Dessert, Me in the Kitchen, Recipes

Pumpkin Crazy Cake Cupcakes: The Easy, No-Egg, No-Dairy Fall Treat You’ll Love

Pumpkin Cupcake Crazy Cake with creamy frosting

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Where are my pumpkin people at? This one’s for you.

From the first day of fall, some folks dream of pumpkin everything. I’m not a hardcore pumpkin person myself, but I do love a good, quick snack—especially one that feels like dessert.

This pumpkin “crazy cake” (also called a Depression-era cake) skips the butter, eggs, and milk. The secret? A splash of vinegar that makes it rise and stay moist. By default, it’s totally vegan—and honestly, I just call it good.


Pumpkin Cupcake Crazy Cake with creamy frosting

Pumpkin Pie Crazy (Cake) Cupcake – No Eggs, Milk, or Butter

Discover the Pumpkin Pie Crazy Cake, a delicious twist on the classic Wacky Cake, also known as Depression Cake. This easy-to-make recipe became popular during the Great Depression when eggs, milk, and butter were scarce. With no need for eggs, dairy, or butter, this moist and flavorful pumpkin dessert is perfect for vegans, those with dietary restrictions, or anyone looking for a simple yet nostalgic treat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Equipment

  • 1 Silicone Muffin Pan
  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Mixing Spoon
  • 1 Set of Measuring Spoons
  • 1 Set of Measuring Cups
  • 1 2 Cupcake Liners Optional

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Cups All purpose flour
  • 1/2 Cups Granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp Baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp Baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon Optional
  • 1/4 tsp Salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar
  • 5 Tbsp Unrefined Coconut oil Or any neutral oil
  • 1/2 Cup Canned pumpkin pie mix
  • 1 1/8 Cup Water

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350° F
  • If using cupcake liners, place them in cupcake pan
  • Combine dry ingredients in mixing bowl
  • Add in wet ingredients to the dry ingredients
  • Mix until smooth
  • Bake in the oven for 30 mins. Check the center of the cake with a toothpick making sure it comes out clean.

Quick Q&A

Q: Can I make this pumpkin crazy cake cupcake gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill). The texture stays soft, just a little more tender.

Q: Can I use plain pumpkin instead of pumpkin pie mix?
A: You sure can—just add about 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or your own blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Q: Does this cake need frosting?
A: Not at all. It’s moist and flavorful on its own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze makes it feel extra special.

Q: How long does it stay fresh?
A: It’ll keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze slices for an easy fall snack later.

Save This Recipe

Want to keep this for later? Pin it to your Fall Vegan Treats board!

🧁 You Might Also Like My

Chocolate Peppermint Crazy Cupcakes — The Ultimate Holiday Treat
Same “crazy cake” method, just with a festive peppermint twist. Easy, dairy-free, and kid-approved.

AI may have helped refine this post, but every idea, recipe, and opinion is 100% mine. I thought it, cooked it, and tasted it—AI is just the assistant, not the chef. No robots were harmed (or fed) in the making of this content!