2 Ingredient Pumpkin Bread – Easy 2-Step Fall Favorite Recipe

When the leaves start turning, there’s one aroma I always look forward to—pumpkin spice baking in the oven. There’s just something magical about the warmth of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg that fills your kitchen and your soul. One crisp autumn afternoon, with barely anything in the pantry and a craving for something sweet, I stumbled upon the easiest recipe I’ve ever made: 2 ingredient pumpkin bread. Just a box of spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin purée, and suddenly, fall was served.

Hi, I’m Ethan—the cook, creator, and voice behind this cozy corner of the web! Growing up, I loved watching how effortlessly delicious meals came together in our small kitchen. This pumpkin bread is one of those recipes—quick, comforting, and perfect for sharing.

What makes this pumpkin bread from spice cake so special isn’t just the flavor—it’s the simplicity. No eggs, no oil, and no stress. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up while sipping on a chai latte or chatting with friends on a Sunday afternoon. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile: top it with a maple glaze and chopped pecans for something extra, or turn the batter into muffins for a quick breakfast bite.

I’ll walk you through everything—how to make it, how to customize it, and how to elevate it with easy toppings. Trust me, once you bake this pumpkin bread with spice cake mix easy recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it all season long.

And if you’re loving fall treats, don’t miss these super moist pumpkin bread and chewy pumpkin oatmeal cookies—both perfect companions to this 2-ingredient classic.

Just Two Ingredients—And a Few Optional Extras

The beauty of this 2 ingredient pumpkin bread is how incredibly simple it is. No eggs. No butter. No measuring cups. You only need two pantry-friendly items:

1. Spice Cake Mix
Grab one standard box (about 15.25 oz) of spice cake mix. It already includes warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it the perfect shortcut. You can find this in most grocery stores, especially during fall. If you’re experimenting, a yellow cake mix with added spices also works, but you’ll miss some of the deep seasonal flavor that makes pumpkin spice quick bread so irresistible.

2. Pure Pumpkin Purée
Use one 15-ounce can of 100% pumpkin purée—not pumpkin pie filling. The purée adds moisture, richness, and fiber without needing oil or eggs. It’s the secret to that dense, soft crumb you expect from a perfect fall loaf.

If you want to take this simple bread up a notch, try these optional additions:

• Maple Glaze: Melted butter, real maple syrup, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt.
• Pecans: Chopped and sprinkled on top after glazing for crunch and contrast.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the best ingredients:

Ingredient	Tips
Spice Cake Mix	Choose brands with rich spice blend; avoid sugar-heavy ones.
Pumpkin Purée	Make sure it’s pure purée, not pie mix. Organic works great too.

Quick Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix the spice cake mix and pumpkin purée until well combined.
3. Spoon into a greased loaf pan (or lined muffin tin).
4. Bake for 40–45 minutes (loaf) or 18–22 minutes (muffins).
5. Let it cool, drizzle with maple glaze, and sprinkle with pecans.

That’s it—you’ve just made 2-ingredient pumpkin cake magic.

While it bakes, why not try pumpkin chocolate chip cookies or these ultra-soft pumpkin streusel muffins?

Fun Flavor Boosts and Easy Add-Ins

One of the best parts of making pumpkin bread with spice cake mix is how easily it adapts to your mood or pantry. Whether you want to add texture, richness, or a bit more fall flair, these tweaks will take your loaf to the next level without adding stress to your prep.

Want more flavor depth? Try these add-ins:

• Chocolate chips: Add ½ cup of dark, milk, or white chocolate chips.
• Walnuts or pecans: Stir in ⅓ cup for crunch and toasty flavor.
• Cinnamon or nutmeg: Add an extra ½ teaspoon if you want it spicier.
• Vanilla extract: Just ½ teaspoon makes it taste homemade.
• Raisins or cranberries: Give it some chew and holiday spirit.

You can also swirl in cream cheese or top the loaf with a cinnamon-sugar crust before baking for bakery-style presentation.

This version is already simpler than most three ingredient pumpkin bread recipes, and yet it offers room to play.

Want Muffins or Mini Loaves Instead ?

Yes, you can absolutely turn this batter into muffins—and they bake up beautifully! Just scoop into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes. This recipe makes about 12 muffins.

Here’s how you can change things up:

• Mini loaves: Divide batter into two mini loaf pans. Bake ~30 minutes.
• Bundt cake: Grease your bundt pan well and bake for about 50–55 minutes.
• Freezer tip: These freeze like a dream. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or microwave for 30 seconds.

And if muffins are your thing, you’ll also love these high-protein pumpkin protein muffins and moist Greek yogurt pumpkin muffins.

Maple Glaze + Pecans = Bakery-Worthy Finish

While this 2 ingredient pumpkin bread is delicious on its own, adding a simple glaze takes it from cozy to company-worthy. The maple glaze adds a buttery sweetness that complements the spice cake perfectly, and a handful of chopped pecans adds a delightful crunch.

Here’s how to make the glaze:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• Pinch of salt

Whisk everything together until smooth. Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze generously over the top, then immediately sprinkle on chopped pecans so they stick.

You can also swap in:

• A cream cheese glaze for tanginess
• Cinnamon-sugar topping before baking for a crunchy crust
• A dusting of powdered sugar for simplicity

This real simple pumpkin spice bread becomes even more irresistible when topped with warm flavors and contrasting textures.

Serve, Gift, or Pair It—Fall Style

This bread isn’t just for snacking—it’s a fall multitasker. Serve it for breakfast with coffee, enjoy it as an afternoon treat, or make it the sweet finale of your Thanksgiving menu. It also pairs perfectly with:

• Hot chai or spiced cider
• Vanilla ice cream for dessert
• Savory fall soups for a sweet-savory contrast

Looking for a thoughtful homemade gift? Bake in a disposable mini loaf pan, wrap in parchment and twine, and pair with a fall-scented candle or tea packet.

If you love pumpkin pairings, don’t miss these chewy pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies or explore our gluten-free pumpkin bread for guests with dietary needs.

This 3-ingredient pumpkin spice cake (if you include the glaze!) proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something unforgettable.

FAQs About 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Bread

This 2 ingredient pumpkin bread is proof that simplicity and flavor can go hand in hand. With just one can of pumpkin and a box of spice cake mix, you can create a warm, tender loaf that’s full of fall comfort—and ready in under an hour. It’s no wonder this pumpkin bread with spice cake mix easy recipe has become a favorite among busy bakers and pumpkin spice lovers alike.

Whether you’re baking a batch of muffins, topping it with maple glaze, or gifting a loaf to a friend, this recipe is a true fall staple. You don’t need fancy tools or special ingredients—just a little pumpkin, a little spice, and a lot of love.

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