Pumpkin Cake with Cake Mix recipe
Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with this simple and delicious Pumpkin Cake made with yellow cake mix. Combining the ease of a box mix with rich pumpkin puree and warm cinnamon, this dessert is perfect for any autumn gathering.
The moist texture and irresistible pumpkin flavor make it an instant favorite, ideal for both casual family dinners and festive holiday events. With minimal effort, you’ll have a homemade dessert that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe delivers consistent results. Enjoy it as is, or add your favorite frosting for a sweet finishing touch!
Pumpkin Cake with Cake Mix: Ingredients Breakdown
Yellow Cake Mix
The foundation of this recipe, providing structure and a subtle sweetness, while making the preparation effortless.
Pumpkin Puree
Infuses the cake with a rich, earthy flavor and a tender, moist texture, embodying the essence of fall.
Eggs
Essential for binding the ingredients together, ensuring a soft and fluffy cake.
Vegetable Oil
Adds moisture and richness, enhancing the cake’s tender crumb without overwhelming the flavors.
Cinnamon
Brings warmth and a fragrant spice, elevating the pumpkin’s natural sweetness into a cozy, autumnal delight.
Pumpkin Cake with Cake Mix: Recipe Tips, Serving Suggestions, and FAQ
Recipe Tips
- Use Pure Pumpkin, Not Pumpkin Pie Filling
When selecting your pumpkin puree, ensure it’s 100% pure pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugar and spices that can throw off the balance of the cake’s sweetness and texture. Pure pumpkin adds the rich, earthy flavor without altering the recipe. - Don’t Overmix the Batter
Mixing your ingredients just until they’re combined is crucial to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to the development of too much gluten in the batter, resulting in a tougher texture. Stir gently until you have a smooth, lump-free consistency, but stop as soon as the ingredients are fully blended. - Enhance Flavor with Add-Ins
For a more elevated flavor profile, consider adding a handful of mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries. These ingredients not only add a fun texture but also bring out complementary flavors to the pumpkin and cinnamon. Be mindful to fold them in gently at the end to avoid overmixing.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Cake
- Whipped Cream or Cream Cheese Frosting
A light and airy dollop of whipped cream perfectly balances the rich, spiced flavors of the pumpkin cake. If you prefer something richer, try a classic cream cheese frosting. The slight tang of the frosting adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake. - Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve warm slices of pumpkin cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful hot-and-cold contrast. The creamy, cool texture of the ice cream melts into the cake, enhancing the overall flavor experience. - Warm Spiced Apple Cider
A cozy pairing for fall, spiced apple cider complements the pumpkin cake’s cinnamon and earthy undertones. The warmth and slight acidity of the cider help balance the sweetness of the dessert, making it a perfect autumnal match.
FAQ
- Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! While yellow cake mix provides a neutral base, you can experiment with spice cake or vanilla cake mix for additional layers of flavor. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap out the regular cake mix for a gluten-free version. Just ensure the other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free as well. - Can I freeze this pumpkin cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. - Can I make cupcakes instead of a full cake?
Definitely! Simply pour the batter into lined cupcake tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake at the same temperature but reduce the baking time to 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
This enhanced Pumpkin Cake recipe is perfect for fall gatherings or as a comforting treat at home, with versatile serving suggestions and helpful tips that ensure success every time.
Pumpkin Cake with Cake Mix
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup water
- 1 15.25-ounce box yellow cake mix
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it to ensure easy removal of the cake.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, water, and cinnamon. Stir the ingredients thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
