3 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

The 3 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. These muffins are not only quick and easy to prepare, but they also deliver a wonderful flavor and texture thanks to the cake mix. They are versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, making them an ideal choice for various occasions. The addition of chocolate chips adds a sweet twist that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just three ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip these muffins up in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spice cake mix creates a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for fall.
• Versatile Snack: Enjoy these muffins for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a sweet dessert.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the chocolate chips, making this recipe a hit with the whole family.
• Easy Cleanup: Fewer ingredients mean less mess in the kitchen—perfect for busy days!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the muffin-making process, gathering your kitchen tools is essential for smooth preparation.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Muffin pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spatula
• Measuring cups

Why These Tools Matter

• Muffin pan: Ensures perfectly shaped muffins that rise beautifully.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl provides ample space to mix your ingredients without spills.
• Whisk or spatula: Helps achieve a smooth batter by mixing thoroughly.

Ingredients

This Fall recipe is a family favorite! Not just because it’s super quick and easy to prepare with few ingredients, we love the flavor and texture of these cake mix muffins. Spread a little cream cheese or butter on top and they’re even better!

For the Muffins

• 1 box spice cake mix
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie mix)
• 1 cup chocolate chips

How to Make 3 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Generously grease a muffin pan or line it with muffin liners to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the dry spice cake mix and pumpkin puree. Mix until well blended. Keep in mind that the batter will be quite thick.

Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in about 1 cup of chocolate chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Fill Muffin Pan

Evenly distribute the thick batter into each muffin cup, filling them about 3/4 full. If you want extra chocolatey goodness, sprinkle some additional chocolate chips on top!

Step 5: Bake

Place your muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If making mini muffins, reduce baking time by half.

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

These delightful muffins are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast or a sweet snack. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will elevate your enjoyment.

Pair with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese frosting adds a rich and tangy sweetness that complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully. Spread it on top of warm muffins for an extra treat!

Serve with Butter

• A simple pat of softened butter enhances the muffins’ flavor. It melts into the warm muffin, creating a deliciously moist bite.

Accompany with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh fruit, such as sliced bananas or apples, provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the muffins. It makes for a well-rounded breakfast or snack.

Create a Mini Muffin Platter

• Arrange mini versions of these muffins on a platter for gatherings. Mix and match flavors by adding other simple muffin varieties for variety.

Enjoy with Hot Beverages

• Pair these muffins with your favorite hot drink, like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The warmth of the beverage makes it an inviting combination.

Top with Whipped Cream

• For a dessert-style serving, add a dollop of whipped cream on top. This transforms your muffin into an indulgent treat that’s great for special occasions.

How to Perfect 3 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

To achieve the best results when making these muffins, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Ensure you’re using pure pumpkin puree from a can or freshly made; avoid pumpkin pie mix which contains added sugars and spices.
• Do not overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy. Overmixing can make them dense.
• Check doneness: Use a toothpick to check if they are done baking; it should come out clean or with few crumbs attached.
• Customize add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for additional texture and flavor variation in your muffins.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for later enjoyment.
• Experiment with spices: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to enhance the fall flavors in your muffins for an extra kick.

Best Side Dishes for 3 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

These muffins pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet and spiced flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Greek Yogurt: A creamy addition that adds protein and tanginess, perfect for breakfast.
2. Cinnamon Applesauce: This sweet side brings out the fall flavors in your muffins and is easy to prepare.
3. Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the sweetness of the muffins.
4. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts can create a hearty breakfast spread alongside the muffins.
5. Nut Butter Toast: Whole grain toast spread with almond or peanut butter offers a nutritious contrast.
6. Smoothie Bowl: Smoothies topped with granola and fruits create a colorful and nutritious pairing.
7. Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy pudding adds texture and is packed with nutrients, making it an excellent complement.
8. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide savory notes that enhance the overall tasting experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making 3 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins, avoiding common pitfalls can lead to the best results. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Using pumpkin pie mix: Ensure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix, as the latter contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor.
• Not greasing the muffin pan: Forgetting to grease your muffin pan or use liners can cause sticking. Make sure to generously grease it or line it with muffin liners for easy removal.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense muffins. Stir just until combined for a lighter texture.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on the muffins and check them around 15 minutes. Ovens vary, so don’t wait for the full baking time if they’re done early.
• Skipping extra chocolate chips: For a sweeter treat, consider adding more chocolate chips on top before baking. This enhances both flavor and presentation.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Keep muffins separated with parchment paper if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing 3 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

• Place muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for reference.

Reheating 3 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350° F and heat muffins for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individually in 15-20 second intervals until warm but not hot.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these muffins a great fall recipe?

These 3 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins combine seasonal flavors with simplicity. The pumpkin adds moisture while the chocolate gives a sweet contrast.

Can I customize the chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips according to your taste preferences.

How can I make these muffins healthier?

Consider using whole wheat cake mix or reducing the amount of chocolate chips. You can also add nuts or seeds for extra nutrition.

Are these muffins suitable for breakfast?

Yes! They make a delightful breakfast option or snack throughout the day due to their balanced flavors and quick preparation.

Conclusion

These 3 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins are quick, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows customization with different chocolate types or additional ingredients like nuts. Give them a try this fall; they’re sure to become a family favorite!

---