Pumpkin Magic Cake Recipe

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Cook Time: 60 minutes

When autumn arrives and pumpkin spice cravings hit, theres one dessert that takes cozy season to new heights: Pumpkin Magic Cake. This warm, sweet, and rich treat is a twist on the classic Impossible Cake, featuring a tender spice cake base and a creamy cheesecake layer. Despite being poured into the pan in a specific order, the layers seemingly switch in the oven, making this recipe feel like an impressive baking trick. But, the cake is actually surprisingly easy to make thanks to shortcuts like a box spice cake mix and instant pudding. Simple, yet showstopping, this two-layer cake will bring a little magic to your fall table.

"The cake is super moist and fluffy, and the cheesecake is so creamy," said recipe developer Giovanna Vazquez. "So cool that it flips in the oven!"

Ingredients

• Baking spray
• 1 (13.25 ounce) package spice cake mix (such as Betty Crocker)
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 5 large eggs, divided
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 cup canned pumpkin (from 1 [15 ounce] can)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 (3.4 ounce) package pumpkin spice instant pudding
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 (8 ounce) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Spray a 10-inch springform pan with baking spray.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, and 3 eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until everything is well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan.

Step 3: In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed with the paddle attachment until smooth, about 15 to 20 seconds. Be careful not to overmix. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 4: Add the sugar and beat on medium speed until just combined, about 20 seconds. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Whisk in the canned pumpkin, remaining 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. It's okay if the batter has small lumps of cream cheese.

Step 6: Slowly spoon the pumpkin mixture over the cake batter in the pan, spreading it into an even layer. Leave about a 1/2-inch border around the edges of the pan.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven until the cake is risen and a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil after 50 minutes.

Step 8: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 2 hours.

Step 9: Meanwhile, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk in a separate bowl until thickened and smooth.

Step 10: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture until no streaks remain.

Step 11: Once the cake has cooled, spoon the pudding topping over the cake and spread it into an even layer.

Step 12: Slice, serve, and enjoy your magical pumpkin cake!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 421
• Total Fat: 26g (34% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 12g (59% DV)
• Cholesterol: 105mg (35% DV)
• Sodium: 369mg (16% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 41g (15% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% DV)
• Total Sugars: 29g
• Protein: 7g (14% DV)
• Vitamin C: 1mg (1% DV)
• Calcium: 144mg (11% DV)
• Iron: 1mg (6% DV)
• Potassium: 175mg (4% DV)

When the crispness of autumn settles in, theres one dessert that becomes a go-to comfort: the Pumpkin Magic Cake. This indulgent cake combines the warm flavors of pumpkin with a creamy cheesecake layer, creating a treat that is both rich and satisfying. The true magic of this cake lies in its unique baking process, where two distinct layers seemingly switch places during baking, resulting in a cake that has a fluffy spiced base with a creamy pumpkin filling on top.

Origin and History

The concept of "magic cakes" is not new, with many variations existing around the world, especially during the autumn season. However, the Pumpkin Magic Cake is a modern twist that combines the classic "Impossible Cake" with pumpkins beloved flavors. The Impossible Cake itself is an old-fashioned dessert where two distinct layers are created during baking, despite mixing them together initially. Pumpkin Magic Cake, as its name suggests, adds a seasonal layer of pumpkin spice that is synonymous with fall, making it a perfect dish for Thanksgiving and other harvest celebrations.

Regional Features and Variations

While Pumpkin Magic Cake is popular across the United States, especially during the fall months, variations of this cake exist in other parts of the world where pumpkin is a staple ingredient. In some regions, it may be served with a layer of nuts or seeds sprinkled on top, or sometimes accompanied by a drizzle of caramel. In certain Southern U.S. regions, the cake might be made with sweet potato instead of pumpkin, adding a different twist while retaining the spirit of the dish. The use of pumpkin pie spice gives the cake a warm, comforting flavor thats familiar to anyone who enjoys traditional American autumn desserts.

How Does It Compare to Other Pumpkin Cakes?

Unlike most pumpkin cakes, which feature a single uniform texture, the Pumpkin Magic Cake has a striking dual texture: a rich, spiced cake base and a creamy, cheesecake-like top. The secret to this "magical" transformation lies in the baking process, where the layers invert as they bake. Most other pumpkin cakes are straightforward and dont have this surprising element, making the Pumpkin Magic Cake a standout. Furthermore, the inclusion of boxed cake mix and instant pudding simplifies preparation, allowing even novice bakers to create an impressive dessert with minimal effort.

Where Is It Typically Served?

Pumpkin Magic Cake is a perfect dessert for any fall gathering. Its especially popular during Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, and autumn-themed dinners. Because of its rich flavors and beautiful layers, its often served as the centerpiece of dessert tables. Its also a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, family gatherings, or coffee hours at local community centers and churches. Whether youre celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying the seasons bounty, this cake is sure to impress your guests.

Fun Facts About Pumpkin Magic Cake

• The cakes "magical" transformation occurs as the batter bakes and separates into two layers, creating a fluffy cake on the bottom and a creamy cheesecake-like layer on top.
• The use of pumpkin spice and canned pumpkin puree gives the cake a distinctive flavor that signals the arrival of autumn. It's the perfect dessert to embrace the season's warm, comforting spices.
• Despite the name, the cake doesnt require any special techniques or ingredients it uses a boxed cake mix and instant pudding, making it an easy yet impressive dessert for anyone to make.
• The cakes combination of textures spongy and creamy makes it a dessert that appeals to a variety of tastes, especially those who love both cake and cheesecake.

FAQ about Pumpkin Magic Cake Recipe

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