These 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins are made with spice cake mix and pumpkin puree. No eggs, oil, or butter are needed. They are ready in under 30 minutes and are perfect for fall holidays.
Every fall I make a batch of these for my family. They disappear before they have a chance to cool completely, which is the only review a recipe needs in a house with eight kids. With just two ingredients and 30 minutes, they fill the whole house with the smell of fall.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- Cheaper than Bakery Muffins – $3.87 total for a full batch
- Only 2 ingredients
- Naturally moist
- Perfect for fall — warm pumpkin spice flavor in every single bite
- Kids can help
After over 20 years of fall baking these 2 ingredient pumpkin muffins are still one of my most made recipes every single season — simple, fast and never disappointing.
If you love easy fall baking recipes like this one you will also love our Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread, Easy Pumpkin Bread, and Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe. They are all budget-friendly, made with simple pantry ingredients, and perfect for fall baking all season long.
Ingredients
- Spice cake mix — the secret to the warm fall flavor without measuring a single spice. Spice cake mix gives you cinnamon nutmeg and clove in every bite. Yellow or white cake mix also works for a milder less spiced version — use whichever fits your preference. Betty Crocker and Duncan Hines are both great options
- Canned pumpkin puree — make sure the label says 100% pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. One standard 15 oz can is all you need. The pumpkin replaces all the eggs oil and butter the cake mix would normally require
Carrie’s Tip: Make sure you are using plain canned pumpkin puree — not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already has sugar and spices added which will make the muffins overly sweet and throw off the flavor. The can should say 100% pure pumpkin on the label.
How to Make Pumpkin Muffins with 2 Ingredients
Step 1 – Line 15 muffin tins with paper muffin liners.
Step 2 – In a large bowl mix pumpkin and the box of cake mix. Mix well with an electric mixer.
Step 3 – Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full (approximately a heaping 3-tablespoon scoop).
Step 4 – Bake for 20-25 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick.
Based on reader feedback in the comments we retested this recipe using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop and found it consistently makes 15 muffins — not 24. We have updated the recipe card and instructions to reflect this. If you previously made this recipe and got fewer than 24 muffins that is completely normal and expected. The recipe itself has not changed — just the yield and the recommended scoop size.
Tips for Success
- Do not overmix. Stir just until the cake mix and pumpkin are combined — overmixing makes the muffins dense and tough instead of light and fluffy
- Fill ⅔ full. Use a heaping 3-tablespoon cookie scoop for even portions — this gives you 15 muffins with a perfectly domed top. Filling more than ⅔ full causes them to overflow and bake unevenly
- Check at 20 minutes. Every oven varies slightly — start checking early and pull them the moment the toothpick comes out clean
- Use paper liners. These muffins are moist and can stick to the pan — paper liners make removal clean and easy every single time
- Let them cool before storing. Warm muffins release steam in a sealed container which makes them soggy — cool completely on a wire rack before storing
Optional Add-Ins
The base recipe is truly just 2 ingredients but these optional additions take it to the next level without much extra effort:
- Chocolate chips — fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a chocolate pumpkin combination the kids absolutely love
- Chopped walnuts or pecans — adds a satisfying crunch and a warm nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spice
- Cream cheese swirl — drop a small spoonful of sweetened cream cheese on top of each muffin before baking and swirl lightly with a toothpick
- Cinnamon sugar topping — sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the tops before baking for a lightly sweet crispy crust
- Vanilla glaze — whisk together powdered sugar and milk and drizzle over cooled muffins for a simple sweet finishing touch
Cake Mix Variations Ideas
- Spice cake mix — the classic choice and the one this recipe uses. Warm cinnamon nutmeg and clove flavor that tastes like fall in every bite
- Yellow cake mix — lighter and less spiced for a more subtle pumpkin flavor. Great for kids who prefer less spice
- White cake mix — the mildest option that lets the pumpkin flavor shine through without any competing spices
- Chocolate cake mix — a fun twist that creates a rich chocolate pumpkin muffin that tastes completely indulgent
Storage and Freezer Instructions
Room Temperature
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel in the bottom to absorb excess moisture
Refrigerator
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Let come to room temperature before serving or microwave for 15–20 seconds
Freezer
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 30–60 seconds straight from frozen
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No — pumpkin pie filling already has sugar and spices added which will make the muffins too sweet and throw off the flavor. Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree.
Why are my pumpkin muffins dense?
The batter was overmixed — stir just until the cake mix and pumpkin are combined and stop. A few lumps in the batter are completely fine.
Can I make these as mini muffins?
Yes — fill a mini muffin tin ¾ full and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. This recipe makes approximately 30–36 mini muffins.
What cake mix works best for pumpkin muffins?
Spice cake mix gives the best warm fall flavor — yellow or white cake mix works for a milder version and chocolate cake mix creates a fun indulgent twist.
More Easy Pumpkin Recipes
These 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins are one of my favorite things to bake every fall. The whole house smells incredible and at just $0.26 each they are one of the most affordable treats of the season.
If you make them leave a star rating and a comment below — I love hearing which cake mix you used and whether your family finished them before they even cooled the way mine always does!
2 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 spice cake mix
- 1 can Pumpkin Puree (15 ounces)
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line 15 muffin tins with paper muffin liners or use a silicone muffin pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix and pumpkin puree. Beat with an electric mixer until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full (approximately a heaping 3-tablespoon scoop).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving.
Defintely going to try this one!
This sounds easy to make and im thinking my grandkids will love them.
They’re so easy! I hope you and your grandkids love them, Cynthia!
These were delicious and not overly sweet. Light and kind of like a carrot cake.
Katy – Thank you for your kind comment! Have a great day.
You had me at ‘2 Ingredient.’
We loved this easy and tasty muffin. Pumpkin is so good and gets us in the mood for fall. Thank you!
Thank you, Jan! I’m so glad you loved them. Pumpkin recipes always get me excited for fall too!
Very easy to make and very tasty!
Looking forward to trying this. Muffins are a favorite snack in my house.
I hope you love them, Sharon! They’re so easy to make and perfect for a quick snack. Let me know what you think!
What a great idea for the kids to make baking easy.
Yes! This is such a fun and easy recipe to get the kids involved in the kitchen. I hope they enjoy making them!
These look amazing! Thank you
Thank you, LeeAnne! They’re so easy and delicious. I hope you get a chance to try them!
I can’t wait to try these pumpkin muffins!!
I hope you love them, Sherry! You can’t beat a delicious muffin with only 2 ingredients!
I absolutely love pumpkin muffins, just never tried to make them! I will be making these quite often, now that I have this recipe! Thank you for posting it!
These will be great for my guys and to take to Bible Study!!!
Carol – Great idea! Hope the guys enjoy!
love this recipe. I add raisins
Rose – Great idea! Thanks for sharing.
My mom made pumpkin muffins when I was little, I cannot find the recipe and this is a blessing!
Casey – I’m so glad this blessed you! Thank you for your kind comment and encouragement! I hope you love the muffins!
the pumpkin were delicious!! Thank you for sharing!!
Sue – So glad you loved it! Thanks for leaving a comment.
These sound like they would be great to freeze for when the great grandchildren come around.
Yes! It is freezer friendly! So nice for busy weeks!
This is a keeper! Easy and yummmm!
Gina – Wahoo! I’m so glad! Thank you!
It so very easy to make and my kids love this!!
Thanks for sharing your feedback. I’m so glad!
So easy and great to throw together and take to a potluck. I love how dense and moist they are.
Thank you, Caroline! I’m so glad you enjoy them. They really are perfect for throwing together quickly, especially when you need something easy to take to a potluck!
Such an easy and yummy fall recipe! Loved it.
Abigail – I’m so glad you loved it!
These are Soo easy! And the taste is not too sweet.
Can raisins be added?
Jeannette – Yes, feel free to add raisins to the batter!
Thank you. I may try, but not a fan of cake mixes
We love small muffins. Anxious to try these. Sound so easy
Only two ingredients?! And then we will have a grab and go breakfast or snack throughout the week. Perfect!
Good recipe!
Thank you, Linda! Have a great day!
looking forward to making this
I’m excited to hear what you think!
These sound amazing! a little home made cream cheese frosting would make the cupcakes extra yummy !
Kelly – Great idea! We actually have an easy recipe for cream cheese frosting. I linked it below. https://www.eatingonadime.com/pumpkin-cupcakes-2/
Yummy
This looks yummy!
Thank you so much, Tammy!
Wow, love that there are only 2 ingredients and one is a box cake mix. Thanks for a quick recipe.
i have made these many times in the last 10 years. i usually add nuts to mine for more flavor. all my friends love them.
I love hearing that you’ve been making these for so many years! Adding nuts sounds delicious. Thanks so much for sharing!
I have made these before but will dust with powdered sugar next time. Thanks for clarifying the amounts.
So easy!! And with the versatility of different flavor cake mixes! Love this!
Yes! I love how easy it is to switch up the cake mix and make a different flavor. So many fun options!
Now this is how I love to bake. This couldn’t be easier. I love anything pumpkin and these are so delicious. I made them for my husband and me to try them before I bake more for the rest of my family. With fall approaching so quickly, I’ll be such a popular grandma when I pass these around.
I love this! I’m so glad you and your husband enjoyed them. I have a feeling the rest of the family will love them too!
Love these,have made them!
I’m so glad you love them! Thanks so much for trying the recipe!
Yummy
Thank you! They’re one of our favorites!
Yummy
2 ingredients! Awesome. Can’t wait to try this
Yes! You can’t beat a delicious recipe with just 2 ingredients. I hope you love them!
These pumpkin muffins are the best. What could be more easier than 2 ingredients and taste great too. Love these!!
I’m so glad you love them! You really can’t beat just 2 ingredients for an easy and delicious treat!
Easy and delicious!
So glad you enjoyed them! Easy and delicious is always a win!
Pumpkin muffins is my kids favorite breakfast food for school. These will be great to make ahead for those busy rushed mornings.
Yes! These are perfect to make ahead for busy mornings. I hope your kids love them!
This can’t get any easier. I Love muffins
Me too! I love how easy these muffins are to make. I hope you enjoy them!
Yum
Thank you! I hope you enjoy them!
It doesn’t get any easier than this….great with my morning coffee
Yes! So easy and perfect with a cup of coffee. I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
This was such a fun and easy recipe to make with my grandsons, we had to add the chocolate chips, of course! They are 3 and 7 and were able to do everything themselves. Thank you for sharing!
I love that your grandsons helped make them! And chocolate chips are always a great addition. Thanks so much for sharing!
Made these
They were a hit
So glad they were a hit! Thanks so much for trying the recipe!
These recipes looks easy and delicious! I am saving them all as I eagerly await fall! Too hot to use the oven just yet. Thanks for sharing!!
These sound amazing!
I can’t wait until it’s cool enough to turn on the oven and try them
Thank you for posting ?
You’re so welcome! I hope you love them when the cooler weather arrives. They’re definitely worth turning on the oven for!
Oh my goodness- I love easy recipes like this! I can’t wait to try this with my little one!
I hope you both love them! This is such a fun and easy recipe to make with the kids!
Easy to make with my grandkids.
I love that! It’s such a fun and easy recipe to make with the grandkids!
Can’t wait to try these! ????
What a treat for breakfast – yummy pumpkin muffins!
Yes! Such a delicious treat for breakfast, especially during pumpkin season!
Love this easy recipe. I’m adding chopped dates and walnut.
That sounds delicious! I love the idea of adding chopped dates and walnuts. Thanks for sharing!
At first I though I might not like but went back to it to print, looks simple which makes it easier for me
I’m so glad you gave it another look! I love keeping recipes simple and easy. I hope you enjoy them!
Gonna have to make these
I hope you do! They’re so easy to make and delicious!
It just doesn’t get any simpler than this recipe! I can taste them already!!
Yes! I love how simple this recipe is. I hope you enjoy it!
I love a good muffin recipe!
Me too! These are so easy and perfect when you’re craving something sweet!
I just made these and they are so easy and delicious! I did add mini chocolate chips to half of them, and that made them even better.
I’m so glad you loved them! Adding mini chocolate chips sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing!
These sound sooo good! Will be trying them soon
I hope you love them! They’re so easy to make and delicious!
This is genius. My go to for when I need something quick cheap and incredibly delicious. It’s always a hit and literally takes no effort.
Looks tasty! So simple and easy.
Thank you! It really is so simple to make and so delicious!
I this this is going to be a bakeing day when my freinds had never tried this before.
This sounds so amazing. I can’t wait to try it
Thank you! I hope you love it as much as we do!
Okay, this recipe looks like the easiest muffin recipe ever, gonna make it this weekend!
I’ll have to try these.
I hope you love them! They’re so easy to make and perfect for pumpkin season!
they look fantastic!
Yum! I can’t wait to make these as soon as I get the ingredients! They sound delicious!
I love these and have made many times. Very tasty and they fit in with my diet plan to manage calories and sodium.
I’m so glad you love them and have made them so many times! Thanks so much for sharing!
Good recipe but I love raisins add raisins yumm yumm maybe dried cranberries??
Delicious and easy!! I absolutely love Eating on a Dime!! I’d been afraid of cooking until I found this blog and realized I actually can cook if I have the right recipe!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad the recipes have helped you feel more confident in the kitchen. I love hearing that you enjoyed the muffins!
YUMMY!
I’ve tried the 2 ingredient full size cake recipe. The batter is dry! I even use the 29oz size pumpkin. I always add eggs, milk and almond extract to moisten the batter. If I make pumpkin muffins I will probably need more than pumpkin and a spice cake mix?
I made the pumpkin muffins for my family. Super easy to make and everyone loved them! For the cake mix, I found a pumpkin flavored cake mix. It turned out delicious!
Instead of a spice mix, I used the banana nut mix for muffins! Yummy!
I agree, no way can I get 24. Maybe if I used the small muffin pin?
Easy and good.
I was a little unsure about these, but decided to make them anyway and I really, really liked them. I didn’t mind the amount of spice in mine (I used the Betty Crocker mix). They were moist and soft and had a great flavor pumpkin spice, which was exactly what I was looking for out of these. I only got 20 muffins out of the batch and I filled the cups about 3/4 full, but I could have filled them completely since they don’t really rise. This was a great quick muffin recipe that yielded really good results for me and I’m going to keep it in my rotation for sweets.
Can you freeze these? If so, how to thaw and warm up?
Can you add an ingredient (sugar) to make them more sweet? If so, how much should I start with?
I have made these twice now, so I feel ready to comment. Looking for something quick and easy to take to a brunch potluck, I tried this out at home first, two times. I love the easy two ingredient aspect. But I am nowhere near the 20-24 number of muffins from those ingredients. The first time I made it, I had the ice cream scoop 2/3 to 3/4 full and got about 13 muffins out of it. Way under the amount. The finished product was not as appealing to me. I love spice cake, but thought this came out with too much of a spicy aftertaste. It’s not sweet either, so I think the powdered sugar on top is more of a necessity, to add some sweetness. Also recommend a butter spread. My husband loved it, however, so I thought I’d try again. Today I made it again and tried to make the scoops more 2/3-1/2 full. I got about 17.5 muffins out of it. Again, thought it was too spicy. We like our muffins with some margarine or butter spread and it is a must with this recipe. Again, hubby loved it and couldn’t get enough. We just have different tastes.
Do these freeze well?