
If you’re craving cozy fall flavor without the fuss, these 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins are your new go-to treat. With just a box of spice cake mix, a can of pumpkin, and one egg, you’ll have warm, fluffy muffins in under 30 minutes. No mixer, no oil, no problem! Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just need something sweet with your coffee, these muffins hit the spot every time.
Even better, this shortcut recipe doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The spice cake brings all those classic autumn notes—cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—while the pumpkin keeps things perfectly moist. You can even dress them up with chocolate chips or chopped pecans if you’re feeling fancy.
Pumpkin has been a fall baking staple in the U.S. since the colonial era, when early settlers used it in everything from soups to desserts. Today, it’s one of the most iconic flavors of the season—and now, one of the easiest.
So, grab that can of pumpkin and whip these up. They’re the easiest way to bring a little autumn magic into your kitchen—no stress, all reward.

Recipe Yield: 12 muffins
INGREDIENTS
1 box spice cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 can pumpkin purée (15 oz, not pumpkin pie filling)
one large egg
Optional add-ins:
½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (for extra warmth)
¼ cup chopped pecans or chocolate chips (adds crunch or sweetness)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.
2. Mix the batter: In a large bowl, stir together the spice cake mix, pumpkin purée, and egg until fully combined. If using, fold in the pumpkin pie spice and your choice of pecans or chocolate chips.
3. Scoop & top (optional): Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Fill them nearly to the top. You can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar, chopped nuts, or coarse sugar on top for that bakery-style finish.
4. Bake & enjoy: Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool slightly and enjoy warm or at room temp!
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Use That Egg for Lift: While some pumpkin muffin recipes skip the egg, adding 1 large egg gives these muffins a softer crumb and helps them rise beautifully.
- Stick to ¼ Cup for Mix-Ins: Whether you’re adding pecans, chocolate chips, or both—keep it to ¼ cup total to avoid weighing down the batter.
- Top Like a Pro: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts before baking gives these muffins a beautiful golden top and bakery-style texture.
- Sweetness Is Just Right: The spice cake mix already includes sugar and warm spices, so when combined with pumpkin purée, the muffins come out perfectly sweet—not too much, not too little. Optional Boost: Want it sweeter or more dessert-like? Add 2–4 tbsp brown sugar for extra richness and depth.
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