Simplified Pumpkin Magic Cake

Featured in: Sweet Treats

This delightfully easy autumn dessert features a creamy custard base infused with pumpkin purée and warm spices, topped with a gentle spongy layer. The batter is a blend of whole milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla, combined with flour, sugar, and fragrant cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Baked until just set, the dish offers a tender texture that’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, dusted lightly with powdered sugar and served with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Perfect for gatherings and cozy moments, it embraces the flavors of the season while keeping preparation simple and approachable.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:48:00 GMT
Close-up shot shows a slice of Simplified Pumpkin Magic Cake, dusted with powdered sugar and ready. Save
Close-up shot shows a slice of Simplified Pumpkin Magic Cake, dusted with powdered sugar and ready. | griddleglory.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 quickly became a family favorite at our fall dinners with its unique texture and comforting flavors.

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.
Warm, spiced Simplified Pumpkin Magic Cake, its airy texture contrasting its creamy, custard interior. Save
Warm, spiced Simplified Pumpkin Magic Cake, its airy texture contrasting its creamy, custard interior. | griddleglory.com

This cake always brings my family together especially during chilled autumn evenings when we share stories and warm drinks.

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 per serving

Sliced, golden-brown Simplified Pumpkin Magic Cake with a perfect, wobbly custard layer, ready to eat. Save
Sliced, golden-brown Simplified Pumpkin Magic Cake with a perfect, wobbly custard layer, ready to eat. | griddleglory.com

This pumpkin magic cake is a delightful treat that impresses every time with minimal effort.

Cooking Questions

What makes the top of the pumpkin dessert spongy?

The light, airy top forms during baking due to the batter's unique consistency and egg proteins setting gently, creating a soft spongy layer that contrasts the creamy base.

Can I use alternative flours for gluten-free options?

Yes, substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well, maintaining texture and flavor.

How long should the dessert be chilled before serving?

Chilling for at least two hours helps the custard base to fully set and enhances the dessert's texture and flavors.

Are there any recommended spices to enhance autumn flavors?

Adding a pinch of cloves or allspice alongside cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger can deepen the warm, seasonal aroma.

What is the best way to serve this pumpkin custard dish?

Serve chilled or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar and topped with whipped cream for extra richness.

How should leftovers be stored and for how long?

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Simplified Pumpkin Magic Cake

Creamy pumpkin custard dessert with a light, airy top, perfect for autumn gatherings and treats.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
50 min
Complete duration
65 min
Created by Sarah Collins


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free

Components

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup whole milk
02 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
03 3 large eggs, at 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

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until evenly combined.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk, eggs, and wheat (gluten).
  • Check processed pumpkin purée and vanilla extract for additional allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide only and aren't intended to replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 4 g