5 Easy Recipes with Cake Mix and Canned Pumpkin - Recipe Diaries (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Jenna · This post may contain affiliate links · 22 Comments

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Cake mix and canned pumpkin are two ingredients that can be combined to create a delicious and easy dessert. The combination of the two creates a moist and flavorful cake that is perfect for fall or any time of the year.

To make this dessert, simply mix one box of cake mix with one can of pumpkin puree until well combined. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish (muffin or donut pans) and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This dessert can be served plain or topped with whipped cream or frosting for added sweetness. Enjoy!

This recipe is so versatile it can be turned into bars, cake, muffins, or donuts.

If you have been following me on Instagram lately, I have been posting recipes you can make with a box of cake mix (15.25oz) and 1 150z can of pumpkin. People loved it! This pumpkin recipe is simple and only requires 2 ingredients. All the other ingredients listed in the recipes below are OPTIONAL which can fool a lot of people into thinking that this recipe is more than 2 ingredients. The keyword above is optional folks.

If you like pumpkin desserts for Fall try Pumpkin Muffins with Chocolate Chips, Pumpkin Fluff, or Skinny Pumpkin Pie Bars.

Jump to:
  • What can you make with these 2 ingredients?
  • Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
  • Pumpkin Donuts
  • Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
  • Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
  • Number of Servings
  • Recipe FAQS
  • 5 Easy Recipes with Cake Mix and Canned Pumpkin

What can you make with these 2 ingredients?

So far, I've made muffins, donuts, whoopie pies, and sheet cake. Cake mix and canned pumpkin are the 2 BASE ingredients. Again, all the other ingredients mentioned in the recipes are optional and are just ideas you can add to the recipe in case you think it needs to be doctored up a little.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Pumpkin Donuts

For the cinnamon sugar mix that you use for the donuts, it is best to dip them when the donuts are warm. Feel free to use a sugar substitute to help keep the points at 3.

Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Some ingredients such as egg and water help the batter consistency and type of dessert you are making.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

This recipe for pumpkin muffins is reallystupideasy. The recipe makes 24 muffins/cupcakes and the base which is cake mix and canned pumpkin is only 3 points. If you add the chocolate chips the total will be 4 points.

Weight Watchers Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Number of Servings

Depending on how you divide the number of servings per recipe the points can vary. 24 servings are 3 points. 48 servings are2 points. You figure out cake mix points by what the box says per ounces. In the recipe builder there is an option for oz if you look for yellow or chocolate cake mix.

Recipe FAQS

Can I use sugar-free cake mix?

Yes, you can but from what people are telling me on Instagram there is not a sugar-free spice cake mix flavor out there. You can, however,use yellow or chocolate sugar-free cake mix. Add a little cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the batter, but that is optional as well. So many options! Please use your recipe builder to figure out the points. I'm not a fan of sugar-free cake mix.

How do you store these?

Whenever I make a batch of these muffins, I will only make half of the recipe at a time so I am not wasting a whole lot of muffins before they start getting bad in the fridge.

How do you figure out points for recipes?

The recipe builder app from WW is what I use to figure out points for all my recipes. It comes with your WW membership. I would suggest entering my recipes into the builder once you’ve tried it and liked it. That way you can easily track your day. It is also helpful to use if you have a question about the points regarding a recipe.

Why am I still getting different points from what you have listed?

This could be quite a number of reasons and here are a few that I have come across.
Number of servings
Low-Fat vs Fat-Free ingredients
Zero Point foods are different for all 3 plans
Using the nutrition info calculator instead of the recipe builder

If you tried this 5 Easy Recipes Using Canned Pumpkin and Cake Mix orany other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries

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5 Easy Recipes with Cake Mix and Canned Pumpkin - Recipe Diaries (6)

5 Easy Recipes with Cake Mix and Canned Pumpkin

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

5 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Jenna
  • Total Time: 25 min
  • Yield: 24
Print Recipe

Description

This pumpkin recipe is simple and only requires 2 ingredients. All the other ingredients listed in the recipes below are OPTIONAL

Ingredients

Base Recipe

1 15 oz box of spice cake mix

1 15 oz can of pumpkin

½ cup of water (does not count as an ingredient)

Pumpkin Muffins 3 Points, 24 muffins

Chocolate Chips (optional)

Whoopie Pies

1 can of Dairy-Free Almond Reddi Wip (filling)

Pumpkin Spice Donuts

¼ cup of sugar (optional)

1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

1 egg

½ cup mini chocolate chips

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Frosting:

1 15 oz can of pumpkin

1 1 oz box of instant vanilla pudding mix(sugar-free)

¼ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice

1 container of cool whip

Instructions

Muffins or base recipe: Mix all the base ingredients together in a bowl. Fold in chocolate chips (optional) to the batter. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners and scoop the batter into each cupcake liner. Bake at 350 for 12 to 15 minutes. Do not add any of the other ingredients on the back of the box. Just the 3 base ones.

Makes 24 muffins, 3 smart points each

Whoopie Pies: Using a tablespoon, scoop the batter on to cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 for 12 to 15 minutes.

Makes 4 dozen cookies: 3 smart points

Donuts: Add about 2 tablespoons of cake mix into each donut pan hole and bake them in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Continue with the rest of the batter. In a small bowl combine the sugar and cinnamon. Dip each side of the donut into the cinnamon and sugar mix. Enjoy. Smart Points per donut 3. You can spoon the batter into the donut pan or use a ziplock bag and cut a hole in the bag to pipe the batter into the pan. Makes 24 donuts 3 smart points per donut

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars: In a bowl, mix together to the cake mix, pumpkin, and egg until well combined. Spray a 9 X 13 pan with cooking spray. Spread the cake mix batter onto the pan. Sprinkle the chocolate chips all over the pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean. Makes 24 servings 4 smart points per bar

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Mix together cake mix and pumpkin puree. Add in about ¼ cup of water if the consistency is too thick or if you please. Divide batter in muffin tins.

Meanwhile, mix together a box of instant vanilla pudding (dry) and 1 can of pumpkin puree until the instant pudding is dissolved. Add in ¼ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Gently, fold in the whole container of cool whip. Once the cupcakes have cooled, frost the cupcakes with the pumpkin fluff frosting. Enjoy! Makes 24 cupcakes, Smart Points 4 (1 cupcake)

Notes

Points listed above includes all 3 WW plans

  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 12-15 min
  • Category: Easy
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

More Fall

  • Ree Drummond Perfect Potato Soup
  • Paula Deen's Green Bean Casserole
  • Pumpkin Muffins with Chocolate Chips
  • Caramel Apple Salad

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Waya says

    I just made this today because I had an idea and wanted to make sure that it was an idea that someone's tried and was sure enough, it was. I found this site and couldn't have been happier that my idea was valid. The only difference that I made to mine was that I added about 6 tablespoons of applesauce with the pumpkin into the cake mix, and I also used Betty Crocker German Chocolate cake mix instead of the spice cake mix. I did this because the subtle cocoa flavor mixed with pumpkin makes it that much more fall-esque, in my opinion. The result? Let me just tell you, lacking the cowl and whisk almost equaled, wanting to just eat the mix uncooked because it was so good. I'm glad we didn't, though, because this turned into a cake once done that rivaled an actual bakery cake when it comes to taste, moistness, density, and texture. This is absolutely phenomenal, definitely making again.

  2. Jenna says

    Yes you can mix it by hand. If it gets too thick while stirring add in some water.

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5 Easy Recipes with Cake Mix and Canned Pumpkin - Recipe Diaries (2024)

FAQs

Can I substitute pumpkin for oil in cake mix? ›

YES YOU PUM–CAN

Use pumpkin in your favorite breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert recipe –you can even sub it in for ingredients like eggs, oil, and butter.

What can I add to my Betty Crocker cake mix to make it better? ›

Boxed cake mixes can take on a lot of extra flavor and a little more liquid, so don't be afraid to add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to a white cake or a little coffee extract to a chocolate cake. Fresh lemon or orange zest is wonderful in a lemon cake and also divine in a yellow or white cake.

How do you make canned pumpkin taste better? ›

Cook It on the Stove

Briefly cooking your canned pumpkin purée on the stove can help improve both the flavor and texture. This method helps reduce excess moisture, which gives the pumpkin a superior texture. It also releases the natural pumpkin flavor and helps reduce the metallic taste from the can.

Why is canned pumpkin better to use in baking? ›

The claim is that these pumpkins have been grown specifically for pumpkin puree in cooking and baking, so the result is a sweeter and creamier product. Interesting. Of course, anything that's been canned will likely taste different than the fresh product.

What does pumpkin replace in baking? ›

If you're trying to cut back on your consumption of eggs and oil, then you should try using canned pumpkins! They are low in sodium, calories, and fat but high in fibre and healthy antioxidants, making them a healthy and plant-based substitute.

Can pumpkin replace egg in baking? ›

Aside from giving your baked goods a seasonal touch, pumpkin puree is excellent for replacing eggs. Use 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree for each egg, says Traci Weintraub, chef and founder of Gracefully Fed, a restaurant in Los Angeles.

How to jazz up boxed cake mix? ›

Enhance With Extracts

Pure vanilla extract and pure almond extract are great options, but you could also try lemon extract or orange extract paired with fresh citrus zest. Although more expensive, vanilla bean paste or fresh vanilla beans will provide even richer flavor to a boxed mix.

How to make box cake taste like a bakery cake? ›

Step 1: Look at the directions on the cake mix. Step 2: Add one more egg (or add 2 if you want it to be very rich). Step 3: Use melted butter instead of oil and double the amount. Step 4: Instead of water, use whole milk.

How do you perk up a box cake mix? ›

Here are THE BEST Tricks On How To Make Box Cake Better!
  1. Use milk instead of water. ...
  2. Add extra eggs. ...
  3. Add sugar and flour to the dry mix. ...
  4. Use coffee instead of water for chocolate cakes. ...
  5. Sour Cream is perfect for adding moisture and rich flavor. ...
  6. Pudding adds moisture and flavor.

What brings out pumpkin flavor? ›

Pumpkin spice (a.k.a. pumpkin pie spice) is an aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Sometimes allspice is included. You can buy the spice blend at the store or use ingredients you already have on hand to make DIY pumpkin spice.

What is the difference between canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree? ›

Canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are the same thing, and you'll often see the terms used interchangeably in recipes and cookbooks. Unlike pumpkin pie mix, canned pumpkin does not have any spices, sugars, or other additives. In many cases, the only ingredient is pumpkin.

Can dogs eat pumpkin? ›

Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin and it is actually often added to dog foods. Check the label of some dog treats and you may find pumpkin on the ingredient list there too. However, if you are feeding fresh pumpkin, you will need to be careful about which part you're feeding as the stem and leaves are covered in prickly hairs.

Is there a difference between canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie filling? ›

They are the same product. Both canned pumpkin puree and pie filling are useful, shelf-stable ingredients that can help speed up your kitchen prep time. Just remember that puree is unsweetened, while pie filling contains sugar and spices. This will help you choose the right pumpkin product for your recipes.

Is canned pumpkin really healthy? ›

Canned pumpkin offers the same health benefits as fresh pumpkin, making it quick and easy to add pumpkin to recipes year-round. Pumpkin seeds are typically roasted and sold separately as a snack or topping.

What does canned pumpkin do for humans? ›

Canned pumpkin is full of electrolytes and minerals that support a healthy cardiovascular and immune system, including potassium, magnesium and iron.

How much pumpkin to replace oil? ›

Oil: Add Organic Pumpkin Puree in a 1-to-1 ratio for each amount of oil called for. Butter: To substitute for butter, use 3/4 the amount of Organic Pumpkin Puree for each amount of butter, so 3/4 of a tablespoon pumpkin for 1 tablespoon of butter. You can also substitute just half the butter for Organic Pumpkin Puree.

Can you use canned pumpkin instead of oil? ›

Cooking substitute

The substitute is one-to-one, so if the recipe calls for one cup of oil, simply use one cup of pumpkin puree instead. Another substitute is using pumpkin puree for butter. To do this, multiply the amount of butter in the recipe by three-fourths (or .

What is a good substitute for oil in boxed cake mix? ›

Melted, unsalted butter is the perfect substitute for oil, and can even add a richer flavor to baked recipes. Swap in butter for oil in a 1:1 ratio, melting butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Vegan butter or ghee can also work in this instance.

Can pumpkin puree be used in place of oil? ›

For oil, the ratio is one to one — one cup oil is simply replaced with one cup pumpkin puree. To substitute pumpkin puree for butter, multiply the amount of butter by 3/4. If a recipe calls for one cup, use 3/4 cup puree in its place. If you're not ready to give up all the butter, consider splitting the bill.

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