Easy 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake: Your Perfect Fall & Holiday Dessert
Craving a warm, comforting dessert that captures the essence of fall and winter without hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this incredibly easy 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake! Made with just two main ingredients – a humble spice cake mix and creamy canned pumpkin puree – this recipe delivers a tender, moist, and utterly delicious cake that’s ready in under an hour. It’s the ultimate hassle-free solution for your seasonal dessert needs, offering a delightful blend of warm spices and pumpkin goodness that will instantly transport you to cozy autumn evenings.
This quick pumpkin cake is a true lifesaver when unexpected guests arrive or when that sudden craving for something sweet and festive hits. With its rich, aromatic flavor profile and wonderfully moist texture, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Elevate its charm and taste by adding optional white chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness or festive fall sprinkles for a pop of color and fun. This simple cake recipe is not only convenient but also offers a slightly healthier twist by replacing traditional oil with nutrient-rich pumpkin, making it a dessert you can feel good about enjoying!
🧡 About This Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe
This incredibly simple 2-ingredient pumpkin cake is the ultimate solution for all your fall baking desires, especially when time is of the essence. By combining a classic spice cake mix with creamy canned pumpkin, you get a wonderfully moist and decadent dessert brimming with all those nostalgic autumnal flavors we cherish. Imagine the comforting aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves filling your kitchen!
What makes this pumpkin spice cake even better? It’s remarkably versatile and easy to customize. While delicious on its own, adding a handful of white chocolate chips introduces an extra layer of sweetness and a delightful textural contrast. A scattering of fall-themed sprinkles not only enhances the presentation but also makes it perfect for holiday gatherings or festive celebrations. Best of all, this recipe offers a slightly healthier alternative to traditional cakes, as the pumpkin puree effortlessly replaces the oil, contributing to a rich moisture without the added fats. This results in a truly comforting and satisfying treat that turns out perfectly every single time, making it a go-to for busy bakers!
Can’t get enough of pumpkin desserts? Explore more of our favorites for seasonal indulgence. Try a batch of our delightful Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls for a flaky, creamy treat, or whip up some irresistible Pumpkin Cheesecake Whoopie Pies. For another incredibly simple option, don’t miss our 3-Ingredient Crockpot Pumpkin Spice Dump Cake!
What Readers Are Saying About This Simple Pumpkin Cake…
“The white chocolate chips add the perfect bit of sweetness! I’m so glad to see a cake recipe without frosting!”
– Sandra
🧂 Gather Your Minimal Ingredients
The beauty of this easy pumpkin spice cake lies in its minimal ingredient list. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor and moisture you can achieve with just a couple of key items. Here’s what you’ll need for this quick dessert:
- Spice Cake Mix: This is the foundation of our easy pumpkin dessert. While I often use Betty Crocker’s spice cake mix for its consistent quality and delightful flavor profile, any brand you prefer will yield fantastic results. The pre-mixed spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are what give this cake its signature autumnal warmth. If you’re feeling adventurous or can’t find a spice cake mix, you can easily make your own by combining basic dry ingredients and spices (see our “Expert Tips” section for how!).
- Canned Pumpkin Puree: This is the secret to our moist spice cake and the natural replacement for oil. It’s crucial to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already contains added sugar and spices, which would make your cake overwhelmingly sweet and spiced when combined with the cake mix. Always double-check the label to ensure you have pure pumpkin for the best results.
- White Chocolate Chips (Optional): For an added touch of sweetness and a creamy texture, white chocolate chips are a fantastic complement to the spice and pumpkin flavors. They melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of rich, sweet goodness throughout the cake.
- Fall-Themed Sprinkles (Optional): These are purely for aesthetic appeal and to make your pumpkin cake more festive! Whether you’re making this for a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dinner, or just a cozy fall evening, sprinkles can add a fun, seasonal touch to your presentation.
🔪 Let’s Make This Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake!
Making this 2-ingredient pumpkin cake is truly as simple as it gets. You’ll be enjoying a slice of homemade fall perfection in no time! Follow these straightforward steps for a quick and delicious outcome:
(Or click here to jump right to the recipe card with measurements!)
1. Add Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the entire box of spice cake mix with the can of pure pumpkin puree. If you’re opting for a little extra sweetness and texture, now is also the time to toss in the white chocolate chips. This is the core of our easy 2-ingredient cake!
2. Combine Thoroughly
Using a sturdy spoon or an electric mixer on low speed, mix the ingredients until a thick, uniform batter forms. The batter for this spice cake mix with pumpkin will naturally be denser than a typical cake batter – this is perfectly normal due to the pumpkin replacing the oil. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the dry mix. Mix just until combined, aiming to eliminate most lumps without overmixing, which can lead to a tougher cake.
3. Bake and Enjoy!
Prepare your baking pan by coating it generously with non-stick cooking spray, or by lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the thick spice cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. If you’re using fall-themed sprinkles, scatter them over the top for a festive finish. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once baked, let your delicious quick pumpkin cake cool slightly before slicing and serving. Get ready to enjoy the comforting flavors of fall!
💡 Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Pumpkin Spice Cake
Even though this is an incredibly simple recipe, a few expert tips can elevate your 2-ingredient pumpkin cake from great to absolutely outstanding. Pay attention to these details for perfect results every time:
- DIY Spice Cake Mix: If you can’t find a spice cake mix or prefer to make your own from scratch, it’s quite simple! Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, and ¼ teaspoon allspice. This homemade blend can be used directly in place of the 13.25-ounce box of store-bought mix. This way, you always have the option for a homemade spice cake!
- Doneness Test: Always use the toothpick test to ensure your cake is fully baked through. Insert a clean toothpick into the very center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter), your cake is done. If it comes out with raw batter, bake for a few more minutes and test again. This prevents an undercooked center and an overly dry exterior.
- Proper Pan Preparation: To guarantee your moist spice cake slides out of the pan effortlessly, ensure proper preparation. Grease your baking pan with butter or oil, then dust it lightly with flour. Alternatively, lining the pan with parchment paper (with a slight overhang on the sides) is a foolproof method for easy removal. This is especially helpful for quick desserts where you want minimal fuss.
- Don’t Overmix: While it’s important to combine the ingredients until no dry streaks remain, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, chewier cake rather than the tender, moist texture we’re aiming for. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before attempting to invert it or slice it. This allows the cake to set properly and prevents it from crumbling. If serving directly from the pan, it’s fine to cut it warm!
❔ Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Cake
No, these two are distinctly different and not interchangeable in this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, containing ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. If used with spice cake mix, the combined flavors would be overwhelming and excessively sweet. Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree for this recipe to achieve the intended balanced flavor and moisture.
Absolutely! This is one of the fantastic benefits of this easy 2-ingredient cake. Pumpkin puree is an excellent, healthier substitute for oil in many baked goods, including cake and brownie mixes. It adds moisture, richness, and beneficial nutrients without the added fat, making for a surprisingly indulgent cake that’s a little bit better for you. The high water content in pumpkin helps keep the cake incredibly moist.
Pumpkin is a true nutritional powerhouse! It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly Vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene, which gives it its vibrant orange color), Vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Incorporating pumpkin into your desserts not only adds delicious flavor but also a boost of antioxidants and essential nutrients, contributing to a healthier treat compared to oil-laden alternatives.
It’s completely normal for this pumpkin cake batter to be thicker than what you might be used to with traditional cake recipes. Since pumpkin puree is the only liquid ingredient and it’s quite dense, it creates a very thick batter. Don’t worry, this dense batter is what contributes to the incredibly moist and tender texture of the finished cake!
If you find yourself loving the delightful pumpkin-white chocolate combination in this recipe, you absolutely must try these Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies! They’re soft, chewy, and packed with irresistible flavor, making them another perfect fall treat.
📝 Creative Substitutions and Variations for Your Pumpkin Cake
This easy pumpkin spice cake is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to easily customize it to your personal preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these delicious substitutions and variations to make it uniquely yours:
- Nutty Add-ins: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or even candied pecans. These can be used instead of, or in addition to, the white chocolate chips, providing a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft cake.
- Fruity Enhancements: Dried cranberries or raisins are fantastic additions, bringing a chewy texture and a tart-sweet counterpoint to the rich pumpkin and spice flavors. Stir them into the batter along with or in place of chocolate chips.
- Chocolate Choices: If white chocolate isn’t your favorite, feel free to use a blend of white chocolate and milk chocolate chips, or even semi-sweet chocolate chips. Dark chocolate chunks would also offer a sophisticated bitter-sweet contrast.
- Spice It Up (or Down!): If you want to intensify the autumn flavors, add an extra pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or a dash of pumpkin pie spice to the batter. This allows you to tailor the spice level to your exact liking, ensuring a truly personal autumnal pumpkin cake.
- Creamy Swirl: For an extra rich and creamy dimension, swirl about ¼ to ½ cup of softened cream cheese (whipped cream cheese works beautifully for this) into the batter just before baking. This creates a delightful, tangy layer that complements the sweet pumpkin and warm spices perfectly.
- Different Pan Sizes: This recipe can easily be adapted for different baking pans. For cupcakes, fill liners about two-thirds full and reduce baking time to 18-22 minutes. For a bundt cake, increase baking time slightly (around 35-45 minutes) and ensure the pan is well-greased and floured.
Kristin’s Kitchen Tip
Don’t be concerned if the cake batter seems a bit thicker than what you’re used to! Because pumpkin puree is the only ingredient aside from the cake mix, it’s completely normal and expected if the batter is a little dense. This thickness is actually what contributes to the incredibly moist and tender texture of your finished pumpkin spice cake.
🥡 Storing Your Delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake
Proper storage ensures your moist pumpkin cake stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors for days. This quick dessert is perfect for making ahead!
To maintain its freshness, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you prefer to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it for an additional 2-3 days. Be aware that refrigeration can sometimes slightly alter the texture and dry out the cake a bit, so bringing it back to room temperature before serving is recommended.
For longer storage, this spice cake mix with pumpkin freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Keep This Recipe Handy!
Don’t have time to bake this incredible spice cake mix with pumpkin recipe right now? No problem! Click on or tap the heart icon on the BOTTOM RIGHT of the screen to easily save it for later, so you can whip up this amazing fall dessert whenever the craving strikes!
🍴 What To Serve With This Easy Pumpkin Cake
While this 2-ingredient pumpkin cake is delightful on its own, a few simple additions can transform it into an even more indulgent treat, perfect for any fall or winter gathering. Here are some ideas to serve alongside your quick dessert:
- Frosting & Glazes: Enhance the flavors by topping your slice with a decadent cream cheese frosting – a classic pairing with spice and pumpkin. For a lighter touch, a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a splash of milk or water) adds just the right amount of sweetness. Our easy chocolate glaze or even just a dusting of powdered sugar makes for a lovely finish.
- Warm Beverages: Pair this cozy cake with a steaming mug of your favorite beverage. A rich, dark coffee, a spiced chai tea latte, or a homemade slow cooker hot chocolate will beautifully complement the cake’s warm spices. For a simpler option, a cold glass of milk is always a perfect accompaniment.
- Frozen Treats: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over a warm slice of pumpkin cake is pure heaven. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a light, airy contrast to the dense cake.
- Fruit Compote: A homemade apple or pear compote, lightly spiced with cinnamon, can add a fresh, fruity element that brightens the overall dessert.
😋 More Easy & Delicious Cake Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this pumpkin spice cake, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic cake recipes, ranging from no-bake delights to rich layered creations, that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth:
- Refrigerator Cake – The ultimate warm-weather dessert that requires no baking at all and is served refreshingly cold, perfect for a lighter sweet.
- No Bake Mango Cheesecake – Another no-bake wonder, this recipe creates a vibrant, creamy, and fruity cheesecake that’s surprisingly easy to make.
- Mocha Hazelnut Layer Cake – For those who adore the combination of coffee and chocolate, this decadent layered dessert, featuring rich hazelnut buttercream, is an absolute must-try.
- Banana Rum Cake – This unique recipe from Cocktails and Appetizers combines the sweet, moist goodness of banana cake with a delightful hint of rum for an adult-friendly treat.
get your copy now!
Need help with dinner?
- 24 quick, delicious recipes
- 1 month of meal plans
- pre-filled grocery lists
- and more!
Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cake Mix
⭐ Did you make this recipe? Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇
📋 Recipe Card: Easy 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake
Spice Cake Mix with Pumpkin
5 minutes
25 minutes
16
Ingredients
- 13.25 ounces spice cake mix (1 box)
- 15 ounces pure pumpkin (1 can)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- Fall-themed sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it, or lining with parchment paper.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pure pumpkin puree, and white chocolate chips (if using).13.25 ounces spice cake mix,
15 ounces pure pumpkin,
1 cup white chocolate chips -
Mix until a thick batter forms, ensuring all dry ingredients are incorporated. Do not overmix.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Distribute fall-themed sprinkles on top (if desired).Fall-themed sprinkles
-
Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For more delicious add-ins, try chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins) in addition to, or instead of, the white chocolate chips. These add great texture and flavor dimensions.
- To boost the spice flavor to your liking, add an extra pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the batter before mixing. This allows for a customizable spice level.
- For an even richer and creamier cake, swirl about ¼ cup of softened cream cheese (whipped cream cheese works exceptionally well) into the batter before baking. This creates a delightful tangy layer that perfectly complements the pumpkin and spice notes.
Additional Serving Suggestions:
- Top your warm slice of cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a splash of milk, or simply dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
- This comforting cake pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee, a fragrant spiced tea, or even a classic cold glass of milk for a truly cozy treat.
- Consider serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Make Your Own Spice Cake Mix:
If you can’t find a store-bought spice cake mix or prefer a homemade version, combine the following dry ingredients in a bowl. Use this mixture in place of the 13.25-ounce box of store-bought spice cake mix mentioned in the recipe card.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 172kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 26g
|
Protein: 2g
|
Fat: 7g
|
Saturated Fat: 3g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
|
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
|
Cholesterol: 2mg
|
Sodium: 166mg
|
Potassium: 167mg
|
Fiber: 1g
|
Sugar: 18g
|
Vitamin A: 4140IU
|
Vitamin C: 1mg
|
Calcium: 51mg
|
Iron: 1mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
Update Notes: This post was originally published in October 2014, and was republished with updated tips, step-by-step photos, enhanced details, and a recipe refresh in September 2024.
Thanks so much for reading and for exploring this wonderful Easy 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake recipe! I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful fall dessert. I also invite you to follow me on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, or INSTAGRAM to keep up with what’s going on in my kitchen, discover new recipes, and connect with our community of home cooks.
And you might want to check out my Dizzy Busy and Hungry store on Amazon for a whole bunch of great kitchen products I love and recommend to make your cooking adventures even easier!
Happy cooking, and happy fall baking!
