Yes, you can definitely add pumpkin to spice cake mix! In fact, it’s a very popular and easy way to make a delicious pumpkin spice cake or bread.
The pumpkin adds moisture and a lovely subtle pumpkin flavor that complements the spices in the cake mix perfectly.
That cozy feeling of fall – the crisp air, the changing leaves, and oh, those yummy pumpkin spice smells.
Ever get a craving for those warm, comforting flavors but don’t have a lot of time or energy for complicated baking? You’re not alone.
Imagine biting into a super moist and flavorful cake that tastes just like autumn, but without all the fuss.
Well, guess what? There’s a super simple trick to making a fantastic pumpkin spice cake, and it all starts with a box of spice cake mix.
That’s right, you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen. By adding just one special ingredient – pumpkin – to that handy cake mix, you can whip up a truly delightful dessert.
This easy way to bake gives you a cake that’s super moist. It’s also full of that warm pumpkin spice taste we all love.
And it’s so simple! Even if you’re just starting to bake, you can do it. Get ready for a recipe that’s not stressful at all. It promises delicious, fall-flavored results that everyone will enjoy.
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Can You Add Pumpkin To Spice Cake Mix? How To Do It
Many recipes online use just two ingredients: a box of spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin puree. This combination creates a surprisingly moist and flavorful cake. Some people also add eggs or other ingredients for a slightly different texture.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Spice Cake Mix: Grab one of those regular-sized boxes, usually around 15 to 16 ounces.
- Pumpkin Puree: This is important! Make sure you get plain pumpkin puree, the kind that’s just cooked pumpkin. You’ll need one can, usually about 15 ounces. Don’t accidentally grab pumpkin pie filling – that already has spices and sugar in it!
And that’s it! Can you believe it? Just two things!
Now, let’s get baking:
Get Your Oven Ready
First things first, turn on your oven. Usually, you’ll want it around 350 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s about 175 degrees Celsius).
Also, grab a baking pan – a 9×13 inch pan works great for a cake. You can also take a little bigger pan, but make sure you don’t take the small ones. Now, give it a little grease with some butter or cooking spray so the cake doesn’t stick.
Mix It Up
In a big bowl, dump in the entire box of spice cake mix. Then, add the whole can of pumpkin puree.
Stir Gently
Now, take a spoon or a mixer and gently stir the cake mix and pumpkin together. Don’t overmix it! Just stir until everything is combined and you don’t see any drier cake mix. The batter will probably look a little thick, and that’s okay.
Pour and Bake
Pour that yummy batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Now, pop it into the preheated oven. It’ll usually take somewhere around 30 to 35 minutes to bake. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean.
Cool Down
Once it’s out of the oven, let the cake cool down completely in the pan. This is important because if you try to frost it while it’s still warm, the frosting will melt right off.
And there you have it! A super simple, incredibly moist, and wonderfully flavorful pumpkin spice cake with just two ingredients.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Cake
To make sure your easy pumpkin spice cake turns out absolutely perfect every time, here are a few helpful little secrets:
Be Gentle When Mixing
When you’re stirring the cake mix and pumpkin together, just mix until everything is combined.
If you stir it too much (we call that overmixing), it can make your cake tough instead of soft and fluffy. So, mix it until it just comes together, and then stop.
Puree Power
We talked about this before, but it’s super important: make sure you are using 100% pumpkin puree. It should just say “pumpkin” on the can.
Pumpkin pie filling already has spices and sugar added, and it will change how your cake turns out. You want just the plain cooked pumpkin for this recipe.
How to Know When It’s Ready
You don’t want to take your cake out too early or leave it in too long. Here’s a good trick: gently poke a toothpick into the center of the cake.
If the toothpick comes out clean, with no wet batter stuck to it, then your cake is perfectly baked! If there’s still wet batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven and check again.
Patience is Key (for Cooling)
It might be tempting to frost your cake right away because it smells so good, but try to resist! Let the cake cool down completely in the pan on a wire rack. If you try to put frosting on a warm cake, it will melt and slide right off.
Plus, letting it cool helps the cake set properly, making it easier to handle and giving it a better texture.
Pan Size Matters
The recipe we talked about is for a 9×13 inch pan. If you decide to use a different size pan, like a loaf pan or muffin tins, the baking time will change.
Smaller pans will bake faster, and larger or thicker cakes will take longer. Keep an eye on them and use the toothpick test to know when they’re done.
Make it Your Own
Want to add a little extra something special? You totally can.
Some yummy things to stir into your batter are chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate!), chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or a little extra of your favorite fall spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Feel free to get creative and make it your own.
How to Serve the Cake Mix with different Items?
Now that you’ve baked your super easy and delicious pumpkin spice cake, let’s think about how to make it even more amazing with some yummy frosting and serving ideas.
You’ve got a few great options here, depending on how much time you have and what you’re in the mood for.
Here are a few ideas to top off your masterpiece:
Classic Cream Cheese Frosting
This is a super popular choice for pumpkin spice cake, and it’s not too tricky to make.
Find easy recipes online or buy pre-made cream cheese frosting to save time. It’s creamy, a little bit tangy, and goes perfectly with the warm spices of the cake.
Sweet Vanilla Buttercream
Another fantastic and classic option is vanilla buttercream frosting. It’s sweet, smooth, and always a crowd-pleaser. Just like cream cheese frosting, you can easily find recipes to make it from scratch, or pick up a tub from the store.
Fall-Flavored Maple Glaze
If you want to really bring out those autumn vibes, a maple glaze is a wonderful choice. It’s usually made with powdered sugar and maple syrup (and sometimes a little milk or butter).
It’s thinner than frosting and gives the cake a lovely sweet and maple-y touch. You can just drizzle it over the cooled cake.
Keep it Simple with Powdered Sugar
If you’re short on time or just want a light and pretty finish, you can simply dust the top of your cooled cake with powdered sugar. It looks elegant and adds just a touch of sweetness.
Once your cake is frosted (or dusted!), here are some yummy ways to serve it:
Perfect with a Warm Drink
A slice of pumpkin spice cake goes wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. It’s the perfect cozy treat for a cool day.
Add a Scoop of Something Cold
For an extra special dessert, try serving your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a caramel swirl ice cream. The cold creaminess is a lovely contrast to the warm spices of the cake.
So, go ahead and choose your favorite topping and serving suggestion. No matter how you decide to finish it, your easy pumpkin spice cake is sure to be a hit!
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Adding pumpkin to a simple spice cake mix is truly the easiest way to whip up a wonderfully moist and flavorful fall treat. It’s quick, it’s simple, and the results are absolutely delicious.
We really encourage you to give this super easy recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how such few ingredients can create such a yummy cake!
Now we’re curious… what’s your absolute favorite way to frost a pumpkin spice cake? Share your ideas in the comments below.