Pumpkin cake is a delightful treat that brings a taste of fall to any occasion. The best part? This two-ingredient pumpkin cake is incredibly easy to make. With just a cake mix and pumpkin puree, you can create a moist, flavorful cake that is sure to impress your family and friends. It’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or even as a simple dessert after dinner. The simplicity of this recipe means you will be in and out of the kitchen in no time, making it a great option for busy lifestyles.
Making a cake can be intimidating, especially for beginners. But with only two ingredients, this pumpkin cake takes away the guesswork and complicated steps often found in traditional baking recipes. You don’t need to worry about measuring out flour, sugar, or other fuss. Just grab your spice cake mix and pumpkin puree, and let’s get started!
This cake is not only easy to prepare but also versatile. It can be enjoyed plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or with your favorite frosting. The taste is rich, moist, and bursting with warm spices that remind you of autumn.
HOW TO MAKE 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Cake
Ingredients:
- 15.25-ounce spice cake mix
- 15-ounce pumpkin puree
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that the cake bakes evenly.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease an 8 x 8 inch cake pan with non-stick cooking spray. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix and pumpkin puree. Use a spatula or a mixer to beat them together until the mixture is well combined. Make sure there are no lumps and everything is smooth.
- Pour the Batter: Transfer the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Be sure to spread it evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-28 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a cake tester or toothpick in the center. If it comes out almost clean, your cake is ready!
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool at room temperature before frosting if desired. This will help the frosting to stick better.
HOW TO SERVE 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Cake
This pumpkin cake can be served in several ways. For a simple dessert, serve it plain with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. If you want something a bit more decadent, consider frosting it with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream.
You can also enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, which pairs beautifully with the warm spices of the cake. Cut the cake into squares and serve on a dessert plate.
For those who love to add a personal touch, consider garnishing each slice with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce. This will add extra flavor and make the cake look even more inviting.
HOW TO STORE 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Cake
To store your pumpkin cake, first ensure that it is completely cooled. Once cooled, you can cover it with plastic wrap, or transfer it to an airtight container.
The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider refrigerating it. It can stay fresh in the fridge for about a week. If you prefer, you can also freeze the cake. Slice it into pieces and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen slices can last for about three months. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave.
TIPS TO MAKE 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Cake
- Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use 100% pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. The filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the taste and consistency of the cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the cake mix and pumpkin puree, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make your cake dense.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different. Check the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overcooking.
- Allow to Cool: Make sure the cake cools completely before adding frosting or serving. This helps maintain its structure and flavor.
- Experiment with Frostings: While this cake is delicious by itself, trying different frostings can change the entire experience. Cream cheese frosting, a simple glaze, or even chocolate frosting can work well with this cake.
VARIATIONS
If you want to mix things up, there are plenty of variations you can try:
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in some chocolate chips into the batter before baking for a sweet surprise.
- Use Different Cake Mix Flavors: While spice cake mix complements the pumpkin well, you can try using other flavors like yellow or chocolate cake mix for different tastes.
- Add Nuts: Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for an added texture.
- Make Cupcakes: Instead of baking in a cake pan, use muffin tins to create individual pumpkin cupcakes. Adjust baking time to around 15-20 minutes.
- Add Glazed Topping: Instead of frosting, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a different finish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it is cooked and blended until smooth, similar to the texture of canned pumpkin puree.
Q: Can I freeze baked pumpkin cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the pumpkin cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be kept for about three months.
Q: How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
A: The cake is done when a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean. If there are a few moist crumbs, that’s okay, but it shouldn’t have wet batter on it.
This simple two-ingredient pumpkin cake is a wonderful recipe to have on hand. Easy to make and delicious, it will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy baking!