Easy pumpkin bread with cake mix, an easy 3-ingredient recipe that combines cake mix, pumpkin, and eggs into a delightful fall treat.

Pumpkin Bread Sliced on Wooden Board and Parchment with Striped Towel in the Background

There’s something magical about the fall season. The leaves change colors, the air becomes crisp, and our kitchens fill with the comforting aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin.

Among the many treats that define this season, pumpkin bread stands out as a favorite. It’s a fall staple in many homes. But what if we told you there’s a simple way to make this beloved treat—with just 3 ingredients? Pumpkin Puree. Eggs. Cake Mix. A delightful blend of convenience and flavor, this recipe is about to change your autumn baking game.

Pumpkin Bread Spread with Butter

What You’ll Need

Here are the simple ingredients and supplies you’ll need to make this tasty bread.

3 Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients

Canned pumpkin puree: This ingredient brings moisture and that classic pumpkin flavor. Make sure to use the puree and not the pumpkin pie filling.

Eggs: They act as the binding agent, ensuring your bread has the perfect texture.

Spice cake mix: The base of our bread, this cake mix comes packed with a blend of rich fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Note: you can make this recipe without the eggs. We prefer the taste and texture of the bread with eggs included.

Supplies & Favorite Tools for Baking Breads

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk or hand mixer
  • Loaf pan
  • Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper
  • Oven
  • Cooling rack
  • Cutting board and serrated bread knife
  • Serving platter
Stack of Pumpkin Bread Slices

How to Make Easy Pumpkin Bread with Cake Mix: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 | PREHEAT OVEN TO 350℉

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2 | MIX WET INGREDIENTS

In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin and eggs until smooth.

Mixing Pumpkin Bread Batter in Glass Bowl with Spoon

Step 3 | ADD THE CAKE MIX

Gradually fold in the spice cake mix until the batter is just combined (a few lumps are okay). Don’t overmix.

Adding Cake Mix to Pumpkin and Egg Mixture in Glass Bowl
Fully Mixed Pumpkin Bread Batter

Step 4 | PREPARE THE LOAF PAN

Lightly grease your loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 5 | POUR AND BAKE

Pour the pumpkin bread batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in a preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time will vary depending on the size of the pan you use and your oven.

Pouring Pumpkin Batter Into Loaf Pan

Step 6 | COOL AND ENJOY

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Slice, serve, and savor every bite!

Baked Pumpkin Bread in Pan Closeup
Sliced Pumpkin Bread on Wire Cooling Rack

Note: If you allow the bread to cool completely before slicing, it will help keep the shape of the bread. However, we understand how delicious pumpkin bread is warm if you want to dig in right away, but keep in mind it may be more crumbly and challenging to cut warm.

Slices of Pumpkin Bread on Parchment with Stripe Towel in Background

Spreading with butter is optional but so delicious!

Slice of Bread with Butter

More About This Recipe – Why You’ll Love It

  • Effortless to prepare: With just three ingredients and no complicated steps, this recipe is both easy and inexpensive.
  • Quick baking: No need to spend hours in the kitchen. This easy pumpkin bread recipe will have you enjoying a slice in about an hour.
  • Kid-friendly: Its simplicity makes it a great recipe to involve the little ones. Let them pour, mix, and watch as the loaf transforms in the oven.
  • Perfect for all occasions: Whether you’re hosting a fall-themed brunch or looking for the perfect snack to accompany your afternoon tea, this pumpkin bread can be a great fall breakfast side, dessert, or snack.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s for a family gathering, potluck, or just because, this bread will surely be a hit.
  • So many ways to customize: While it’s delicious on its own, this bread can be the base for various add-ins and toppings, allowing you to get creative. Here are some delicious ideas.
Full Baked Pumpkin Bread Loaf in White Pan

Tips for Making Pumpkin Bread

Follow these tips for the perfect pumpkin bread every time.

  • When combining the canned pumpkin puree, eggs, and cake mix, be sure to mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. A few lumps in the batter are okay.
  • For an extra touch of sweetness, consider adding chocolate chips or craisins to the batter. For a bit of crunch, add nuts like walnuts or pecans.
  • Always check the bread’s doneness with a toothpick or skewer to ensure it’s fully baked. Insert it into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes.
  • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack and wait to slice until completely cool. This helps maintain its shape. However, if you can’t resist, it’s perfectly fine to enjoy it warm, but be gentle when slicing.
Side View of Pumpkin Loaf in White Pan with Grey Kitchen Towel and Pumpkin Behind

Recipe Variations

Here are ideas for adding flavor and textures to your bread.

  • Pumpkin chocolate chip bread: fold in semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a delicious, easy upgrade.
  • Different cake mix: This recipe works great with yellow cake mix or carrot cake mix. Just add in a bit of pumpkin pie spice.
  • Add-ins: Get creative with mix-ins to add texture and flavor. Consider folding in walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries.
  • Toppings: Before baking, sprinkle the top with raw pumpkin seeds or a streusel topping for a delightful crunch.
  • Muffins: Make into muffins by baking this bread in a muffin tin instead of a loaf. Reduce bake time to 15-20 minutes.
  • Frost or glaze: For a little extra indulgence, top with cream cheese frosting or a glaze with maple syrup and powdered sugar.
  • Sprinkle with sugar: Before popping your loaf into the oven, sprinkle the top with a generous blend of cinnamon and sugar. This will create a sweet, crispy crust that complements the moist interior perfectly.
Easy Pumpkin Bread on Wooden Cutting Board

Storing Leftover Pumpkin Bread

Wrap the cooled pumpkin bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating or freezing.

Print
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Pumpkin Bread Sliced on Wooden Board and Parchment with Striped Towel in the Background

Pumpkin Bread with Cake Mix (Easy, 3-Ingredient Recipe!)

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With just three ingredients, this pumpkin bread is both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. A simple and delightful treat perfect for the fall season. 

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: about 12 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can of pumpkin puree (15 ounces)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 box spice cake mix

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin and eggs.
  3. Gradually fold in the cake mix until combined, a few lumps are fine.
  4. Lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
  6. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  8. Slice, serve, and enjoy every bite!

Notes

  • Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for texture and flavor. See more variation ideas.
  • Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended storage, refrigerate or freeze.
  • Author: Kelsey Restemayer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 209
  • Sugar: 20.5 g
  • Sodium: 305.6 mg
  • Fat: 4.6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Protein: 3.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 37.2 mg
Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes
Part of Pumpkin Bread Loaf

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about making pumpkin bread with a cake mix.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Absolutely! While spice cake mix offers a rich fall flavor, you can experiment with vanilla or yellow cake mix for a milder taste and add in spices (like pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) to your preference.

How do I store leftover bread?

Wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge or freezer for an extended period of time.

Can I add frosting?

Absolutely! A cream cheese frosting or a simple maple glaze can elevate this bread to a dessert level.

What brand of cake mix do you use?

We’ve tried 2 of the most popular brands – Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker and we prefer the Betty Crocker spice cake mix. It has the perfect amount of spice.

What size loaf pan should I use?

For this pumpkin bread, we recommend using a 9-inch loaf pan. For example, the measurements are 9″ x 5″ x 3″ or 1.5 quarts.

Pumpkin Bread Loaf (left) Closeup of Bread (right)

Final Thoughts

Making this pumpkin bread with just three simple ingredients feels like autumn magic! You can eat it for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Plus, you can get creative by adding chocolate chips or frosting. We hope you try this recipe and make it a part of your fall traditions. Enjoy baking, savor each bite, and share with your family and friends. Have a wonderful autumn filled with delicious moments!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Have You Tried This Recipe? Please rate it in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

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Pumpkin Bread with Cake Mix (Easy, 3-Ingredient Recipe!)

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