Decadent Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes
Indulge in these moist and delightful chocolate cupcakes that cleverly combine pumpkin puree with devil's food cake mix for a guilt-free treat. When I first heard about this recipe in a Weight Watchers meeting, I was skeptical, but after my first bite, I became a believer! Not only are these cupcakes incredibly tasty, but they also manage to be light on points, making them an ideal dessert for anyone watching their weight. Even my husband, who typically avoids anything light or pumpkin-related, couldn’t get enough of these cupcakes and remains blissfully unaware of their healthy components. This recipe allows for flexibility in texture—use less water for denser cupcakes or more for a lighter cake-like consistency. Perfect for when you crave something chocolatey without the guilt.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pumpkin puree
1 (15-ounce can)
Devil's food cake mix
18 (ounces)
Water
1/4-1/2 (cup (adjust based on desired texture))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line mini muffin tins with cupcake liners.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and cake mix. Gradually add in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water, adjusting to your desired consistency. Mix with a spatula or use an electric mixer on low speed until the batter is fully combined.
3
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
5
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes?
They are moist chocolate cupcakes that combine pumpkin puree with devil's food cake mix for a guilt-free dessert.
What are the three main ingredients needed?
The ingredients are a 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree, an 18-ounce box of devil's food cake mix, and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water.
Is this recipe suitable for Weight Watchers?
Yes, it is a popular recipe within the Weight Watchers community for being low in points.
How much water should I add to the batter?
You should add between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of water depending on your preferred texture.
What happens if I use less water?
Using less water will result in a denser cupcake texture.
What happens if I use more water?
Using more water creates a lighter, cake-like consistency.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What type of muffin tin should I use?
The recipe specifies using mini muffin tins.
Should I use cupcake liners?
Yes, you should line the mini muffin tins with cupcake liners before baking.
How do I mix the pumpkin and cake mix?
Combine them in a large mixing bowl and mix using a spatula or an electric mixer on low speed.
How full should I fill each muffin cup?
Fill each mini muffin cup about 2/3 full with batter.
How long do the cupcakes need to bake?
Bake them for 30 to 35 minutes.
How do I check if the cupcakes are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean, they are finished baking.
How should I cool the cupcakes?
Let them cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Do these cupcakes taste like pumpkin?
The chocolate flavor is dominant, making the pumpkin flavor very subtle and hard to detect.
Is there oil or butter in this recipe?
No, the pumpkin puree replaces the need for oil or butter.
Are there eggs in this recipe?
No eggs are required as the pumpkin puree acts as the binding agent.
What is the prep time like for this recipe?
It is an easy baking recipe with very quick preparation involving only three main ingredients.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
While this recipe specifies Devil's Food, you could technically use other flavors, though the nutritional profile may change.
Are these cupcakes dense or light?
The texture is flexible; it can be dense or light depending on how much water you choose to add.
Why is this considered a healthy dessert?
It is low-fat and low-calorie compared to traditional cupcakes because it uses pumpkin instead of oil and eggs.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the decadent chocolate flavor makes them a hit with children and adults alike.
What can I do if I want a more chocolatey taste?
The Devil's Food cake mix already provides a deep chocolate flavor, but the recipe is flexible for adjustments.
Can I make these in a standard muffin tin?
The recipe is written for mini muffins, but you can use a standard tin if you adjust the baking time.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are only 3 ingredients: pumpkin puree, cake mix, and water.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cupcakes, chocolate, pumpkin, dessert, weight watchers, and healthy dessert.
Does this recipe require a lot of equipment?
No, you only need a bowl, a spatula or mixer, and mini muffin tins.
Why is pumpkin puree used?
It adds moisture and fiber while significantly reducing the fat and calorie content of the cake mix.
Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, these cupcakes generally freeze well due to their high moisture content.
Is frosting included in the recipe?
The base recipe does not include frosting to keep it a low-point Weight Watchers treat.