Fall in love with the warm flavors of autumn with this irresistible 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Bread. And yes, all you need are two ingredients!
The combination of spice cake mix and pumpkin puree creates a flavor that's so good, you'll want to make it year-round! (But don't tell anyone how simple it is!)
This is just another one of my favorite easy pumpkin desserts that I enjoy making for my family.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Walking on Sunshine Recipes.
Cake Mix Pumpkin Bread at a Glance
Prep: 5 min | Bake: 35 min | Difficulty: Easy
What it is: A moist, flavorful pumpkin bread made with just two ingredients: spice cake mix and pumpkin puree, for a quick, cozy treat.
Why you’ll love it: It’s budget friendly, beginner friendly, and delivers fall flavor with almost no effort.
How to make it: Stir the pumpkin and cake mix together until smooth, pour into a loaf pan, and bake until the top is set and the center springs back.
👉 Want to save this recipe? My Ultimate Meal Planner & Recipe Binder is the perfect place to keep all your favorite recipes organized and ready to use again and again!
Table of Contents
- Cake Mix Pumpkin Bread at a Glance
- Tried, Loved, and Rated 5 Stars!
- What if I can't find a box of Spice Cake Mix?
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Directions
- Internal Temperature of Pumpkin Bread
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Storage and Thawing Tips:
- More Cake Mix Loaf Recipes to LOVE
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Thanksgiving Printables Your Family Will Love
- Recipe FAQ's
- 💬 Comments
Tried, Loved, and Rated 5 Stars!
"I made this twice so far and it was delicious and easy,I frosted it with a thin layer of cream cheese frosting,I will be making it again soon."
~ Maria
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What if I can't find a box of Spice Cake Mix?
If you can't find a spice cake mix in the grocery store, you can turn a vanilla or white cake mix into a spice cake mix by adding the following:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon allspice or cloves
Recommended Kitchen Tools
For a full list of kitchen tools used in this recipe, be sure to check the recipe card below. You can also browse my Favorite Kitchen Tools by clicking the photo below.
Check out my list...
My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
More InformationMore InformationMore InformationMore Information
Main Ingredients Needed
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Substitutions and Variations
Use up extra pumpkin: If you only have a large can of pumpkin, you’ll have leftovers—put them to good use by making Pumpkin Pancakes or Pumpkin Muffins later in the week.
Add crunch: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and a rich, nutty flavor.
Make it chocolatey: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips fold in easily and pair perfectly with the warm spices.
Switch up the shape: Bake the batter in mini loaf pans for gift-sized portions or turn it into muffins for a grab-and-go option.
Try a from-scratch version: Make sure you check out my Homemade Pumpkin Bread recipe if you’re looking for a version that doesn’t start with cake mix.
Step-by-Step Directions
This section includes step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, simply combine the ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until everything is well mixed.
Step 2: The batter comes together in just a few minutes!
Step 3: Use Parchment Baking Cookie Sheets to line the loaf pan. It makes it really easy to lift the bread out of the pan after it has baked.
Step 4: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Internal Temperature of Pumpkin Bread
The most reliable way to check doneness is by using an instant-read thermometer — the internal temperature should be between 195°F and 205°F.
You can also combine these quick visual and texture checks:
- Toothpick test: Insert into the center — it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Touch test: Gently press the center; if it springs back, it’s done.
- Edges pulling away: If the sides of the bread have slightly pulled from the pan, it’s typically fully baked.
Tip: Set your timer 3–5 minutes earlier than the suggested bake time since oven temperatures can vary.
Step 5 : Using the parchment paper, gently lift the bread out of the pan. It should release easily, making cleanup quick and simple.
Step 6: Allow the pumpkin bread with cake mix to cool on a baking rack for a few minutes before slicing and enjoying. Sprinkle with powdered sugar right before serving!
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO secure the parchment paper with clips or clothespins while pouring the batter to keep it from slipping, and don’t forget to remove them before baking.
❌ DO NOT overmix the batter — stirring too long can make the bread dense instead of light and soft.
Storage and Thawing Tips:
Refrigerator: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to mold. Then store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freezer: Place the wrapped bread in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thawing and Reheating: Allow the bread to defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Warm it up the next morning in the toaster or microwave.
More Cake Mix Loaf Recipes to LOVE
This recipe for two ingredient pumpkin bread is similar to my Pumpkin Spice Donuts or Cake Mix Pumpkin Bread recipes, which also use easy shortcuts for quick fall baking. Try them next if you enjoy simple pumpkin treats.
LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
❤️Tap the heart icon in the lower right corner to add the recipe to your recipe box for easy access anytime.
If you made it, leaving a star rating or quick review is always appreciated and helps other readers too.
Want to save this printed recipe? The Ultimate Meal Planner & Recipe Binder helps you keep recipes organized in one easy place.
📖 Recipe Card
2 Ingredient Pumpkin Bread
Video
Ingredients
- 1 box Spice Cake Mix
- 2 cups pure canned pumpkin
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare a 9 ¼ X 5 ¼ loaf pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a medium sized mixing bowl add the Spice Cake Mix and the 2 cups of canned pumpkin.
- Using a wooden spoon, stir until well blended.
- The batter will be very thick.
- Add the bread batter to the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the bread comes out clean.
- Allow to cool on a baking rack for 10 minutes before sprinkling with powdered sugar.
Nutrition
Notes
• Line the loaf pan with parchment paper to make removing the bread easy and mess-free.
• Mix the batter just until smooth to keep the texture light and tender.
• Check for doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready. Storage & Make Ahead
• Store cooled pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving or warm slices briefly in the microwave.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Thanksgiving Printables Your Family Will Love
Quick to print and beautiful to display—these cards help you decorate in minutes!
Leftover Labels $2.99
Vintage Gratitude Cards $3.99Scripture Gratitude Cards $3.99
Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Pumpkin puree is just as the can says, it’s cooked, pureed pumpkin. Nothing has been added to it. On the other hand pumpkin pie filling is flavored with spices such as cinnamon, clove, allspice and ginger. There’s also sugar added to pumpkin pie mix. It’s an easy way to make pumpkin recipes with all the spices and sugar added.
As you can see from my post, I had to use a larger can of pumpkin puree. It stores great in a plastic container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also store it in ice cube trays in the freezer and then pop the frozen pumpkin puree out of the trays and store in a freezer safe baggie or container for up to 6 months.
Make my Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe or Pancake Mix Pumpkin Pancakes! Both recipes only call for ½ cup of pumpkin puree.
Cake mix can act as a quick base by combining it with just one or two additional ingredients like canned pumpkin, soda, or eggs to create simple loaves, bars, or cookies. It’s an easy shortcut that delivers homemade-style desserts with very little effort.
debra@commonground says
Hi Lois, this looks absolutely delish. I have to eat Gluten Free so I'm hoping to try this out with a GF yellow cake mix and add the spices. Can't wait, I'm ready for all things pumpkin! I'm sharing this post Monday evening at All About Home Link Party. Thanks so much for coming by and joining in on the fun.
Deborah says
Did it work with a gluten free cake mix. If so, which brand did you use?
Mary Bradley says
Parchment paper shiny side up or down? I M going to try this rec with walnuts and a handful of chocolate chips.
Lois says
The parchment paper I use doesn't have a shiny side. Let me know how the bread comes out with the chocolate chips and walnuts.
Terri says
Pecans are better
R Prudhomme says
Sounds like you are talking about wax paper with the wax side. Don’t use wax paper. Different than parchment paper.
Lois says
No, I only use parchment paper when baking. That's what is shown in the photos. Thank you for visiting!
Donna says
Hey everyone plz remember this
Your oven temperature mite not be the same as hers. Some ovens are off
Remember that your area climate can also change your temperature time also
Remember this person was nice enough to post a recipe for everyone plz don’t be rude or disrespectful because you didn’t get the same results as she did
Lois says
Thanks Donna. 🙂
Kim w says
Can u use individual size loaf pans to make and give has gifts
Lois says
Yes. You would have to adjust the cooking time. I think that would be a great gift!
Donna Ruff says
Just made this it is delicious! The only question I have is that it still had the consistency of cake more than a dense bread. Any suggestions for that?
Lois says
It's not going to have the same consistency as a homemade pumpkin bread, but it comes pretty close and it's really easy. Try my homemade pumpkin bread recipe here: https://walkingonsunshinerecipes.com/easy-homemade-pumpkin-bread-recipe/
Lucretia says
Can carrot cake mix be substituted instead
Lois says
Yes! That sounds yummy too.
Susan Ulbrich says
I made this recipe earlier tonight. So simple! It did take a bit longer to bake, somewhere around 60-65 minutes, and I used a digital thermometer to make sure the center of the loaf was the proper temperature before I took it out. Just took a slice to have with a cup of tea and loved it!! Very, very moist and I found it pleasantly tasty but not overwhelming. I will definitely be making this again and again. Thanks so much for sharing!
Lois says
Thank you for the great comment!
Mary-Ann Hostetler says
Either the temperature or baking time is wrong. I baked for 40 min, Then 10 more minutes, then 10 more minutes and I did it as cupcakes which should
take less time You need to double check things before you print it for people.
Lois says
I'm sorry you had problems with the baking time, but the recipe I posted is for a loaf bread; not cupcakes. I have made it numerous times and it always comes out fine with the time I listed in the recipe. I also use a digital meat thermometer to check when the bread is completely baked. It should read 190 to 210 degrees.
Linda Edge Hudson says
Could this be baked in a bundt pan? Suggestions for timing,please?
Lois says
The recipe makes one loaf of pumpkin bread made in a loaf pan. I've never tried baking it in a bundt pan.
Rosie says
Could a Cream cheese mixture be baked in the center?
Lois says
I can't answer this question because I've never tried that. If you do, please come back and let us know! Thank you for visiting.
Phil Christensen says
The Colonel endorses this.