Simplified Pumpkin Magic Cake

Featured in: Sweet Treat Fix

This autumn-inspired dessert showcases a creamy custard base blended with rich pumpkin purée and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The batter creates a tender and spongy top layer after baking, offering a delightful contrast in textures. With minimal prep and easy steps, it’s perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat. For best results, refrigerate before serving to enhance the delicate custard consistency. Optional dusting of powdered sugar and whipped cream adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:36:00 GMT
Slice of warm Simplified Pumpkin Magic Cake dusted with powdered sugar, ready to serve. Pin It
Slice of warm Simplified Pumpkin Magic Cake dusted with powdered sugar, ready to serve. | fordish.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 pumpkin magic cake became a family favorite last autumn when I served it at our holiday dinner, and everyone loved its unique texture and flavor.

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 45–55 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.
Pin It
| fordish.com

This recipe always brings back warm memories of family gatherings during the fall season when everyone eagerly waits for this cake to be served.

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

Nutritional Information

Calories 210 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 33 g Protein 4 g

Fluffy, golden, and dreamy Simplified Pumpkin Magic Cake, perfect for a cozy fall dessert shared. Pin It
Fluffy, golden, and dreamy Simplified Pumpkin Magic Cake, perfect for a cozy fall dessert shared. | fordish.com

This pumpkin magic cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for any fall occasion.

Recipe FAQs

What makes this pumpkin dessert 'magic'?

The batter transforms during baking, naturally separating into distinct layers of custard, cake, and a spongy top without additional steps.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this dessert?

Yes, substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well and maintains the dessert’s texture.

How long should the dessert be refrigerated before serving?

Chilling for at least 2 hours improves the texture, allowing the custard to set perfectly.

Are there any suggested spices to enhance flavor?

Adding cloves or allspice alongside the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger will deepen the warm autumnal notes.

What allergens should I be aware of?

This dessert contains milk, eggs, and wheat gluten. Check ingredient labels for processed items to avoid hidden allergens.

Simplified Pumpkin Magic Cake

Light pumpkin custard dessert with a spongy top, ideal for fall celebrations or cozy moments.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
50 minutes
Overall Time
65 minutes
Recipe by Fordish Mia Harper


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Result 8 Portion Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian Option

Ingredient List

Wet Ingredients

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

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1 cup granulated sugar
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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined. The batter will be quite liquid, which is expected.

Step 05

Bake Custard Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the center is mostly set but slightly wobbly.

Step 06

Cool and Chill: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set before slicing.

Step 07

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient for allergens. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains milk, eggs, and wheat (gluten).
  • Check pumpkin purée and vanilla extract labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Values provided for reference. Consult your medical provider with questions.
  • Energy Value: 210
  • Lipids: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 4 g