I love this 3-ingredient pumpkin cake because recipe couldn’t be easier … and it tastes amazing! I make it in the fall, but it’s also good any time of year when you crave the comfortingly delicious sweetness that brings you to happy times.

If you like the flavor of pumpkin as much as we do, stock up on canned pumpkin when it’s available and on sale. Then you can make it any time of year when the mood strikes.

AKA Pumpkin Dump Cake

This delicious cake is also known as a pumpkin dump cake. I hesitate to call it that because I don’t think it sounds nearly as good as it tastes. I like to bring this to potlucks and serve it with coffee. Sometimes I even add nuts or coconut.

Ingredients

As the name implies, this cake only has 3 ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Can of pumpkin puree (not the pumpkin pie mix but the one that has 100% pure pumpkin on the can)
• Cake mix
• Pumpkin pie spice

That’s all. The moist pumpkin puree makes up for the lack of other ingredients listed in the directions on the back of the cake mix box.

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

You’ll notice that I used a gluten-free cake mix, but a regular mix comes out the same. It’s just nice to know that everyone has options.

There are times when I drop in a little extra pumpkin pie spice … just because it sounds good and I want to. Then it turns into a pumpkin spice cake, which is fine with me. Another option is to start out with spice cake mix. I haven’t been able to find one that’s gluten-free, but I’ve learned to improvise.

Directions

Put all of the ingredients in a medium-size mixing bowl.

Stir well until there are no lumps left in the cake mix.

Spread evenly in a baking dish or pan.

Bake until it’s done. You can use the toothpick or knife test to determine whether or not the cake is done. Insert it in the middle of the cake and pull it out. If it comes out clean, it’s done. If there is still some gooey cake mix on the toothpick or knife, stick it back in the oven for a few more minutes.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Mixture

There have been times when the pumpkin pie spice was sold out at the grocery store, so I’ve had to make it myself. It’s actually easy and has ingredients you might already have. So don’t be intimidated.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1-1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1-1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon allspice

Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until they are well mixed. Now they’re ready for adding to your pumpkin cake or anything else you want to put it in.

To Frost or Not to Frost

This cake is delicious without anything else on it. However, if you love icing on your cake, I recommend keeping it simple and using cream cheese frosting that’s ready-made.

I have to admit that although I like it either way, I prefer it plain. It’s also good with just a very thin layer of icing. Or you can spritz a bit of whipped cream on top to dress it up a bit. I’ve also sprinkled a little powdered sugar on top when I didn’t have anything else on hand.

Add-Ons

You can serve this pumpkin cake either as-is, or you can add more ingredients for additional flavor and texture.

• Here are some things you can add to the cake mix or on top of the frosting:
• Pecans or whatever nuts you have on hand
• Seeds—sunflower or pumpkin
• Chocolate chips
• Coconut, either right out of the bag or toasted until crunchy
• Raisins
• Sprinkles to decorate for a birthday or holiday

Whether you serve this to your family for dessert, the kids when they get home from school, or your friends when they stop by for coffee, you’ll love this easy yet versatile pumpkin cake.

More Delicious Desserts and Snacks

If you enjoy treating your family and friends to dessert and snacks, you’ll love these:

Peanut butter cookies without flour – These gluten-free treats are delicious and actually melt in your mouth.

Chocolate walnut pie – Make this yummy pie with a regular or gluten-free pie crust. It’s super easy and only takes a few minutes from start to finish.

Mug cake – This is the perfect dessert to serve when everyone prefers a different flavor. It’s also super quick and easy!

Granola Fruit Crisp – Serve this variation of the old-fashioned fruit cobbler with ice cream. This is another dessert that is quick, easy, and only has a few ingredients.

3-Ingredient Chocolate Cake — Enjoy this delicious flourless cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar or your favorite frosting.

Chocolate Caramel Cookies – This is the perfect option for those who enjoy the blended flavors of chocolate and caramel. They’re perfect to serve with coffee or to take to a potluck!

Quick and Easy Dessert

There are times when you need a quick and easy dessert. Whether you have last-minute company or you simply want a sweet treat, this pumpkin cake should hit the spot!

Please feel free to share!