Fall is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious pumpkin spice cake? This recipe takes the guesswork out of baking with a simple cake mix shortcut, resulting in a moist, flavorful cake that's perfect for any occasion – from casual weeknight desserts to festive gatherings. This easy recipe delivers big on taste and is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional, for extra spice!)
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional toppings: chopped pecans, whipped cream, candied ginger
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water, and optional pumpkin pie spice. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until the batter is smooth and well combined. Don't overmix – this can lead to a tough cake.
-
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is slightly different, so keep an eye on your cake and adjust baking time accordingly.
-
Cool & Frost: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a smooth, professional finish.
-
Frost & Decorate: Once cooled, frost the cake with your favorite cream cheese frosting. Get creative! Add chopped pecans, whipped cream, or candied ginger for an extra touch of autumnal flair.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and oil helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Cake: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious twist.
- Spiced Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cake: Add 1 cup of chopped pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Add dollops of cream cheese frosting to the batter before baking for a delightful surprise inside the cake.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific cake mix and frosting used. For a general estimate, a serving of this cake contains approximately 300-400 calories, with varying amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input the specific ingredients used in your recipe.
This pumpkin spice cake recipe is a simple, delicious, and satisfying treat perfect for any fall gathering or a cozy night in. The ease of using a cake mix makes it accessible for bakers of all levels, while the delicious homemade taste will impress everyone. Enjoy!