This post contains affiliate links and we make a small commission for purchases made using these links.

When you need a quick recipe that you can count on for your fall baking, these easy pumpkin muffins are just that! You’re going to love how simple these are. With only four ingredients you can whip up soft, spongy, fall flavored muffins in minutes.

Pumpkin muffins sitting in a muffin tin with a knife and butter.

Let’s discuss the ingredients

  • One box of spice cake mix
  • One can of pumpkin puree
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Brown sugar

And drumroll please…that’s it!

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

A pumpkin muffin in an antique tin.
Two tacos sitting on a white plate with chopped avocado and cilantro on top.

download our free

Meal Planner & Grocery List

dinner made easy

    Canned pumpkin or fresh?

    When it comes to baking with homemade pumpkin puree, I’ve found I prefer canned pumpkin for a couple of reasons.

    One, the color is much different. Homemade pumpkin puree is pale and light colored. Whereas canned pumpkin is a rich dark orange. Baked goods made with homemade pumpkin puree tend to be less visually appealing than those made with canned pumpkin.

    And two, the flavor of homemade pumpkin puree is much more mild and can be coarser or more fibrous than canned pumpkin, which is smooth and a little sweeter, making it perfect for baking.

    But don’t worry, there’s still a place for homemade pumpkin puree, like in this creamy pumpkin soup for example. If you haven’t made your own pumpkin puree at least once, you should try it, it’ll put you in the mood for fall – guaranteed. It’s simple too, here’s how to do it.

    Muffins in a tin with one on top that's cut in half to show the inside of the muffin.

    Making these easy pumpkin muffins

    1. Using a large bowl and a spoon, stir the cake mix, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice until combined.
    2. Scoop the batter into lined muffin cups.
    3. Top with brown sugar (optional, but why wouldn’t you?)
    4. Bake for 20-ish minutes.
    5. Cool and thoroughly enjoy!
    A pumpkin muffin cut in half showing the inside crumb of the muffin.

    About the muffins

    When you first pull these pumpkin muffins out of the oven, you’ll notice the warm, comforting, and spicy smell. It. Is. Fall. There’s nothing like it, honestly, make sure to breathe it all in.

    The muffins have a light, spongy texture with lots, and lots of flavor. Between the spice cake, the pumpkin pie spice, and the sweetness of the brown sugar on top, these muffins will definitely wake up your tastebuds.

    Pumpkin muffins sitting in a muffin tin with a knife and butter.

    Oh! And the muffin tops are heavenly too; they’re slightly crunchy from the melting of the brown sugar and from browning a bit while baking. Muffin top lovers, this is THE best part!

    Questions about this recipe

    Absolutely. Just put them in an airtight, air-free container. They’ll keep in the freezer for months.

    These muffins have a lot of moisture in them from the pumpkin, so they’ll do well in a slightly vented container or bag. I store them on the counter or in the fridge in a ziplock back zipped 2/3 and open on one end. The brown sugar can soften and run if they are stored in an airtight container.

    They are most likely over-baked. You want to keep a close eye on these muffins the last few minutes of baking. If the tops are firm and set, they’re likely done. Insert a toothpick into the center of one muffin and if it comes out mostly clean, they’re done.

    I told you, you’d love how easy this recipe is. If you have a question, drop it below. Now let’s get baking and celebrate fall in the yummiest way!

    Easy Pumpkin Muffins

    By: Kristine Underwood
    These easy pumpkin muffins are a quick, no-fail recipe that are the perfect sweet treat for fall. They only have three simple ingredients and have all the flavors of the season.
    5 from 12 votes
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes
    Course Bread & Muffins
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 muffins
    Calories 210 kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1 box spice cake mix
    • 1 can pumpkin puree
    • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
    • 1/8 cup brown sugar ((for topping))

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare muffin tin with liners.
    • In a large bowl combine spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice. Stir until well combined and smooth.
      1 box spice cake mix, 1 can pumpkin puree, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
    • Spoon fill each muffin cup 2/3 full.
    • Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with brown sugar.
    • Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Do not over-bake.
    • Cool on a wire rack and store in a slightly ventilated container for 3-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 muffinCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 286mgPotassium: 224mgFiber: 2gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 5514IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 3mg

    Leave a Comment or Question

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    20 Comments

    1. I never knew you could make muffins out of cake mix but OMG they’re so good!5 stars

      1. Thank you, Megan! Seriously, such an easy, “cheater” way to do it, but it’s the greatest.

    2. These pumpkin muffins are delicious and easy to make. They smell like fall season as they’re baking!5 stars

      1. Thank you, Mirlene! That’s the best part isn’t it, so delicious smelling. Mmm!

    3. These are so easy to make! They’re going on my “must bake” list for every year. They’re so good!5 stars

      1. I love it Kathleen! Tis the season. Happy baking, my friend!

    4. These got me in the mood for fall. They turned out so tender and yummy!5 stars

      1. Me too, Carrie! Time to bake all the fall things, I guess. 😁

    5. Renee | The Good Hearted Woman says:

      These pumpkin muffins are so tender and delicious! (The house smells amazing when they’re cooking, too!)5 stars

      1. So glad to hear it, Renee. Thanks so much for stopping by to leave a review, I appreciate it!

    6. Thank you for sharing this recipe. I can’t believe how easy these pumpkin muffins were to make, and they were delicious. It received rave reviews from the family!5 stars

      1. So glad to hear this, Michele! I appreciate you stopping back by to comment. Happy baking!

    7. Really amazing muffins! My kids couldn’t stop eating these!5 stars

    8. Wow, what a simple recipe! Definitely going to be giving this a try. I love that there are only 4 ingredients.5 stars

      1. That’s one of my favorite things too, Janessa. Happy baking, my friend!

    9. I can’t believe how easy these fabulous pumpkin muffins are to make. Loved them!5 stars

      1. It’s definitely surprising you can make a muffin from so few ingredients, but they come out great every time! Thanks so much!

    10. I made a batch of these this morning and they were incredible! My whole family enjoyed them!5 stars

      1. I love this so much Tayler! Glad to hear it. Thanks for leaving a review, I appreciate it!