Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Bread Recipe
Stunning fall dessert that’s easy to make? Our ultimate pumpkin spice cake mix bread recipe brings a sweet, comforting flavor to your kitchen.
Fall is here, and nothing beats the warm, cozy aroma of pumpkin spice cake mix bread baking in your oven! This incredibly moist and flavorful bread transforms a simple cake mix into bakery-quality perfection in just minutes. Did you know that pumpkin spice became America’s favorite fall flavor because of its nostalgic connection to childhood memories?
This recipe is special because it delivers all those beloved autumn flavors with minimal effort – perfect for busy families who want homemade goodness without the fuss.
Unlike my popular banana bread recipe, this version requires no mixing bowls full of individual spices or complicated measurements. Get ready to fill your home with the most heavenly scent that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What is Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Bread?
Ever wondered why we call it “cake mix bread” when it’s clearly more bread than cake? This delightful creation gets its name from the genius hack of using boxed cake mix as the flavor base! It’s like the perfect marriage between quick bread convenience and cake mix reliability.
You know what they say – the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this bread definitely paves that path with cinnamon, nutmeg, and pure autumn magic. Ready to become the hero of your household with this foolproof recipe?
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Bread
Incredibly Moist and Flavorful Every Time
This bread delivers bakery-level moisture and rich pumpkin spice flavor that melts in your mouth. The secret lies in the perfect combination of pumpkin puree, oil, and eggs that create an incredibly tender crumb. Each slice bursts with warm cinnamon, aromatic nutmeg, and that signature pumpkin taste that defines fall baking.
Budget-Friendly Homemade Goodness
Making this bread at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at specialty bakeries or coffee shops. A single loaf feeds the whole family and uses affordable pantry staples you likely already have. Compare this to store-bought pumpkin bread that can cost $6-8 per loaf, and you’re looking at serious savings!
Versatile and Customizable
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Add chocolate chips for extra indulgence, swirl in cream cheese for richness, or top with a cinnamon sugar crust for crunch. Unlike my classic zucchini bread recipe, this version welcomes creative additions without compromising the base flavor. Ready to make your kitchen smell like autumn paradise?
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Bread
Quick Overview
This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort in just 15 minutes of prep time. The result is an incredibly moist, perfectly spiced bread with a tender crumb that rivals any bakery creation. What makes this special is the foolproof cake mix base that ensures consistent results every time.
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 55-60 minutes
- Cool Time: 10 minutes
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Bread
- 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, then lightly dust with flour. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. Make sure there are no lumps of pumpkin remaining.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake mix, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This extra step ensures even spice distribution throughout your bread.
Step 4: Create the Batter
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula. Mix just until combined – overmixing leads to tough bread. The batter should be thick but pourable.
Step 5: Add Optional Mix-ins
If using chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them in now. Reserve a few for sprinkling on top for visual appeal.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
What to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Bread With
This versatile bread pairs beautifully with morning coffee or afternoon tea. Serve warm slices with butter and honey for breakfast, or toast them lightly and top with cream cheese for an indulgent snack. It’s also delicious alongside vanilla ice cream as a simple dessert.
For a complete fall brunch spread, pair it with apple cider, fresh fruit salad, and scrambled eggs. The bread also makes an excellent base for French toast or bread pudding when you have leftovers.
Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Bread
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Room temperature eggs and other ingredients blend more easily, creating a smoother batter and more even texture in your finished bread.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Gentle folding is key to tender bread. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour streaks. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough, dense bread.
Check for Doneness Properly
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs – completely clean means overbaked and dry.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap vegetable oil for melted butter for richer flavor, or use applesauce for a lighter version. Greek yogurt can replace some of the oil for added protein and moisture.
Avoid Opening the Oven Door
Resist peeking for the first 45 minutes of baking. Opening the door causes temperature fluctuations that can make your bread sink or bake unevenly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store your cooled pumpkin spice cake mix bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast them lightly in a toaster. For frozen slices, thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave directly from frozen for 20-30 seconds.
The bread actually improves in flavor after the first day as the spices meld together. For optimal freshness, slice only what you plan to eat immediately and keep the rest of the loaf intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, stick with plain pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will throw off the recipe’s balance and make the bread overly sweet.
Why is my bread dense and heavy?
Dense bread usually results from overmixing the batter or using expired cake mix. Mix just until ingredients are combined, and always check expiration dates on your cake mix.
Can I make this recipe into muffins instead?
Absolutely! Divide the batter among 12 muffin cups and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. Muffins are done when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, and the top springs back lightly when touched.
Can I add other mix-ins to this recipe?
Yes! Try chocolate chips, chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries. Add up to 1/2 cup of mix-ins without affecting the bread’s structure.
What’s the best way to slice this bread cleanly?
Use a sharp serrated knife and make gentle sawing motions. Clean cuts are easier when the bread is completely cooled, preferably after resting overnight.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice (12 slices) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Sodium | 280mg |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Additional Helpful Tips and Variations
Glaze Options: Create a simple powdered sugar glaze by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Drizzle over cooled bread for extra sweetness.
Cream Cheese Swirl: For an indulgent twist, create a cream cheese swirl by beating 4 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 egg. Drop spoonfuls into the batter and swirl with a knife.
Make-Ahead Tips: This bread can be made up to 2 days in advance. In fact, the flavors improve overnight! Wrap tightly and store at room temperature.
Gift-Giving Ideas: This bread makes wonderful gifts during fall holidays. Bake in mini loaf pans for portion-controlled gifts that bake in 35-40 minutes.
Seasonal Variations: Try using different cake mix flavors like yellow cake with pumpkin puree, or add orange zest for a citrus twist on the classic recipe
