Simplified Pumpkin Magic Cake

Featured in: Sweet Heat Treats

This autumn dessert features a creamy pumpkin custard base topped with a delicate, spongy layer. Combining milk, eggs, and pumpkin purée with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, the batter bakes into a uniquely layered texture. Cool before slicing and enjoy dusted with powdered sugar or paired with whipped cream for an inviting seasonal treat. Ideal for gatherings or cozy evenings, it requires minimal preparation and bakes to a soft custard with a light, airy topping.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:31:00 GMT
Warm, spiced pumpkin magic cake slice, dusted with powdered sugar, ready to savor. Save
Warm, spiced pumpkin magic cake slice, dusted with powdered sugar, ready to savor. | grilto.com

A delightfully easy pumpkin dessert with a creamy custard base and a light spongy top&perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy treat.

This cake quickly became a favorite at our family gatherings during the fall season.

Ingredients

  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter melted and cooled, 3 large eggs at room temperature, 1 cup (225 g) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling), 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Dry Ingredients: 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional Topping: Powdered sugar for dusting, Whipped cream for serving

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking dish or similar-sized pan.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk melted butter eggs pumpkin purée and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour sugar cinnamon nutmeg ginger and salt.
Step 4:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture whisking until just combined. The batter will be quite liquid this is normal for a magic cake.
Step 5:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Step 6:
Bake for 4555 minutes or until the center is just set but still slightly wobbly. A knife inserted should come out mostly clean with a little custard clinging.
Step 7:
Cool the cake completely in the pan. For best texture refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Step 8:
Dust with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream if desired.
Creamy pumpkin magic cake, baked to perfection, a perfect fall dessert for sharing. Save
Creamy pumpkin magic cake, baked to perfection, a perfect fall dessert for sharing. | grilto.com

Our family enjoys this cake best when served chilled during cool autumn evenings together.

Notes

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls Whisk 8-inch (20 cm) square baking dish Measuring cups and spoons Spatula

Allergen Information

Contains milk eggs and wheat (gluten). Check pumpkin purée and vanilla extract for allergens if using processed products.

Homemade pumpkin magic cake with a golden crust and a soft, custard-like interior ready to eat. Save
Homemade pumpkin magic cake with a golden crust and a soft, custard-like interior ready to eat. | grilto.com

This pumpkin magic cake is a comforting treat that brings warmth to any autumn table.

Recipe Help & Answers

What makes this pumpkin cake unique?

Its magic cake method creates a custard-like base with a spongy top by using a liquid batter that separates during baking.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this cake?

Yes, substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well without affecting the texture significantly.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to three days to maintain freshness and texture.

Is it necessary to chill before serving?

Chilling for at least two hours enhances the custard’s set and improves slicing ease.

What spices complement the pumpkin flavor?

Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add depth, while optional cloves or allspice enhance autumn notes.

Simplified Pumpkin Magic Cake

Creamy pumpkin custard layered with spongy top for an autumn treat that’s delightfully easy and comforting.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
50 min
Complete Time
65 min
From grilto Jake Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style American

Serves 8 Portions

Diet Details Meatless

What You Need

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
02 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled (56.7 g)
03 3 large eggs, at room temperature
04 1 cup pumpkin purée (225 g), not pumpkin pie filling
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
02 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
03 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
06 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Topping

01 Powdered sugar, for dusting
02 Whipped cream, for serving

How-To

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

Step 02

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, eggs, pumpkin purée, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 03

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

Step 04

Incorporate Dry Into Wet: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, whisking until just combined; batter will be quite liquid.

Step 05

Pour Batter and Bake: Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 45 to 55 minutes until center is set but slightly wobbly.

Step 06

Cool and Chill: Allow dessert to cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Step 07

Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream if desired.

Essentials

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • 8-inch square baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula

Allergy Advisory

Review every component for allergens. Reach out to a health pro if you’re concerned.
  • Contains milk, eggs, and wheat (gluten). Verify processed ingredients for additional allergens.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Facts listed here are for your info, not medical advice. Always double-check if needed.
  • Energy: 210
  • Lipids: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 4 g