Who says that the sweet aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg drifting from a hot oven are reserved for Thanksgiving Dinner? The very thought of a creamy pumpkin pie is enough to send me running towards my kitchen pantry. But who has the time and Thanksgiving is still days away? But Wait! You can feed your Holiday senses with these gluten free pumpkin pie muffins in just minutes. I have always and I do mean always looked for shortcuts, tips and tricks to make life easier in the kitchen especially during the holidays. So here it is. You are not going to believe how easy it is. Better still you will be sure to want extras for your freezer to take with you when you are on the run during the holidays.
Use your favorite fifteen once box of gluten free vanilla (or chocolate) cake mix. Preheat oven according to cake box directions. In a large mixing bowl add cake mix, one beaten egg, 1/3 cup water, 1/2 cup oil, one 15 once can pure pumpkin puree (Not Pumpkin Pie Mix). In addition, Add: 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or about 1t. cinnamon, 1/4t. ginger, 1 pinch nutmeg, if you do not have pumpkin pie spice). You may also add 1/8t. ground clove which is optional. I am not crazy about the clove so I don’t use it.
Mix all ingredients until blended about 2 minutes with a mixer. Line muffin tins and bake according to the directions already found on your favorite gluten free cake mix checking for doneness with a toothpick. This will be about 23 minutes for twelve large muffins. Add a few extra minutes if necessary. Allow to cool completely. Freeze extras in a single layer and preheat in your microwave about twenty seconds each. These muffins are so moist there is no need for butter but a little cinnamon mixed into softened butter is quite tasty. They are also great for Thanksgiving Day breakfast freeing up more time for you to spend with your family. BUT if you are like me you are going to use those few extra minutes of sleep before the day begins. Today, however, I am going to deliver this batch to my dear friend Emily who does so much for so many to let her know how dear she really is. Happy Thanksgiving!
