Let me start by saying, I "try" to make clean food as much as possible, but there are times when you're at a crossroads... semi-processed at home, or completely processed at the store. This recipe allows you to still bring a homemade treat with similar, or better, nutrients than the store and your house will smell delicious in the process. And it is SIMPLE - only three ingredients! Get ready for this...cake mix, water, canned pumpkin. Bam. Easy right?
I prefer Duncan Hines SPICE cake mix. I love the flavor it brings out and it's always a hit. But, Duncan Hines doesn't state that they are a nut free factory so if I'm making this for a party or school, I always use Betty Crocker who I've been told, is safe for nut allergies. **My family only has coconut allergies so I'm going off what I've been told.
US version:
1 box Duncan Hines spice cake mix
1/2 c water
1 15 oz Libby's canned pumpkin
Australia version:
1 box vanilla cake mix
1/4 c water
1 15 oz Libby's canned pumpkin
1-2 TBSP Pumpkin Spice***, to taste (the batter doesn't have eggs so you won't get sick tasting it, but don't eat it ALL! speaking from experience here) ;)
*For a party, sift powdered sugar on top for that extra WOW factor. You could ice them, but I find them sweet enough and powered sugar really is impressive enough without hiding the flavor of everything else.
**I usually double this recipe when I make it because my kids seriously go through this super quick and I can spread the love to teachers, neighbors, church morning tea, etc. or freeze them. They are great frozen and then reheated once they thaw.
***if you don't have Pumpkin Spice on hand, save your money and make it. It's super simple and I make it in large batches so it lasts for month. I use it in a lot of things so it's handy to have around and no need to spend $4-5 on a small jar: 1.5 TBSP ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp ground cloves.
DO NOT MISS THIS! You do not make the recipe with the instructions on the box...disregard that, you only use water and canned pumpkin so this is egg free, nut free, butter free, and oil free too. Also, this is not 21-Day Fix approved, but again, one of those splurges where you want to bring homemade, have people talk about you for days and make everyone in your house think you are AMAZING!