2-Ingredient Pumpkin Bread Recipe
This super simple pumpkin bread only requires two main ingredients, making it perfect for when you want a quick, no-fuss fall treat. It’s moist, flavorful, and easy enough that anyone can whip it up!
Ingredients:
- 1 box of spice cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 can of pumpkin puree (15 oz)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix and the pumpkin puree. Stir until well blended (the batter will be thick).
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan, then remove and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
And that’s it—quick, simple, and delicious!
20 Most Popular Questions & Answers:
- Can I use a different cake mix?
- Yes! While spice cake gives the most flavor, you can use yellow or vanilla cake mix for a milder taste. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for extra flavor.
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
- Yes, just make sure it’s well-pureed and the consistency is similar to canned pumpkin.
- How can I make the bread fluffier?
- You can add 1-2 eggs to the mix to make the bread lighter and fluffier.
- Can I add other ingredients?
- Absolutely! Chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries make great additions.
- Can I use a muffin tin instead of a loaf pan?
- Yes, bake for about 18-22 minutes for muffins.
- Does the bread taste too sweet?
- The sweetness is balanced, but if you prefer less sweet, use less sugar or a less-sweet cake mix like yellow cake.
- How do I store the bread?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Can I freeze the pumpkin bread?
- Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- What can I serve with it?
- Cream cheese, butter, or a drizzle of glaze pairs wonderfully with pumpkin bread.
- Can I make this gluten-free?
- Use a gluten-free cake mix to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Can I add frosting?
- Yes! A cream cheese frosting or simple glaze would be delicious.
- Does it taste like pumpkin?
- It has a mild pumpkin flavor, but the spice cake mix brings out the warm spices, so it’s more of a pumpkin spice taste.
- Do I need to add oil or eggs?
- No, the pumpkin puree acts as a binder and provides moisture, so no need for eggs or oil unless you want a fluffier texture.
- How long should I let it cool?
- Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes in the pan and then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
- No, pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spices, which can affect the consistency and taste.
- How do I know it’s done?
- Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done.
- Can I make it vegan?
- Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan since the boxed cake mix doesn’t require eggs or dairy when using just the pumpkin puree.
- What if the batter is too thick?
- It will be thick, but that’s normal. If it’s too difficult to mix, you can add a tablespoon of water or milk to loosen it up slightly.
- Is this bread dense?
- Yes, it tends to be more dense due to the pumpkin puree, but it’s also incredibly moist.
- Can I make a double batch?
- Definitely! Just double the ingredients and use two loaf pans or bake in batches.
30 Tips to Make the Pumpkin Bread Even More Delightful:
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra warmth.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a sweet, crunchy topping.
- Fold in chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for texture.
- Use a bundt pan for a fun shape and evenly baked loaf.
- Swirl in some cream cheese for a tangy, rich flavor.
- Top with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
- Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the batter for a maple-flavored twist.
- Drizzle the bread with caramel sauce after baking for a decadent treat.
- Use pumpkin pie spice instead of just cinnamon for a fuller spice flavor.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert-like experience.
- Add dried cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweetness.
- Mix in some raisins for added texture and sweetness.
- Use coconut oil or butter to grease the pan for added flavor.
- For a healthier version, use a sugar-free cake mix.
- Add a layer of streusel topping for a crunchy, buttery finish.
- For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Top with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent finish.
- Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a slight coffee kick.
- Incorporate a swirl of Nutella for a rich, chocolatey surprise.
- Substitute half the pumpkin with mashed bananas for a pumpkin-banana bread combo.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique flavor profile.
- Mix in some chia seeds for added nutrition.
- Incorporate flax seeds for a nutty texture and health boost.
- Add orange zest for a citrusy twist that pairs well with pumpkin.
- Bake mini loaves to make gifting easier.
- Sprinkle some oats on top before baking for a rustic, homemade feel.
- Dust with powdered sugar after cooling for a pretty presentation.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
- Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the batter for a boozy fall twist.
30 Secrets to Achieving the Perfect Pumpkin Bread:
- Don’t overmix the batter—stir until just combined to avoid dense bread.
- Use room temperature pumpkin puree for better mixing and texture.
- Measure the pumpkin puree carefully—too much can make the bread too dense.
- Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Preheat the oven fully before placing the loaf in to ensure even baking.
- Don’t open the oven door too early to avoid deflating the bread.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing to keep its shape.
- Use a toothpick to check for doneness—overbaking can dry out the bread.
- If you’re adding extras (like nuts or chocolate chips), coat them in flour before folding them into the batter to prevent sinking.
- Let the bread rest for at least an hour before slicing to allow the flavors to develop.
- Bake on the middle oven rack for even heat distribution.
- Use a metal loaf pan for crispier edges, or a glass pan for a softer bake.
- Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the pumpkin flavor.
- If using fresh pumpkin, make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Sift the cake mix to eliminate any lumps.
- If you want a fluffier bread, beat the batter with a hand mixer for a minute to incorporate more air.
- Add a tablespoon of melted butter to the batter for extra richness.
- Use canned pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.
- To avoid cracks on the top, bake at a slightly lower temperature for a longer time.
- Cover the bread with foil if the top is browning too quickly but the center isn’t done.
- Don’t rush the cooling process—pumpkin bread needs time to set.
- Lightly toast slices of leftover pumpkin bread for a warm, crispy treat.
- Experiment with different cake mixes like carrot or gingerbread for unique flavors.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven temperature is accurate.
- Add a tablespoon of melted coconut oil for a hint of coconut flavor.
- For an even moister bread, let it rest overnight wrapped in plastic wrap before serving.
- Add a teaspoon of molasses to the batter for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Replace half of the cake mix with oat flour for a denser, heartier bread.
- Use dark brown sugar in your glaze or topping for a richer flavor.
- Serve with a side of warm apple butter for a truly fall-inspired treat.
Enjoy your quick and easy pumpkin bread—perfect for fall and beyond! 🍞🎃