🍫 Weight Watchers Brownie Muffins (1 Point Each) – Full Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking for a delicious chocolate treat that won’t sabotage your healthy eating goals, these Weight Watchers Brownie Muffins are the perfect choice. With only two main ingredients—boxed cake mix and pumpkin purée—this recipe has become a favorite among those who want something quick, budget-friendly, and low in Weight Watchers points. Each muffin clocks in at just 1 point, making them a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies sweet cravings without derailing progress.

This recipe is ideal for beginners, busy parents, or anyone who doesn’t want to fuss with too many ingredients. The secret? The pumpkin purée replaces the usual oil and eggs in a boxed cake mix. Not only does this dramatically reduce the calories and fat, but it also keeps the muffins moist and rich. Surprisingly, you can’t even taste the pumpkin—what you get is a dense, brownie-like chocolate muffin that feels decadent but is actually much lighter.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need just two ingredients:

1 box Betty Crocker Super Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix (15.25 oz)
- You can also use other chocolate cake mixes, but the “Super Moist Fudge” version tends to give the richest brownie-like texture.
1 can 100% Pumpkin Purée (15 oz)
- Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which changes the taste and point value.

Optional add-ins or toppings:

Mini chocolate chips
Chopped walnuts or pecans
A light dusting of powdered sugar
Sugar-free chocolate syrup drizzle

Equipment Needed

Muffin tin (12-cup or 24-cup)
Paper muffin liners (optional, but makes cleanup easier)
Mixing bowl
Spatula or spoon
Measuring scoop (helps with portion control)
Toothpick (for doneness test)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is important because it ensures that your muffins bake evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Pan

Line your muffin tin with paper liners or lightly spray with cooking spray. This recipe makes about 24 muffins, so if you have only one 12-cup pan, you’ll need to bake in two batches.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, empty the contents of the cake mix box. Add the full can of pumpkin purée. That’s it—just two ingredients.

Using a spatula, stir the mixture until smooth. The batter will be thick compared to regular cake batter, but that’s exactly what you want. Don’t worry if it looks heavy; this will bake into moist, brownie-like muffins.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Cups

Using a scoop or spoon, portion the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. This helps them rise without overflowing.

Optional: Sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top of each muffin for extra flavor and texture.

Step 5: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. The exact time will vary depending on your oven, so check at 18 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re done.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy at the bottom.

Storage and Freezing

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Nutritional Benefits

Why are these muffins such a hit with Weight Watchers members? The magic is in the substitution:

Traditional cake mix recipes call for oil, eggs, and sometimes butter, which add hundreds of calories and significant fat.
Replacing them with pumpkin purée reduces the fat dramatically while keeping the muffins moist and rich.
Pumpkin is also a nutrient-dense food, full of fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants.

Each muffin (when divided into 24 servings) equals 1 Weight Watchers point, making them an excellent portion-controlled dessert.

Variations

Different Cake Mix Flavors
- Spice Cake Mix + Pumpkin Purée → Pumpkin Spice Muffins (great in fall!)
- Devil’s Food Cake Mix + Pumpkin → Extra-rich chocolate muffins
- Carrot Cake Mix + Pumpkin → Carrot-Pumpkin Muffins
Protein Boost
Add 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder to the batter for added nutrition.
Mini Muffins
Use a mini muffin pan instead. Bake for 12–15 minutes. Great for kids or quick snacks.
Frosted Version
Top cooled muffins with a light cream cheese frosting (just note it will add points).
Breakfast Style
Mix in oats, flaxseed, or chia seeds for a heartier muffin that works as a breakfast on the go.

Tips for Success

Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined. Overmixing can make muffins tough.
Portion Control: Use an ice cream scoop to get even-sized muffins. This ensures they all bake evenly and keeps the points accurate.
Check Early: Since oven temps vary, start checking at the 18-minute mark.
Flavor Additions: Cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even a pinch of espresso powder can elevate the chocolate flavor.
Texture Preference: If you like fudgier muffins, bake on the lower end of the time range. For cakier muffins, bake a little longer.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a perfect example of how small swaps can make a big difference. By using pumpkin instead of eggs and oil, you’re:

Cutting down on calories and fat
Adding fiber and nutrients
Keeping the recipe vegan-friendly (if your cake mix is dairy-free)
Simplifying the process to just two ingredients

It’s almost foolproof, which is why it’s so popular in the Weight Watchers community.

Serving Ideas

Dessert: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea as an evening treat.
Snack: Pack one in your lunchbox for a mid-afternoon chocolate fix.
Party Platter: Arrange on a tray with fresh fruit and light whipped cream for a healthier dessert spread.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love them because they taste like brownies, and parents love them because they’re healthier.

Conclusion

The Weight Watchers Brownie Muffins are more than just a recipe—they’re a lifesaver for anyone who wants to stay on track with their health goals while still enjoying chocolate. They’re quick, affordable, and incredibly versatile. With endless variations and almost no prep time, you can whip up a batch whenever the craving hits.

At just 1 point per muffin, there’s no guilt involved—only satisfaction. Whether you’re a Weight Watchers member, someone watching calories, or simply a home baker looking for an easy recipe, this is one you’ll come back to again and again.