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Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe! {Just 5 Ingredients}

November 10, 2014 By Heidi 28 Comments

I may get paid for ads or purchases made through links in this post.

With just 5 Ingredients, this delicious easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe is simple to make and SO delicious!

Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe Simple

Pumpkin here, Pumpkin there, Pumpkin, Pumpkin everywhere!

No Fall dinner is complete without a delicious Fall Dessert… and this Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe will satisfy all of your cravings!  It’s the perfect blend of sweet pumpkin and cozy Fall spices.

Are you ready for the best part?  It’s just 5 ingredients!  That’s right!  And it all starts with boxed spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin, then you’ll top it off with this easy 5-minute Cream Cheese Frosting for pure pumpkin spice perfection!  Plus, we’ll swap out the oil for applesauce to give it a perfectly moist and fluffy texture!

So are you ready to bake your simple and delicious dessert?  Go grab some canned pumpkin, and let’s get started on this decadent pumpkin cake recipe!

Here’s what you’ll do…

Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe

Related:

  • More delicious Pumpkin Recipes to try right now!

How Do You Make Pumpkin Cake?

Well… it’s actually really easy!  You’ll just need the following ingredients:

  • Spice Cake Mix
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice {it’s so easy to make your own!}
  • Pure Pumpkin
  • Applesauce
  • Eggs

Then you’ll just mix all of the ingredients together, bake, and top with this easy Cream Cheese Frosting!

Does Applesauce Make Cake Moist?

Yep… it sure does!  Nobody wants a dry and crumbly cake, right?  Well, the secret to the perfect moisture in this cake is the applesauce!  Thanks to its water content, not only will the applesauce save you some calories and fat when swapped out for the oil, but it will also keep the moisture level up on your finished cake!

Should Pumpkin Cake Be Refrigerated?

After your baked cake has cooled, you won’t need to refrigerate until you frost it.  Once you frost it with cream cheese frosting, then you’ll want to refrigerate any leftovers.

Simple Pumpki Spice Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe Easy Dessert
Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe Simple

What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About This Recipe…

Danielle writes: “Oh man, this cake was so delicious! I will definitely be making this recipe again!”

Stacy writes: “I tried this recipe for my Thanksgiving dinner and it was a big hit with my guests. Very moist and flavorful. I will make it again.”

Heide writes: “This turned out absolutely delicious! I loved that it wasn’t over the top sweet and I honestly didn’t feel guilty about eating it! I used apple sauce with no added sugar and it turned out fabulous! It’s extremely moist and wonderful.”

Jeannette writes: “A hit! My 4 year old son had a blast making this and an even better time eating it.”

Michelle writes: “Kids love it and I love that it calls for a whole can of pumpkin.”

Cindy writes: “I just made this and it was delicious!! Frosted with cream cheese frosting… yum”

Angela writes: “I used just plain cool whip as frosting. It was fantastic!”

Theresa writes: “I added cream cheese frosting with roasted pecans on it for a potluck Thanksgiving dinner at work.”

Linda writes: “Linda writes: “I made it and added a cup of chocolate chips and a milk glaze. Delicious 😋”

Morgan writes: “Yummy! Used white cake mix and added my own nutmeg and pumpkin pie spice. Absolutely delicious.”

Lynne writes: “Try using maple flavoring in the frosting. Yum!”

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Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe

With just 5 Ingredients, this delicious easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe is simple to make and SO delicious!
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time30 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16
Author: The Frugal Girls

Ingredients

  • 15.25 ounces Betty Crocker Spice Cake Mix {1 box}
  • 15 ounces Libby’s Pure Pumpkin {1 can}
  • ½ cup Applesauce
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Spray 9×13 nonstick cake pan with nonstick cooking spray, and set aside.
  • Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl, and mix with hand mixer until well combined.
  • Then pour cake batter into your cake pan, and spread out evenly.
  • Bake for 25 – 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • After cake has cooled completely, top with Cream Cheese Frosting and ENJOY!

Notes

*Note: If you can't find a spice cake mix, try this as a substitute: Use a Yellow Cake Mix, and whisk in the following: 1 3/4 tsp. Ground Cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. Ground Ginger, 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg, 1/4 tsp. Ground Cloves.

 

What You’ll Need to Make This Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe:

Mixing Bowls

9×13 Baking Dish

Craving more delicious Dessert ideas and Pumpkin Recipes??  I’ve got more ideas I know you’ll love!

So go get your pumpkin fix with these crazy delicious ideas…

Best Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

So this Best Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will make it hard to ever buy frosting from the store again!  Use it to top off your pumpkin spice cake for the ultimate sweet treat!

World’s Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Get ready for a little Pumpkin bliss with this World’s Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe!

Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

This easy Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe is sure to satisfy every craving, and they’re super simple to make!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

Crock Pot Pumpkin Butter Recipe

Try it as a spread for your morning toast or english muffin, as a dip for your apple slices, or as a topping for your oatmeal.  It’s kind of like cheating with a little pumpkin pie infused dessert for breakfast! 😉

Pumpkin Spice Whip Dip

If you could capture the tastes of Fall in a dip… this Pumpkin Spice Whip Dip is it!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles

These treats are rich, creamy, and moist, but are surprisingly low calorie (YES, can we get a round of applause for the low-cal element?!)

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Recipe

Add a fun Fall twist on your classic french toast recipe with this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Recipe!

Pumpkin Angel Food Cake Recipe

Angel food pumpkin dump cake is pure genius.  Talk about the ultimate Fall dessert!

Pumpkin Angel Food Cake Recipe Easy

Pumpkin Spice Dump Cake Recipe

Satisfy those long repressed cravings for pumpkin with this delicious Pumpkin Spice Dump Cake!

Easy Pumpkin Spice Dump Cake Recipe

Easy Pumpkin Spice Milkshake Recipe

Want the perfect recipe for blending Summer and Fall deliciously together? Try this amazing Pumpkin Spice Milkshake!

Pumpkin Spice Milkshake Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

No need to go out and buy Pumpkin Pie Spice when you can make your own at home… just 5 ingredients and you’re done!

25+ Pumpkin Recipes

So are you ready for some cool evening walks, Fall colors, and some pumpkin happiness in your kitchen?

30+ Dump Cake Recipes – Tempting Desserts!

I’ve got a whole list of seriously easy dump cake recipes to share with you!  They’re simple to make and SO delicious!

20+ Best Fall Drink Recipes

Every family gathering, fall party and holiday celebration is about to get a tasty makeover with these fun Fall Drinks.

101+ Easy Thanksgiving Recipes

Make your Thanksgiving extra fabulous with this BIG list of easy to make Thanksgiving Recipes for large crowds or smaller cozy gatherings!

150+ Fall Crockpot Recipes

Enjoy Fall and all of it’s delicious flavors with this amazing list of yummy Fall Crockpot Recipes!

Grocery Money Saving Tips:

How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half {25+ Brilliant Tips}

Want to know how to cut your grocery bill in half?  Keep more cash in your wallet with these easy money saving tricks!

So don’t miss out!  Get all the latest fun new Frugal Girls Recipes, Tips + more right here…

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So have you tried this easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe yet?

Share with us in the comments below!

Pumpkin Recipes - Easy Healthy Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe for Dessert
Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe from TheFrugalGirls.com
Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe from TheFrugalGirls.com
Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe at TheFrugalGirls.com
Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe at TheFrugalGirls.com

Filed Under: Chic and Crafty, Dessert Recipes, Fall, Most Popular 9, Recipes Tagged With: Cakes

Comments

  1. Cynthia says

    November 12, 2022 at 6:06 am

    I didn’t have spice cake mix, so I used vanilla and amped up the spices with cinnamon, allspice, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg and cloves. Instead of frosting, I made crumb topping. The recipe was super easy and the cake was super moist. We ate every crumb!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 20, 2022 at 12:54 am

      That sounds absolutely delicious, Cynthia!

      Reply
  2. Megs says

    September 23, 2022 at 2:07 pm

    Could this go on a jelly roll pan?

    Reply
  3. Mitzi L LaPaugh says

    October 19, 2021 at 5:07 pm

    I made this recipe and added white chips! Delicious! A must!!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      October 19, 2021 at 5:16 pm

      I’m so glad you loved it, Mitzi… and the white chips sound like a delicious addition! Thank you for sharing that fun tip! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Amber says

    November 26, 2020 at 10:29 am

    Am I supposed to do the cake mix with the directions on the box too? Like with the eggs and stuff and then just add the ingredients you listed?

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 26, 2020 at 10:56 am

      Hi Amber… no, you’ll want to completely disregard the direction on the box, and just follow the instructions on the recipe here. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Cindy Smith says

    November 23, 2020 at 3:39 pm

    Can you make this in a bundt cake pan?

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 23, 2020 at 4:44 pm

      Hi Cindy ~ I honestly haven’t ever tried making this cake in a bundt pan, but if you do… let me know how it turns out!

      Reply
  6. Denise Wynett says

    November 22, 2020 at 11:14 am

    Hello. I made this recipe but made cupcakes instead of a 9×13 cake. Wow!! They are so good!
    Thanks so much for sharing. The cream cheese frosting is the best! My dog George licked the bowl clean.

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 23, 2020 at 4:43 pm

      What a great idea to make them into cupcakes, Denise! And I’m glad George liked the frosting, too! 🙂

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        November 7, 2021 at 5:05 pm

        How long would you bake them if you made them as cupcakes or muffins?

        Reply
        • Heidi says

          November 8, 2021 at 8:55 am

          Hi Lisa ~ I would start checking them around 18 – 20 minutes. 🙂

          Reply
  7. Aarthi | Prepbowls says

    September 18, 2020 at 11:30 pm

    I was browsing thru , for pumpkin spiced cake recipe , I am so happy to have found this . A Delish and easy to make cake , perfect for the season , I am always in for semi homemade.

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      September 22, 2020 at 11:24 am

      Thanks Aarthi… the cake mix shortcut really makes it so fast to put together, and it really is beyond delicious. ENJOY!

      Reply
  8. Christie says

    September 9, 2020 at 10:42 am

    This pumpkin spice cake is truly calling my name and I really love that it only requires 5 ingredients to make. It sounds so easy and there’s really no excuse for me not to try it!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      September 22, 2020 at 11:23 am

      Right? You will LOVE it, Christie… and you won’t believe how simple it is to make! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Rose says

    October 27, 2019 at 3:24 pm

    Hi Heidi! Just wanted to tell you I made the Pumpkin Spice cake for card night and everyone loved it! I hade one piece left which I just finish as my dessert. Thank you for a great recipe. I will be making this cake again!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      January 20, 2020 at 1:29 pm

      Thank you so much, Rose… I’m so glad to hear everyone loved it! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Natalie says

    September 23, 2019 at 9:45 am

    We are having a surprise party for my mother in law and they said she likes spice cake. I am doing a tiered cake with 4 layers on the bottom and a smaller top with 3 layers. Do you think this cake will hold up to being stacked, frosted, and covered in fondant? I have a feeling it might be too moist and may fall apart when iced. I would use dowels to support the bottom part.

    Reply
  11. L. says

    September 15, 2019 at 7:53 am

    Out of all the pumpkin cake recipes I have tried, this is my favorite and one of the easiest to make. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      October 18, 2019 at 10:46 am

      Aww… thank you so much for the sweet comment… I’m so glad you liked it! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Julie says

    October 8, 2018 at 6:14 pm

    Very easy recipe and was a very moist cake .A big hit with the hubby and will make again for sure . Thank you

    Reply
  13. Karen says

    March 7, 2017 at 2:31 pm

    I made this today. It was so easy and tastes great! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      March 8, 2017 at 12:32 pm

      You’re very welcome, Karen! So glad you liked it! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Pam says

    August 2, 2016 at 7:42 pm

    Made your Pumpkin Spice Cake today. Rave reviews. Everyone loved it! Topped it with a basic creme cheese frosting and a dust of cinnamon. Absolutely delicious!!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      August 2, 2016 at 7:59 pm

      Aww ~ thanks so much for the sweet comment, Pam… so glad everyone loved it! I love it the best with cream cheese frosting, too! 😉

      Reply
  15. Trisha says

    April 10, 2016 at 9:49 am

    I have this cake in the oven now. I can’t wait to try it!

    Reply

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Hey there... it's so nice to meet you! I'm Heidi: a Frugal Girl living in sunny Arizona! I love sharing Easy Recipes, DIY Decor, Style & Beauty Hacks, Gardening Tips, Travel Hacks, and Creative Ways to Live the Sweet Life on a Budget. I'm so glad you're here!
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