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Pumpkin Bread From Cake Mix

Pumpkin Bread From Cake Mix

Incredibly flavorful and simple pumpkin bread recipe using cake mix. This recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for any time of year. You can use spice cake, yellow, or white cake mix.

If you love pumpkin bread and simple recipes, this might just become one of your favorite recipes.

This pumpkin bread is super moist and packed with delicious pumpkin flavor. And the best part, it’s incredibly easy to make.

Not only does it take common ingredients, it can be the base for all sorts of delicious add ins while still tasting amazing just the way it is.

On top of that, you will have options on what type of cake mix you use to make it. The primary recipe calls for spice cake mix, but you will also find how to make this wonderful pumpkin bread with just about any type of cake mix.

That means if you have yellow or white cake, this recipe is for you too!

How to Bake Homemade Pumpkin Bread with Cake Mix

sliced loaf of pumpkin bread on cutting board

This recipe is perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or a simple family dessert. And come holiday season, it’s a real hit when having friends and family over.

Prep time is just a few minutes and bake time is around one hour. And with an easy cleanup, this is sure to be your new favorite pumpkin bread recipe.

Don’t forget to bookmark or pin it so you can find it later!

All you will need is a 9″x5″ loaf pan and a mixing bowl. I wasn’t joking when I said this is a super easy recipe!

While this recipe tastes absolutely wonderful just the way it is, it’s also the perfect base for all sorts of add ins.

And down below you will find some ideas for great stir ins you can add to your pumpkin bread for an flavor pairing inspiration.

I will also go over some alternative ingredients you can use just in case you are out of anything. And make sure to read the section that explains how to make this recipe if you are using any cake mix other than spice.

Ingredients

measuring bowl of pureed pumpkin

With only five different ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to make! When it comes to what brand to use for your cake and gelatin, use whichever is your favorite.

I’ve made this recipe using everything from Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker cake mix, to store brand. And for the gelatin I’ve used Jell-O brand and store brand with great results.

As for the pumpkin, make sure to use pumpkin puree instead of canned pumpkin pie filling. The canned pie filling is already flavored, so by going with pureed pumpkin we can get the flavor just right.

  • Pumpkin Puree
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • Vanilla Instant Pudding
  • Eggs
  • Spice Cake Mix

If you don’t have spice cake mix, no need to worry! I’ll let you know how to make your pumpkin bread using any other type of cake mix (though I wouldn’t go with any crazy flavors).

Substitutions and Alternatives

box of yellow cake mix

If you are out of any of the above ingredients, you can still make your pumpkin bread with the alternatives below. Keep in mind that substitutes can slightly alter the texture and flavor of your recipe, but these ingredients will work in a pinch.

Spice Cake Mix: The most common ingredient I am asked to provide a substitute for is the spice cake mix. This type of cake mix is used because it provides the perfect flavor for our pumpkin bread. But you can use another type of cake mix if you don’t have spice on hand.

I recommend going with white or yellow cake mix as the flavor can be made to taste just like spice cake with some added spice.

How to make pumpkin bread using white or yellow cake mix

When using white or yellow cake mix you will follow the same recipe with some added spice to replicate the flavor we would get with a spice cake mix.

When mixing your ingredients, add the following spices.

  • 1/2 tsp Ground Clove
  • 1/2 tsp Nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp Allspice
  • 1 Tbs Cinnamon

Pumpkin Puree: I highly recommend using pureed pumpkin for this recipe. The flavor is perfect when paired with the pumpkin pie spice. But if all you have is canned pumpkin pie filling, it can be used in a pinch. When using canned pumpkin pie filling that is already spiced, you will want to omit the pumpkin pie spice from the recipe.

Related: Pumpkin puree substitutes

Vanilla Instant Pudding: This one is harder to substitute for. The vanilla flavored pudding is perfect for this recipe and I’ve yet to find an alternative flavor that tastes nearly as good.

Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice you can substitute equal parts cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and clove. In total, your combined spices should equal 1/2 teaspoon.

Instructions

closeup of mixing bowl with pumpkin bread ingredients

Once you have all your ingredients together, prep time will only take a few minutes. Bake time can vary due to temperature differences in your oven, but it should be right around fifty-five minutes.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

Step 2: Grease your loaf pan with butter or non stick cooking spray.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine your pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, instant vanilla pudding, and eggs. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Add your spice cake mix to your mixture and stir until well combined.

Note: If you are using white or yellow cake mix, stir in your additional spices with your cake mix. If you are using any add ins, stir them in now as well.

Step 5: Pour your pumpkin bread dough into your greased loaf pan.

Step 6: Bake for 55-60 minutes. Your pumpkin bread is done when a skewer is inserted and comes out clean.

Step 7: Carefully remove your pumpkin bread from the oven and cool on a wire rack.

Pumpkin Bread Add Ins

bowl of chocolate chips viewed from above

This recipe is so moist and delicious just the way it is, but it’s also a great base for many types of add ins.

So if you like to incorporate other flavors into your pumpkin bread, here is a list of ideas to get your baking inspiration started.

  • Chocolate Chips
  • Chopped Walnuts
  • Crushed Pecans
  • Caramel Chips
  • Toffee Bits

And here are some ideas for spreading on your pumpkin bread.

  • Apple Butter
  • Nutella
  • Peanut Butter
  • Cream Cheese
  • Butter
  • Cranberry Jam
  • Peach Preserves
  • Orange Marmalade
top view of pumpkin bread in loaf pan

Pumpkin Bread From Cake Mix

Simple pumpkin bread recipe perfect for any time of year. Moist and packed with delicious pumpkin spice flavor.
5 from 6 votes
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 54 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 190 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9×5 Loaf Pan
  • 1 Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 15oz Can Pumpkin Puree
  • 1 3.4oz Box Vanilla Instant Pudding
  • ½ tsp Pumpkn Pie Spice
  • 1 15.25oz Box Spice Cake Mix
  • 3 Large Eggs

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Grease loaf pan
  • In a mixing bowl, combine your pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, instant vanilla pudding, and eggs. Stir until well combined
  • Add your spice cake mix to your mixture and stir until well combined. Avoid overstirring as this can lead to a flat loaf of pumpkin bread
  • Note: If using add ins, stir them in now
  • Pour your pumpkin bread dough into your greased loaf pan
  • Bake for 55-60 minutes. Your pumpkin bread is done when a skewer is inserted and comes out clean
  • Carefully remove your pumpkin bread from the oven and cool on a wire rack
  • Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcal
Keyword Cake Mix, Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Spice
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Recipe Notes

  • To store you banana bread, wrap it in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to five days or in the fridge for up to one week.
  • When using add ins, use between half a cup and one cup total.
  • Avoid over stirring your pumpkin bread dough. This can lead to a flatter texture.