Easy 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Bread Recipe (Moist & Flavorful Fall Favorite) 2025

There are certain foods that instantly remind us of cozy moments, warm kitchens, and the changing seasons. Pumpkin bread is one of those timeless treats. As the leaves turn golden and the air grows cooler, the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves drifting from the oven feels like an embrace. Yet, in our fast-paced lives, many people feel they don’t have time to make homemade baked goods. That’s exactly where this easy 3-ingredient pumpkin bread recipe steps in.

With only a box of spice cake mix, a can of pumpkin puree, and a few eggs, you can have a moist, delicious loaf ready in under an hour. No long grocery lists. No complicated techniques. Just pure flavor and simplicity.

This bread isn’t just quick—it’s versatile, budget-friendly, and family-approved. Whether you’re making it for a holiday brunch, an after-school snack, or simply because you want a slice of comfort with your morning coffee, this recipe always delivers.

Why You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Bread

There are dozens of pumpkin bread recipes out there, many requiring ten or more ingredients. While those can be wonderful, sometimes less truly is more. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:

Convenience: Just three affordable ingredients you can keep stocked in your pantry.
Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’ve never baked before, this recipe is foolproof.
Moist & Flavorful: Pumpkin puree adds rich texture and natural sweetness, while the spice cake mix brings warmth from cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Versatility: With a few tweaks, this bread can transform into muffins, bundt cakes, or even pumpkin donuts.
Seasonal Appeal: Perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving spreads, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients Breakdown: Why These Work So Well

Spice Cake Mix

The star shortcut of this recipe is a spice cake mix. It’s already flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, so you don’t need to measure multiple spices. It provides the base structure of the bread while saving time.

Alternative: If you don’t have spice cake mix, you can use yellow or white cake mix and add about 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice to replicate the flavor.

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin isn’t just delicious—it’s also nutritious. Pumpkin puree adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that classic fall flavor.

Rich in Vitamin A and antioxidants.
Low in calories but high in fiber.
Keeps the bread soft without needing extra oil or butter.

Important: Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling (which has added sugar and spices).

Eggs

Eggs provide structure and help the bread rise. They also give a richer texture.

Substitutions:

For a vegan option, use 1/4 cup applesauce or 3 tbsp aquafaba per egg.
Flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) also work well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it with non-stick spray or lining it with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, and eggs. Stir until smooth and evenly combined—avoid overmixing.
Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool fully before slicing.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
Whisk or electric hand mixer
9×5-inch loaf pan
Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper
Cooling rack
Rubber spatula (for even spreading)

Optional tools: Muffin tins, mini loaf pans, or bundt pan if you want to experiment with different shapes.

Expert Tips for Success

Don’t Overbake: Start checking around 40 minutes. Overbaking can make the bread dry.
Enhance Moisture: Add 2 tablespoons of oil or sour cream for an extra moist loaf.
Boost Flavor: Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
Mix-Ins: Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips, walnuts, or dried cranberries for extra texture.
Uniform Baking: If using smaller pans (like muffins or mini loaves), reduce baking time accordingly.

Delicious Variations & Mix-Ins

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Try these fun twists:

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Add ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Cream Cheese Swirl: Spread half the batter in the pan, add a layer of sweetened cream cheese, then top with the remaining batter.
Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread: Mix flour, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create a crumbly topping.
Pumpkin Muffins: Divide batter into muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes.
Mini Loaves: Perfect for gifting—adjust bake time to 25–30 minutes.
Bundt Cake: Grease a bundt pan and bake for 45–55 minutes.

Substitutions & Dietary Options

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free spice cake mix.
Vegan: Swap eggs with applesauce, aquafaba, or flax eggs.
Sugar-Free: Use a sugar-free cake mix alternative.
Oil-Free: Recipe is naturally oil-free, thanks to pumpkin puree.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for 5–7 days.
Freezer: Wrap loaf (or slices) tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Microwave slices for 10–15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin bread is delicious on its own, but here are ways to elevate it:

Spread with butter, cream cheese, or nut butter.
Serve with hot coffee, chai tea, or warm apple cider.
Toast slices lightly and top with honey or maple syrup.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for holiday flair.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate for 12 slices)

Calories: 180
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Sugar: 15 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 200 mg

Pumpkin Health Benefits:

High in Vitamin A (good for eyes and skin).
Contains antioxidants that support immunity.
Naturally low in fat and calories.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Bread Sinks in the Middle: Usually from underbaking or overmixing.
Dense Texture: Be sure not to over-stir the batter.
Dry Bread: Likely baked too long—always test early.
Undercooked Center: Use the toothpick test and leave in a bit longer if necessary.