, but the flavor will be different. Add approximately 1–2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice to create a similar fall-inspired taste.
Why is my pumpkin muffin batter so thick?
That is normal for this recipe. The pumpkin puree replaces the liquid ingredients normally used in boxed cake mix.
Can I make mini pumpkin muffins?
Absolutely! Divide the batter among lined mini muffin cups and begin checking for doneness after approximately 10–12 minutes.
Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes! These muffins freeze beautifully for up to 3 months when properly wrapped and stored.
Are these muffins good for breakfast?
They are a convenient sweet breakfast treat, especially when paired with yogurt, fruit, or another source of protein.
❤️ FINAL THOUGHTS
These Easy 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins prove that homemade baking doesn’t have to be complicated.
With just a box of spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin puree, you can create wonderfully moist, flavorful muffins that fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of fall.
They’re easy enough for beginners, delicious enough for holiday gatherings, and convenient enough to make whenever you’re craving something sweet.
Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven, pack them for a snack, or serve them at Thanksgiving brunch, these pumpkin muffins are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
🍂 Save this recipe for later, share it with a pumpkin lover, and enjoy these easy homemade muffins all season long! 🧁❤️