There are a few things that I love about this time of the year, and one of the most loved things is pumpkin. Specifically, canned pumpkin.
Maybe it’s because I was born in the fall, maybe it’s because I can only buy it seasonally, or maybe it’s because I associate canned pumpkin on the store shelves with Christmas approaching.
Regardless, I LOVE PUMPKIN!
I have also come to love a site on the internet called Pinterest.
OK, maybe a little obsessed.
If you would like to experience this same obsession, send me a message and I’ll send you an invitation to join this free-but-you-need-an-invitation-to-get-in site.
It allows me–the lady who would fail Domestic Endeavors 101–the opportunity to look at pictures of creations and think, “Well, I think I could do that.”
I can click on the linked picture and it will take me to a website that provides directions and more pictures.
It’s amazing.
Amazing!
Since joining Pinterest, I’ve been on the search for some pumpkin creations.
I’ve been thinking that it might be nice to expand my horizons a bit for this year’s Thanksgiving feast. Normally I make the mashed potatoes–it’s pretty hard to mess those things up– but I want to try my hand at some sort of dessert.
I had some simple requirements that I gave myself when looking for pumpkin recipes on Pinterest…
1. Must involve canned pumpkin–I wouldn’t know where to even begin if I had to purée my own pumpkin.
2. Can not involve a crust–I don’t know how to make those.
3. I must be able to pronounce all ingredients required.
4. It includes sugar–somehow.
5. The recipe is simple and someone like me can do it.
6. Requires a minimal amount of time to create–I’m a busy girl with better things to do than be in a kitchen all day!
One of the really great recipes that I came across that I thought I could handle based on the above mentioned requirements was one that requires just two ingredients. When I clicked on the picture it took me to a blog posting by Sweet Verbena.
JUST TWO INGREDIENTS!
I added a third and fourth ingredient though to add more pizzazz.
I present to you my perfectly easy pumpkin muffins (technically they are cupcakes, but I think muffins sound more healthy)…
Ingredients:
- 1 Box of Moist Deluxe Classic Yellow Cake Mix
- 1 can of pumpkin
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Using a mixer, mix the cake mix and the pumpkin together.
Sprinkle in Pumpkin Pie Spice (I used a 1/2 tablespoon)
Spoon the concoction into cupcake liners that have already been placed in the muffin tins.
Pop those babies into the oven for 20 minutes at 350 degrees until they look like this…
Once they are done, cool them on a wire rack, give them a dusting of powdered sugar and enjoy!
After dusting the muffins with powdered sugar, I second guessed myself.
Don’t get me wrong, they taste amazing, but maybe they’d be even better with frosting.
Maybe I should’ve made some cream cheese frosting. That would’ve made these muffins look really pretty and yummy!
The next time I do make these muffins, I think I will use my dear friend Amy’s cream cheese frosting recipe. It couldn’t hurt.
Ok, maybe your waistline.
Just a little.
Besides, it’s the holidays!
It’s just in time for Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holiday get-togethers.
Enjoy!
Alive & Well in Kansas 
I have this same recipe except I use a spice cake mix. It’s absolutely awesome and they aren’t bad for you at all, which makes them that much more enjoyable to eat!
Looks like we will have Pumpkin cupcakes (or the healthier “muffins”) over the next few days here in cowboy land…
I’m always looking for easy recipes too. Sounds like a good one. I’ll have to try it. Happy Thanksgiving!
I made a gingerbread pumpkin trifle that was awesome and super easy! It’s Paula Deen so how could it be wrong? I will have to give you the recipe so you can wow your family at Christmas!