Pumpkin and chocolate are such a good pair. You get that cozy pumpkin flavor, then the chocolate comes in and makes it feel like a real treat.
If you want a sweet breakfast or snack that still fits a low calorie, low fat, WW routine, these Weight Watchers pumpkin muffins are one of the easiest ways to do it. They use two main ingredients, bake up moist, and come out full-size, which matters because I want a muffin that feels like a muffin.
You can keep them classic with pumpkin flavor, or go richer with the chocolate pumpkin version. Either way, this is one of those recipes you make once and then keep coming back to.

Why these Weight Watchers pumpkin muffins work so well
These muffins have stayed popular because they are easy, filling, and lighter than a bakery muffin. They don’t taste like punishment food. They taste like you made something smart and still got something good.
Pumpkin does a lot of work here. It keeps the muffins moist, adds fiber, and brings that soft texture people want in a muffin. It also keeps the recipe simple, which is half the reason people love it.
The appeal of a two-ingredient muffin recipe
This is the kind of recipe you can make on a busy day without thinking too hard. Open the cake mix. Open the pumpkin. Stir. That’s it.
You don’t need a long ingredient list or a mixer. You don’t need oil, and you usually don’t need eggs for this basic version either. That is why cake mix muffins have such a loyal following.

When a recipe is this easy, it has a better chance of making it into real life. Not special-occasion life. Tuesday morning life.
Why full-size muffins feel more satisfying
I can’t deal with tiny mini muffins sometimes. I eat two, then three, and then I still want a real snack.
A full-size muffin feels more satisfying. It looks like breakfast. It feels like a snack you can count on. That matters when you are trying to stay on track and not pick at random food an hour later.
There is something nice about wrapping your hand around one good muffin instead of chasing crumbs from three little ones. It feels finished.
What makes the chocolate pumpkin version stand out
The chocolate version is the one I go back to most. It tastes like a chocolate muffin first, with pumpkin working in the background.
That balance is what makes it so good. The pumpkin keeps the crumb soft and moist. The chocolate handles the sweet craving. Together, they hit that middle ground between snack and dessert.
If you don’t love pumpkin on its own, this version is a smart place to start. It softens the pumpkin flavor and makes the whole muffin feel richer.

What you need for chocolate pumpkin muffins
The beauty of these chocolate pumpkin muffins is the shopping list. You need one box and one can, then anything extra is up to you.
Here is the basic setup:
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Chocolate cake mix | Adds sweetness, structure, and the chocolate flavor |
| Pumpkin puree | Adds moisture, body, and pumpkin flavor |
| Optional mix-ins | Change the texture and flavor, but may raise WW points |
If you want a more classic pumpkin muffin instead of chocolate, switch the chocolate mix for spice cake mix or yellow cake mix. The method stays about the same.
Choosing the right cake mix
A sugar-free or lower-point chocolate cake mix is a common pick for this recipe. Devil’s food, dark chocolate, or regular chocolate cake mix can all work, but the points and sweetness will change by brand.
That part matters. WW points are recipe-specific in 2026, not one fixed number for every pumpkin muffin. Older posts sometimes list 2 points for a full-size muffin, but that depends on the exact cake mix, the batch size, and any extras. Put your ingredients into the WW app for the number that fits your version.
Later on, if you want to change things up, try spice cake, yellow cake, or even butter pecan. Pumpkin plays well with a lot of flavors.
Using pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
This is the one part you really do not want to mix up. Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Pumpkin pie filling already has sugar and spices added, which changes both the taste and the WW points.
Plain pumpkin puree is what gives these muffins moisture without turning them overly sweet. It is also why the batter works with so little added to it.
Pumpkin is one of those ingredients that shows up in lighter recipes for a reason. It is low in calories, high in vitamin A, and brings some fiber to the mix too.
Optional mix-ins for more flavor
If you want to play around with the recipe, there is room for it. A handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon, or pumpkin pie spice can all work.
Keep it light if points matter. Even a small add-in can change the total fast. Extra mix-ins can also make the batter a little heavier, so don’t go wild the first time.
Sometimes the simplest version is still the best one.

How to make Weight Watchers chocolate pumpkin muffins step by step
This is one of those recipes you can make half awake and still pull off. It is simple, but a few small details help.
Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees. Line your muffin tin with papers or spray it well, because this batter is moist and likes to cling.
Mix the batter until just combined

Stir the chocolate cake mix and pumpkin puree together in a large bowl. The batter will be thick. That is normal.

It may look like it needs liquid, but it usually doesn’t. Keep mixing until there are no dry spots left, then stop. You don’t need to beat it forever.
If you are adding cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or a small handful of chips, fold them in at the end. Keep it gentle.
Bake until the muffins are set

Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin pan. This recipe usually makes about 18 full-size muffins, depending on your pan.
Bake them for 18 to 20 minutes. Check one in the center with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done.
If the tops spring back lightly when touched, that is another good sign. Don’t overbake them or they can lose that nice soft texture.
Let them cool before storing or serving
Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes first. Then move them to a rack or plate to finish cooling.
Cooling helps them set up. It also improves the texture. Warm muffins are great, but fully cooled muffins store better and hold together better too.
This is a good recipe to keep beside other easy breakfast bakes, like this best banana nut muffin recipe when you want another grab-and-go option.
Smart ways to serve, store, and freeze them
Once these are baked, the hard part is not eating two while they are still warm. They smell like dessert, but they work for breakfast too.
That is why I like them. They fit real life. Morning coffee, lunchboxes, after-school snacks, late-night sweet tooth, all of it.
How long the muffins stay fresh on the counter
These muffins usually stay fresh for 3 to 4 days on the counter. Use an airtight container or a zip-top bag so they don’t dry out.
If your kitchen runs warm, you may prefer the fridge after a day or two. Just let one sit out a bit before eating if you want the texture softer.
How to freeze cake mix muffins without drying them out
Chocolate pumpkin muffins freeze well. Let them cool completely first, then place them in a freezer bag or wrap them individually.
That extra wrap helps protect the texture and makes them easy to grab one at a time. If they are sealed well, they should keep nicely for up to 6 months.
No, freezing does not have to dry them out. Thaw them on the counter overnight and they are usually just as soft as the day you baked them.
Easy ways to serve them for breakfast or snacks
Pair one with coffee and call it breakfast. Add yogurt or fruit on the side if you want something more filling.
They are also good as lunchbox snacks or after-school treats. If you like keeping muffin recipes in your back pocket, these cinnamon sugar muffins are another good one to save for later.
You can even warm one for a few seconds in the microwave when you want it to feel fresh from the oven again.
Simple swaps and answers to common muffin questions
A recipe this simple always brings questions. That is a good thing. It means people are already figuring out how to make it work in their kitchen.
Most of the answers are easy.
Can you make mini muffins instead?
Yes, you can. Use a mini muffin pan and keep a closer eye on the baking time.
You will get more servings, usually around 48 mini muffins. A serving is often about 2 minis, depending on how you track them. Start checking early, because mini muffins bake faster than full-size ones.
If you like portion control, mini muffins can help. I still prefer the big ones.
Do you have to use a cake mix?
No, you don’t. You can make a homemade chocolate pumpkin muffin batter from scratch if you want.
That said, the whole charm of this recipe is the convenience. Cake mix keeps it fast, beginner-friendly, and easy to repeat. If you swap to homemade batter, the taste, texture, and WW points will all change.
What if you do not love pumpkin?
Then the chocolate version is probably your best bet. The pumpkin flavor is usually mild once it is mixed with chocolate cake mix.
I don’t love pumpkin in everything either, and I still like these. To me, the pumpkin mostly makes the muffins moist. Some people taste it more than others, especially kids, but the chocolate definitely leads.
If you want even less pumpkin flavor, use a darker chocolate cake mix and skip extra pumpkin spice.
Final thoughts
These muffins stick around for a reason. They are easy, satisfying, and a lot lighter than the oversized bakery kind.
If you want the richer version, go with the chocolate pumpkin muffins. They handle sweet cravings without making breakfast feel like a bad decision.
Make a batch, freeze a few, and keep them ready for busy mornings. A full-size muffin that tastes good and still fits your plan is hard to beat.

Want More Weight Watchers Recipes?
- Weight Watchers Pizza with Pepperoni
- Chicken Fajita Soup
- Drunkard Noodles- Thai Drunken Noodles with Rice Noodles- Easy $10 Dinner
- Chicken Parmesan
- Chicken Enchiladas
- Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
- Salsa Chicken

Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
Equipment
- 2 muffin tins
Ingredients
- box sugar free chocolate cake mix
- 15 oz can pumpkin puree Make sure it is pure puree and not pumpkin pie
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375.
- Prepare the muffin tins (2 pans) with either muffin papers or spray with baking spray.
- Mix the ingredients together. The batter will be thick. That’s how it should be.
- Fill the muffin tin evenly with the batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the middle and it comes out clean.





Stacie
At what temperature do you cook this?
Our Wabi Sabi Life staff
At 375 degrees for 18 – 20 minutes. Let us know how they turn out.
Karen
The recipe makes 24 regular size muffins so you do batches?