Fall baking does not get easier than this 2 ingredient pumpkin spice cake. All you need is a box of spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin. That’s it! No eggs, no oil, no water, and no fancy steps. It bakes up soft, moist, and packed with cozy pumpkin spice flavor. Then we finish it with a quick vanilla powdered sugar glaze that takes about 2 minutes to whisk together.
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If you love pumpkin desserts but don’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen, this one is for you. It’s perfect for last-minute potlucks, Thanksgiving dessert tables, school bake sales, or a cozy weeknight treat.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Only 2 ingredients for the cake
- Ready for the oven in about 5 minutes
- Super moist and fluffy texture
- Simple 3 ingredient vanilla glaze on top
- Easy enough for beginner bakers
- Great for feeding a crowd
Pumpkin Spice Cake How To Video
2 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake with Vanilla Glaze
2 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake (with Vanilla Glaze)
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box spice cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz)
Be sure to grab pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling has added sugar and spices and will change the texture of your cake.
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, add the dry spice cake mix and the can of pumpkin puree.
- Stir until fully combined. The batter will be very thick, almost like a dough. Keep mixing until no dry spots remain.
- Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Use a spatula dampened with a little water to help smooth it out.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.
- While the cake cools, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cake, slice, and serve.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Thick batter is normal. Don’t add water or oil. The pumpkin provides all the moisture.
- Don’t overbake. Start checking at 25 minutes so the cake stays soft and moist.
- Adjust the glaze. Want it thicker? Add a little more powdered sugar. Want it thinner? Add milk, 1 teaspoon at a time.
- Glaze after cooling. Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes so the glaze sets instead of melting right in.
- Make cupcakes. Fill lined muffin tins about two-thirds full and bake for 18 to 22 minutes.
- Use a bundt pan. Grease it very well and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the top.
Fun Ways to Dress It Up
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the wet glaze
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream
- Fold chocolate chips or white chocolate chips into the batter
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze
How to Store Leftovers
Cover the cake tightly and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes! For the best results, freeze the cake without the glaze. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, then drizzle with fresh glaze before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
No. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that will throw off the texture. Stick with 100% pure pumpkin puree.
Why is my batter so thick?
This cake mix and pumpkin combo makes a thick batter by design. It bakes up soft and fluffy, so don’t thin it out.
Can I skip the glaze?
Of course! The cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds a little sweetness and makes it look bakery worthy.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! Yellow cake mix with pumpkin pie spice works well too, but spice cake mix gives the best flavor with no extra steps.
Can I make this in a different size pan?
Absolutely. Use two 8 inch round pans, a bundt pan, or a muffin tin. I used a 7 X 11 rectangular baking pan you can grab with my #walmartpartner link. Adjust the bake time as needed.
This 2 ingredient pumpkin spice cake with vanilla glaze is proof that simple really can be delicious. It’s the easiest fall dessert you’ll make all season, and everyone will ask for the recipe. Save it, share it, and enjoy every cozy bite!
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