This Pumpkin Spice Cake is so easy to make. It's moist and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice to satisfy your fall cravings.
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❤️ Why You'll Love It
- You only need two simple ingredients, the frosting is optional, which makes this moist cake budget-friendly.
- It takes only five minutes to prep this cake, so you don't have to worry about spending a lot of time in the kitchen or necessarily need an electric mixer.
- The cake is filled with sweet pumpkin and warm spices flavor so it's perfect for fall.
Why wait until Thanksgiving to make this tasty cake? You can make it any day of the week, it's that easy to make!
📝 Ingredients
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📋 Ingredient Notes
- Spice Cake Mix - Using a boxed spice cake mix gives this cake not only a great flavor but makes it easy to make. You will need a box of your favorite brand.
- Pumpkin Puree - I used canned pumpkin puree, however, you can use homemade cooked pumpkin also.
- Frosting - Pick up your favorite type of frosting, or whip up a batch of homemade frosting. I like to use this simple cream cheese frosting recipe.
🥄 Instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- In a large mixing bowl mix together pumpkin puree and dry cake mix.
- Pour the cake batter into the pan and bake in the center of your 350-degree preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
💡 Tips for Success
- Prepare your baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or you can grease and flour your dish this will prevent the cake from sticking.
- If you want to remove the cake from the baking dish and serve it on a cake platter instead of from the baking dish then I recommend that you line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Before you purchase your cake mix in the grocery store, check the ounces on the boxes, some of the boxes have shrunk in size. Look for a mix that has 15.25 ounces for the best results in this recipe.
- When it comes to baking cakes, I've found that using an aluminum cake pan works best, however, you can use glass as well.
- Make sure to let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting
🧺 Storage
The unfrosted pumpkin spice cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Or store the frosted cake in the fridge for up to one week.
⌛ Make Ahead
One great thing about easy two-ingredient cakes like this one is that they can be made ahead. You can make this cake up to 24 hours in advance. I like to make mine the night so I know it will be fresh and moist the next day.
🍽️ Serve With
This delicious cake is a great way to end your holiday meal. And these Roasted Turkey and Cheesy Mashed Potatoes recipes are always on my holiday dinner table.
However, you can also serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of your favorite coffee or tea.
👩🍳 Variations
- For a more intense pumpkin spice flavor, add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cake batter.
- You can also use white or yellow cake mix and add some pumpkin pie spice to it.
- You can also add some chopped nuts, dried cranberries or chocolate chips to the batter for an extra crunch and burst of flavor.
- Pour the batter into mini muffins or bundt pan for a change. Adjust baking time accordingly.
- Top your cake with your favorite frosting, or with a sprinkle of powdered sugar if you are not a fan of frosting.
💬 FAQs
You can check if your cake is finished baking by inserting a toothpick or cake tester in the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean, then your cake is ready to be taken out of the oven. You can also gently press down on the top of the cake - if it springs back, then it's done baking.
Pumpkin puree is simply cooked pumpkin that has been pureed into a smooth consistency. Pumpkin pie mixture, on the other hand, contains added sugar and spices for a specific flavor intended for use in pumpkin pie recipes.
📣 Related Recipes
- This Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is another easy and delicious pumpkin dessert that will be a hit at any fall gathering.
- If you love the flavor of pumpkin spice with the addition of nuts you may also enjoy this Pecan Pumpkin Cake recipe.
- Do you love chocolate cake and pumpkin? If so, you will fall in love with this Chocolate Pumpkin Cake recipe.
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🥣 Equipment
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- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or a wooden spoon.
- 9x13 baking dish - Metal or glass.
Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake
Ingredients
- 15 oz box Spice cake mix
- 1 can pumpkin puree 15oz
- 1-2 cup cream cheese frosting or dusting of powdered sugar or any frosting of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and line an 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside
- In a large mixing bowl combine cake mix with pumpkin purée well using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Pour the cake batter into the pan and bake in the center of your oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
- You can use any frosting you like, our favorite is cream cheese frosting.
- Use canned or homemade pumpkin puree.
- Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.
Leftover, unfrosted pumpkin spice cake can stay fresh on the counter for up to 4 days.
Refrigerate leftover cake in an airtight container for up to a week.
Leftover stale pumpkin spice cake are great to make pumpkin cakesicles. Variations:
To make pumpkin spice cupcakes: Divide the batter between two cupcake tins (12 cupcakes each) and bake for 15 minutes.
To make a layer cake: Pour cake into two 8-inch cake pans and bake for 20-25 minutes then spread frosting in the middle and on top. Decorate as you like.
Use sweet potatoes instead of pumpkin puree for a different flavor.
Add more spices if you like cloves, cinnamon or nutmeg are among the best spices for fall treats.
Mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty flavor and a crunch.
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