There’s something magical about the aroma of a freshly baked spice cake wafting through the air. Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the warm scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin, creating an atmosphere that’s as cozy as your favorite sweater. This delightful combination brings back memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations, where every bite feels like a warm hug.

Now, let’s talk about that glorious moment when you take your first bite. The texture is perfectly moist, with just the right amount of spice to dance on your taste buds. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or simply a Tuesday afternoon, this cake is here to elevate any occasion and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy spice cake mix and pumpkin recipe combines convenience with unforgettable flavor
- The vibrant orange hue adds a festive touch to any dessert table
- Its moist texture and perfect spice balance make it irresistible to both kids and adults
- Ideal for potlucks, birthdays, or simply indulging on a quiet evening at home
I remember the first time I made this cake for my best friend’s birthday party. Everyone was raving about it, including her picky little brother who usually turns his nose up at anything remotely green or orange.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Spice Cake Mix: A convenient base that gives you all those wonderful spices without the fuss of measuring them out individually.
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Canned Pumpkin: Use pure pumpkin puree for moisture and flavor; skip the pumpkin pie filling to avoid extra sweetness.
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Eggs: Large eggs will help bind everything together and add richness to the batter.
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Vegetable Oil: This keeps your cake moist; don’t be shy with it!
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Water: Just enough to adjust the consistency; it should feel pourable but not too runny.
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Optional Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Toss in some walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor fun!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Kitchen: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix It Up: In a large mixing bowl, combine one box of spice cake mix with one can of pumpkin puree, three eggs, half a cup of vegetable oil, and one cup of water. Stir until smooth—don’t worry if there are a few lumps left!
Add Some Fun Extras: If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in half a cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into your batter. This adds delightful surprises in every bite!
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—this is when your kitchen will smell like heaven!
Cool It Down: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Patience is key; you want those flavors to settle in!
Now that you have this simple yet scrumptious recipe for spice cake mix and pumpkin ready to go, gather your friends and family around! Enjoy each slice while reminiscing over fond memories or creating new ones together—because nothing beats good food shared with good company!
You Must Know
- Spice cake mix and pumpkin create a deliciously moist cake, perfect for fall
- The sweet aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen will make you feel like you’ve jumped into a cozy sweater
- This recipe is easy, quick, and sure to impress!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the spice cake mix and pumpkin together until smooth. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes. This sequence ensures even baking and maximizes flavor.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to elevate the flavors. A dash of vanilla extract can also enhance the sweetness, making it even more delightful.
Storing & Reheating
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze for three months.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh pumpkin puree rather than canned for richer flavor
- Ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing; this helps with texture
- Always check for doneness with a toothpick before removing from the oven
The first time I made this cake, my friends devoured it in minutes! They insisted I make it every year since then—talk about a compliment!
FAQ
Can I use other cake mixes with pumpkin?
Absolutely! Chocolate or vanilla cake mixes also pair well with pumpkin.
How do I know when my cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Can I freeze this spice cake mix and pumpkin cake?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to three months.
Spice Cake with Pumpkin
Spice Cake with Pumpkin is a warm, inviting dessert that combines the rich flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin to create an unforgettable treat. Perfect for any occasion, this easy recipe yields a moist cake that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a slice of nostalgia in no time. Gather around the table and savor each bite while sharing cherished moments and making new memories.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix
- 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until smooth.
- Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg