This Pumpkin 3 Ingredient Cake is super easy and tasty! You only need pumpkin puree, cake mix, and eggs to whip up this moist treat that’s perfect for fall.
Baking this cake feels like a magical spell—one minute you’re mixing, the next you’ve got a warm, fluffy delight! I love topping it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a little sweetness! 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as the filling contains added sugars and spices. If you don’t have canned, you can also use homemade puree from roasted pumpkin.
Spice Cake Mix: A box of spice cake mix adds warm flavors to your cake. If you don’t have spice cake, you can substitute it with yellow cake mix. Just add a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg to get some spice back!
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients and add moisture. For a vegan option, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg, or try a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
How Do I Ensure My Cake Turns Out Moist and Fluffy?
Getting the right texture in this cake is all about mixing the ingredients properly. Here’s how to do it:
- When mixing, combine the pumpkin, cake mix, and eggs until smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Use room temperature eggs for easier incorporation and better rise.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready!
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding toppings to maintain that fluffy texture. Temperature difference can affect moisture, so don’t rush this step!
How to Make Pumpkin 3 Ingredient Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 box spice cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool for a bit before serving. In total, plan for about 1 hour, plus cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important to ensure your cake bakes evenly. Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make clean-up easier!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, spice cake mix, and eggs. Use a spatula or a whisk to mix everything together. Stir until the batter is smooth, and all ingredients are well combined. It should look nice and creamy!
3. Pour the Batter:
Once your batter is ready, pour it into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan so that it bakes uniformly.
4. Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, it’s time to take it out!
5. Cool the Cake:
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will help it set and make it easier to slice later.
6. Add Toppings:
Once the cake is cool, you can add some delicious whipped cream on top if you’d like! Sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for an extra flavor boost.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the cake into squares and serve it up! Enjoy this tasty, moist pumpkin cake that’s perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Other Flavors of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While a spice cake mix adds wonderful autumn flavors, you can easily substitute it with yellow cake mix or even chocolate cake mix for a unique twist. Just remember to add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to keep some spice flavor!
Can I Make This Cake Without Eggs?
Yes, you can! Substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) to keep it moist and help it bind together.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
Can I Frost This Cake?
Sure! Feel free to frost it with cream cheese frosting or any favorite icing for a sweet touch. Just make sure the cake is completely cooled before applying any frosting to prevent it from melting!
