3 ingredient pumpkin muffins have become my go-to fall treat. I still remember the first chilly morning I made them, no mixer, no mess, just a spoon and one bowl. As they baked, the scent of cinnamon filled the air, and when I opened the oven, steam rose from the tray like a little cloud of autumn. Within 30 minutes, I had warm, easy pumpkin muffins ready to share. If you’re looking for a quick, egg-free delight that captures autumn in every bite, this one bowl recipe delivers every time. For another cozy favorite, check out my sourdough pumpkin muffins too!
3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins That Taste Like Fall in a Bite
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These moist and fluffy 3 ingredient pumpkin muffins come together in one bowl with spice cake mix, canned pumpkin, and chopped pecans. No eggs, no dairy, no mess – just pure fall flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
1 box spice cake mix (approx. 15.25 oz)
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
1/2 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the batter:
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin. In a large bowl, stir together the spice cake mix and pumpkin purée until smooth. Fold in chopped pecans. - Fill the muffin tray:Spoon the batter into muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Top with a few pecans if desired.
- Bake and serve:Bake for 22–24 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or freeze for later.
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin. In a large bowl, stir together the spice cake mix and pumpkin purée until smooth. Fold in chopped pecans.
Spoon the batter into muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Top with a few pecans if desired.
Bake for 22–24 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or freeze for later.Notes
For a sweeter version, add cinnamon chips or mini chocolate chips to the batter. These muffins are naturally egg-free and dairy-free (check cake mix label). To freeze, wrap cooled muffins individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 weeks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Why 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins Are Perfect for Busy Days
When mornings get busy and you still crave something homemade, these 3 ingredient pumpkin muffins step in like a warm hug. With just a box of spice cake mix, a can of pumpkin purée, and a handful of pecans, you get all the cozy fall flavor, no mixer, no fuss.
Just Three Ingredients, All the Fall Flavor
The spice cake mix brings together cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg in one step, while pumpkin purée keeps everything moist and naturally sweet. It also adds a gentle dose of fiber and vitamin A, as shown in this overview of pumpkin purée on Wikipedia, making each bite feel nourishing and satisfying.
One Bowl, Zero Stress
This is a true one bowl recipe, just stir, scoop, and bake. No mixer needed, no long list of steps. It’s ideal for new bakers, rushed mornings, or lazy weekends. For something equally easy but higher in protein, try our protein pumpkin muffins.
Inside the Ingredients: What Makes These Muffins Work
Each ingredient in these pumpkin muffins isn’t just there for show, they each play a specific role in the texture, flavor, and structure of the final bake.
Spice Cake Mix: Shortcut with Benefits
Beyond flavor, spice cake mix simplifies baking by eliminating the need for multiple dry ingredients. It guarantees a tender crumb and rich aroma, especially handy when you want homemade taste with minimal prep. We use the same smart shortcut in our zucchini and cottage cheese flatbread.
Pumpkin & Pecans: Functional and Delicious
Pumpkin purée replaces eggs naturally thanks to its binding power and high moisture content. It helps create that soft, fluffy texture while also boosting the muffins with fiber and vitamin A. Pecans aren’t just for crunch, they add satisfying depth and, as the Mayo Clinic explains, contribute healthy fats that support heart wellness.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins (Step-by-Step)
These pumpkin muffins are a true one bowl wonder, no mixer, no mess. Just three simple ingredients and a few easy steps stand between you and cozy, fall-flavored treats.
Prep Like a Pro
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, stir together one box of spice cake mix and one can of pumpkin purée until smooth. Fold in chopped pecans. That’s it, quick and clean, just the way I like it.
Tips for Moist, Fluffy Results
Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups and top with extra pecans for crunch. Bake for 22–24 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Don’t overbake, light hands and even heat make all the difference. For more baking tips, check out WebMD’s oven guide. We use this same fuss-free method in our flaxseed flatbread recipe.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, it’s fun to play with flavors. A few simple mix-ins or toppings can turn these easy pumpkin muffins into something extra special.
Warm Spices or Chocolate Twists
For a sweet boost, fold in ⅔ cup of cinnamon chips, my go-to when I want something a bit cozier. They melt slightly into the batter and add gentle warmth. Not a fan of cinnamon? Mini chocolate chips or chopped walnuts work beautifully, too, adding richness or crunch without changing the recipe’s ease.
Add a Glaze for a Dessert Feel
Drizzling the muffins with cream cheese glaze instantly transforms them into a dessert. I mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk until smooth. According to Healthline, cream cheese adds richness and calcium, and you can swap it for plant-based alternatives to keep things dairy-free.
Nutrition & Dietary Insights
They may taste like a cozy dessert, but these 3 ingredient pumpkin muffins bring more than flavor. They sneak in a few smart nutritional benefits you can feel good about.
Light but Nourishing
Thanks to the pumpkin, each muffin offers fiber, vitamin A, and potassium, without added oil or butter. This makes them lighter than your average muffin. According to the USDA, pumpkin purée is nutrient-dense and naturally low in calories, which makes it a smart base for healthier baking.
Allergy-Friendly and Plant-Based
Because they skip both eggs and dairy (depending on the cake mix), these muffins suit many dietary needs. Pumpkin purée does double duty as a binder and moisture source, creating a tender crumb without the usual allergens. That’s one reason I love making them for guests with mixed food preferences.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
Whether fresh from the oven or straight from the freezer, these muffins slide easily into any part of your day, from breakfast to late-night snack.
What to Serve With Pumpkin Muffins
Pair a warm muffin with your favorite fall drinks like chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, or a simple glass of almond milk. Their soft, spiced flavor makes them perfect for brunch spreads, after-school snacks, or cozy evenings in.
How to Store and Freeze
Let muffins cool completely before freezing. Wrap individually in plastic and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 weeks. Reheat in the microwave or let them thaw at room temp. For more freezer tips, see this helpful guide from Healthline.
Final Thoughts
It’s incredible how a recipe this simple can bring so much comfort. Whether you’re baking for one or feeding a crowd, these 3 ingredient pumpkin muffins come together fast and capture that nostalgic fall flavor with zero eggs and minimal fuss.
Don’t be afraid to make them your own, add a glaze, mix in chocolate chips, or keep them plain and classic. This cozy fall treat might just become a weekly staple in your kitchen, just like our sourdough pumpkin muffins. Looking for more vegetarian baking ideas? Browse all our recipes for more cozy inspiration. And if you try your own version, share it with us on Facebook or follow along on Pinterest for fresh ideas every week.
FAQ
What ingredients do you need for a muffin?
Classic muffins require flour, eggs, fat, sugar, and leavening agents. But 3 ingredient pumpkin muffins skip most of that! All you need is spice cake mix, canned pumpkin, and chopped pecans. Simple and effective.
What is in pumpkin muffins?
In traditional recipes, pumpkin muffins often include eggs, flour, sugar, and pumpkin purée. These 3 ingredient pumpkin muffins rely on a shortcut: boxed spice cake mix and canned pumpkin, with optional nuts or chips.
What ingredients are used in the muffin method?
The muffin method involves mixing wet and dry ingredients separately before combining. With 3 ingredient pumpkin muffins, this is simplified, just mix everything in one bowl and bake. No separating needed!
What are the two ingredients in pumpkin muffin mix?
For ultra-minimalist baking, you can make pumpkin muffins with just two ingredients: spice cake mix and canned pumpkin. These form the core of every 3 ingredient pumpkin muffins recipe.
What does adding eggs to muffin mix do?
Eggs provide structure, leavening, and richness. But 3 ingredient pumpkin muffins are egg-free, the pumpkin purée binds everything naturally and keeps the texture moist without needing eggs.
What are the two ingredients in pumpkin cake?
Much like muffins, pumpkin cake can be made with spice cake mix and pumpkin purée. These form the base of 3 ingredient pumpkin muffins with spice cake mix and deliver big flavor with zero fuss.
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