A few years ago, there was a pumpkin shortage. You couldn’t find canned pumpkin at any grocery store. Since then, my sister and I have felt a need to always have a supply on canned pumpkin on hand. However, when moving across country (and already feeling overwhelmed at the amount of stuff you have decided you NEED to bring with), canned pumpkin seems like the kind of item you don’t need to bring with you.
Well, it only took about a month for me to miss this special ingredient in my life!
Last year, I was introduced to this super easy, fairly healthy recipe by my friend Abby. She’s an awesome cook, interior decorator, and rivals any man friend in her mad power tool skills!
Fair warning: this muffin has no oil or other added fats or sugars so it will taste like a “diet muffin” (it will still have a moist texture). So if you’re looking for a good-for-you, slightly sweet treat, this is for you!
And now, for the line-up:
Yep! Just three ingredients: apples, pumpkins, and spice cake mix.
Next, add your can of pumpkin to your dry cake mix.
I repeat: do NOT prepare the cake mix according to the box directions. You just want the dry mix.
Start stirring.
Keep stirring.
Question me in your head.
But keep stirring.
And be grateful for the unexpected upper body workout!
If you need a break from stirring, you can take the opportunity to chop your apples.
Personally, I didn’t peel mine but if the skins will bother you or your family, go for it!
The type of apple (I used gala because it’s what I had) and amount (I used about two) is also up to you.
Incorporate the apples.
This won’t take much stirring–I promise!
Okay–it’s finally time to load your pan!
These are going to look very rustic when you finish so don’t fuss too much.
While they are baking, you might decide to take a picture of your favorite dish towel.
Especially if it was given to you by a super sweet friend who indulges you in your love of all things owl.
And there you have it!
While you’re waiting for them to cool, you might decide to take pictures of the sweet new shoes you scored at bargain prices! I love shoe shopping. No matter how you feel about yourself or whether you ate a healthy muffin or the full-fledged thing, they will always fit!
Aren’t they cute?!
Yesterday, I got caught in a freak, thirty-minute snow storm with these and they are still holding up!
Well, it’s time to check on my cakes (for cake decorating class) and finish watching the Neverending Story with the hubby! Happy Sunday!
Apple Pumpkin Muffins
1 spice cake mix
1-15 oz can of pumpkin
1-2 apples
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tin with paper liners or spray with cooking spray.
2. Mix dry cake mix and canned pumpkin.
3. Chop apples into small, fairly uniform pieces. Incorporate into pumpkin/cake mixture.
4. Spoon into muffin tin. Bake for 20-25 minutes.