Why Make This Recipe
This 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake is incredibly simple and quick to make. You need only three basic items, making grocery shopping easy. The cake is delicious, full of pumpkin and spice flavors. It works for any occasion, from family dinners to casual treats. Plus, you can easily change it to fit your taste.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake
Making this cake is very straightforward. You combine the ingredients and bake. The pumpkin puree acts as a binder and adds moisture, so you do not need eggs or oil. This recipe is perfect for when you want a cozy fall treat without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients of : 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake
- One 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree (ensure it is 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!)
- One box of spice cake mix
- A splash of water or milk (optional, for desired consistency)
Directions of : 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Preheat your oven to the temperature stated on the cake mix box.
- Grease and flour your chosen baking pan.
- In a large bowl, empty the spice cake mix.
- Add the entire can of pumpkin puree.
- If the batter is too thick, add one or two tablespoons of water or milk.
- Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan.
- Bake according to the cake mix box instructions, or until a toothpick put into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then move it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake
Serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also dust it with powdered sugar or cinnamon. For a fancier touch, drizzle caramel sauce or add cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top. It pairs well with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a pumpkin spice latte. You can also serve it with a scoop of apple crisp.
How to Store 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake
Store any leftover cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you add cream cheese frosting, store the cake in the refrigerator.
Tips to Make 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Do not overmix! Mix only until the ingredients are just combined. This prevents the cake from becoming tough.
- Check your can. Make sure you use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling has sugar and spices, which would make the cake too sweet and change the flavor.
- Adjust consistency. Use water or milk carefully if the batter is too thick; a little goes a long way.
- Baking time. Adjust baking time if you use a different pan, like a Bundt pan or for cupcakes.
Variation
- Spice It Up: Add an extra ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger or cloves for a stronger spice flavor. A pinch of nutmeg also adds warmth.
- Texture Tweaks: Add ¼ cup of chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the batter for more texture and flavor.
- Pan Options: This recipe works well as a sheet cake, cupcakes, or mini loaves. For cupcakes, fill liners about two-thirds full and bake for 18-22 minutes.
- Alternative Cake Mix: You can try different cake mixes like yellow or vanilla, but the spice flavor will be milder. Consider adding extra pumpkin pie spice if you do this.
FAQs
Q: Do I need eggs or oil for this 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake?
A: No, you do not. The pumpkin puree binds the ingredients and adds moisture, so eggs and oil are not needed.
Q: Can I make this 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can. Simply use a gluten-free spice cake mix, and follow the rest of the steps as written.
Q: My 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake seems a bit dense. What did I do wrong?
A: A common reason for a dense cake is overmixing the batter. Mix only until the items are combined. Also, check that your oven temperature is accurate.
Classic 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking pan
- Large bowl
- Mixing spoon/spatula
- Toothpick
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 15-ounce can pumpkin puree ensure it is 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!
- 1 box spice cake mix
- A splash water or milk optional, for desired consistency
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box.
- Prepare your chosen baking pan by greasing and flouring it.
- In a large bowl, combine the entire box of spice cake mix with the full can of pumpkin puree.
- If the batter appears too thick, incorporate one or two tablespoons of water or milk to reach the desired consistency.
- Mix the ingredients gently until they are just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the well-mixed batter into your prepared baking pan.
- Bake following the cake mix box instructions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.