Every fall I stock up on Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix ($2.99). Why do I stock up? Well first of all, they’re so darn good for a box mix. Secondly, I bought a box to try out several years ago, and by the time I went back for more, they were completely sold out.
These are great to have on hand during the busy fall months, and they are super easy to make.
If you haven’t tried these, or you’ve never been to a Trader Joe’s, keep reading until the end to find out how to enter to win this lovely gift basket. You can make these in your own home, while spreading a little joy (in some bellies!) with the ones you love.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix
- 1 full package of mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
Preheat oven to 400 degrees for muffins.
Follow mixing instructions on box for muffins. (You can make a loaf or muffins, but I always make the muffins.)
I love to add walnuts to this mix. I fold in about 1 cup of walnuts.
Tip: If you buy halved walnuts like I do (great snack at home), just put a cup of them in a Ziploc bag, crush them with the bottom of your measuring cup, and you’ve got crushed walnuts.
Bake muffins for 18-20 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
These muffins are heavenly with a little cream cheese frosting on top. You can buy a container from the store or make your own.
If you’re looking for a frosting that is more on the cream cheesy side, and less sweet, click on the link below to try this Martha Stewart recipe I used.
Recipe link: Martha Stewart’s Cream Cheese Frosting
For this frosting recipe, I melted the butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Then I combined it with the cream cheese and vanilla, and gradually added the sugar. I accidentally added 1 tablespoon of vanilla, but it wasn’t bad. I also added a ¼ cup more of confectioners’ sugar.
Top those babies with a walnut piece, and ta-da! You look like a pro baker!
Goes great with a cup of coffee, too!
So now on to the GIVEAWAY!!!
One of my favorite things to do is make gift baskets and simply GIVE. Giving itself is a gift. Not only do you get to give, but you spread joy.
Often, the smallest, most thoughtful gifts are the best. When our kids were little, they would pick beautiful wildflowers for me (sometimes weeds!), but it was the sweetest.
Contents of gift basket include:
- Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix
- Sur La Table ~ Baking Cups
- Hearth & Hand with Magnolia ~ “Joy” Coffee Mug
- Hearth & Hand with Magnolia ~ Kitchen Towel
- Hearth & Hand with Magnolia ~ Beechwood Spatulas (2 piece set)
- Maggie’s Blend Votive Candle
*Giveaway ends Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 11:59pm CST. Winner will be notified November 8th. Must be 18 years or older and a US resident. I am not getting compensated by any of the companies in this giveaway. It is simply put together by me, just because I thought it would be fun to spread a little joy this fall.
To enter to win, leave a comment below and tell us about one little thing that brings you joy. Anything.
Yummy. I can’t wait to try it !!!
One thing that bringns me joy is family and good food!
Thanks for the post!
Thanks for reading, Andela! I love your comment and I definitely agree with you!
Your pictures make everything look amazing! I love reading your posts. And right now in my life, time is what brings me joy and is oh so precious!
Thanks for taking the time to stop by, Joy! I know exactly what you mean, and it is SO precious. Love you! {insert big heart emoji here!!!}
I LOVE your post! I love the pictures, and I love making baskets as well. I know I will be hooked on this blog! I am finding pure joy in FAMILY TIME! It can be as simple as time on the couch watching a family movie or a late night talk about what is happening in our life at the moment and even walking out and looking at the stars with my girls and even sitting in the deer stand with my son! TIME IS PRICELESS and FULL OF JOY!
Hi sweet Christine! So glad to have you here! Thanks so much for your support. And yes, love family time! You’re right, it is priceless for sure.
Looks yummy! Might have to make some! What brings me joy is pretty simple Family!! On another note though there is a lot that brings me JOY these days, like hanging out with good friends and drinking good wine! Now that is pretty joyful!! My dogs, shopping, the weather, just life itself!! 🤗👍
Oh yes, Mel! Family, friends and wine! Those bring me joy, too. Thanks for being a sweet friend of mine.
❤️❤️❤️
I love to bake for other people and see the smile on their face when they take the first bite. It is truly a labor of love.
Yes, it sure is Tena. I bet you are a wonderful baker!
Spending quality time with the people I love.
And being able to see the beauty in the most simplistic things in life.
Awe mom, yes I agree. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. Love you!
My kids give me joy (well sometimes lol) but when my little boy tells me he still loves me when I’m a brat or prays for 4 minutes thank God for literally everything it melts my heart! Also Christmas season gives me joy!!!!!
Oh Nikki, your babies are the sweetest! I love the Christmas season, too. I even caught myself humming a Christmas song earlier today, and my son was like really mom?
Hanging out at home with family and diesel is what brings me joy❤️ Love reading your blogs! Can’t wait for more !
Awe I know you love your sweet family and Diesel. Thanks a bunch for your support, Elisa!
What brings me joy, My kids…. My grandbabies….. Having the ability ( dt social media ) to watch thru post ALL my amazingly talented cousin’s….. Books…. Blogs…. Spreading the word of God to young minds…. I am blessed to have each and everyone of y’all, especially that SUZIE homemaker… ( Your daddy ) Keep up the wonderful words. We love y’all
💕 Ur WI Family….
Hi Nikki! Awe Suzie homemaker!! Lol love my daddy! Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and leave your super sweet thoughts about the family. I know everyone misses you all! Love y’all, too!
I definitely want to try this recipe! ❤️
Looks yummy!
What brings me JOY honestly is helping others … I love the feeling of being able to help some one in the time of need. The smile on their faces is like no other, warms my ❤️.
Hey V! You are SO good at helping others and you do it for so many people! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Today’s the 1st time I read this I really like what you have written and all your pictures I can’t wait to try that pumpkin muffin mix looks absolutely delicious but then again anything I’ve tasted of yours has been delicious. It would be nice to win the basket it would bring a little joy to my life at this point in time.
Hi Sandy! So glad you came by to visit my little blog! Thanks for taking the time to leave your kind comment. Sending big hugs your way!
I love Fall and all the yummy treats to eat. Soups, chili, and spiced everything! The flavored coffees and teas taste so much better in the cool weather. I find so much JOY in cooking/baking for my family. We love eating together and celebrating a great day. It’s a huge blessing to be able to stay at home and go all the important things my family needs.
Hey Nicole! Mmmm yes, I love all of that, too! I just love seeing pics of your sweet family on social media, they are so precious. Thanks for stopping by.
It brings me JOY to say there’s joy in Jesus. Even when the days seem long and hard, there’s a lightness to the load when the day can be seen thru His eyes. And, of course, your Uncle who still feels such joy in his heart and shows love for others in the midst of his own illness. It makes me sad to watch him decline, but brings me joy to know He is loved by the One who matters most. How sweet it is to be loved. 💕
How sweet it is, Aunt Julie. I have always been inspired by the way you (and Uncle Ernie) have loved God, even in the midst of all that life brings. Thank you for taking the time to share your heart. Love you both.
My post did not post? So sad, your blog brings joy to all!!
Hi Sandy! It did post. It’s a few comments up. 😉 Thanks again for checking back and I’m so glad you enjoy it!