Pumpkin Magic Cake is a must for the holidays. The yellow cake and pumpkin pie layers magically separate into a delicious treat.
This recipe is a combo of delicious Pumpkin Pie with a tasty Yellow Cake. Top it off with some homemade whipped cream and you’ve got a magical dessert.
Why Pumpkin Magic Cake is Best
Do you know what goes great with pumpkin pie? Cool Whip. Sorry friends, I know it’s a bit controversial and some people are judgmental about it. If you prefer to not eat it, that’s cool.
When I saw this Pumpkin Magic Cake on Shawn’s blog, I knew it had to be made. I have been eyeing this cake recipe for quite some time!
Shawn has a pudding frosting to top her cake, but I skipped that and just used Cool Whip! This cake is making an appearance on our Thanksgiving table because we LOVED it so much!!
And it’s truly a magic cake.
- THREE layers of deliciousness to enjoy
- The pumpkin layer and yellow cake layer magically separate
- Warm spices make it perfect for the holidays
If you love this magic cake, be sure to try our easy chocolate wacky cake next! Or give our coconut cake recipe a try for a truly magical bite of dessert.
Important Ingredient Notes
- Cake Mix – You need a box of yellow cake mix for the base of this recipe. Any brand will do.
- Pumpkin – Be sure to use a can of PURE pumpkin puree, not a pumpkin pie filling.
- Brown Sugar – I use light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar would be fine too if that’s all you have. Be sure to pack it well when measuring.
- Spices – The recipe calls for cinnamon, ginger and cloves, but you could also swap these out for pumpkin pie spice.
- Cool Whip – I’m a big fan, but you could also make our stabilized whipped cream if you prefer.
Easy Instructions
Cake layer.
- Blend together the cake mix, water, oil and eggs as directed on the cake mix box.
- Pour into a 13×9 baking dish coated with non-stick baking spray (you could also use our homemade cake release).
Pumpkin pie layer.
Combine all of the ingredients for this layer and mix until well combined and smooth.
Pour into the cake layer. The pumpkin will settle to the bottom, as it should. No need to swirl or mix.
Bake.
- Bake the cake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 1 hour, then let cool completely.
- Frost the cake with Cool Whip and then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure to beat the cake layer and the pumpkin layer until very well mixed and very smooth.
- When you remove the cake from the oven you’re going to think to yourself, “I did something wrong, it doesn’t look separated.” Trust me, it will WORK. Wait until you slice into the cake and you’ll see.
- Also to note, the cake may look a little more “done” than other cakes; that is OK! Trust the process.
- Be sure to let the cake cool completely before you add the Cool Whip or other frosting. And then be sure to refrigerate for at least 4 hours – or even overnight – before slicing and serving it cold.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Because this cake needs to cool before being frosted AND then be refrigerated for at least 4 hours – or overnight – it is best made in advance.
You can top this cake with homemade stabilized whipped cream. Regular whipped cream might get runny and not hold its shape as well. Or try a pumpkin spiced mousse instead.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator covered with foil or in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This cake tastes best when its nice and cold.
More Cake Recipes
- Banana Macadamia Nut Cake: If you love banana snack cakes…and macadamia nuts, then this cake is just for you!
- Coconut Cream Poke Cake: a sweet treat at the end of your meal!
- Apple Pie Poke Cake: this sweet cake is a cross between a classic pie and a moist cake. A family favorite!!
- Dirt Cake
More Delicious Dessert Recipes
- Chocolate Eclair Cake
- Turkey Rice Krispie Treats – fun Thanksgiving treat!
- Peanut Butter Cookies
- Cheesecake Recipe
- Baklava
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Pumpkin Magic Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake layer:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup canola oil
- 3 large eggs
For the pumpkin layer:
- 1 can pure pumpkin 15 oz
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
For the frosting:
- 1 tub Cool Whip, thawed 16 oz
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Spray 13×9 baking dish with non-stick baking spray. Set aside.
- Prepare cake layer by blending ingredients together until smooth. Beat 2 minutes and pour into prepared baking dish.
- For the pumpkin layer, combine ingredients and beat until smooth. Pour into cake layer. Pumpkin will sink down to the bottom, as it should. No need to swirl or smooth.
- Bake for 60 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. The cake will look a little more “done” than usual, that’s okay. Frost cooled cake with Cool Whip and refrigerate until ready to serve (at least 4 hours or overnight). ENJOY!
Notes
- If you want to try Shawn’s original frosting recipe, check it out here! It’s worth trying!
- Swap out the cool whip for Homemade Whipped Cream
Video
Nutrition
Look at those beautiful layers in this Pumpkin Magic Cake! This is a must make recipe for the holidays!
My family loves this cake! I will be making it again soon!
Such a delicious dessert; and perfect for fall! Looking forward to enjoying this all season long!
This was out of this world delicious – so fun to make!
This is exactly how I want to celebrate that it’s Fall! I love all things pumpkin.
Love! Perfect for fall and if anyone is deciding against whipped cream, you should totally top this cake with some! The whip cream is really a nice finishing touch.
Best pumpkin dessert I have ever tasted. Five stars.
We love this cake too!!! Such a great fall dessert!
O this look nice. Will have to give it a try. Looks very creamy.
How “done” is overdone looking? Will the top be crispy or just a little extra brown as opposed to yellow? I’ve just started cooking and baking with a gas range and am still getting used to how the oven bakes things. Which actually seems to be a lot slower than my old electric oven. Want to know what I should be looking for so it’s not undercooked. Thank you!
The top should look like a regular yellow cake….but the center will appear “jiggly” Hope this helps!
What is pure pumpkin?? Do u mean pumpkin purée??? Pls let me know cause I want to make this tonight 🙂 thanks
Yes, pumpkin puree. NOT canned pumpkin PIE.
Hi there ! Wondering what your thoughts are on making this cake in a Bundt pan? Will it keep form? Or is pumpkin more liquid?
That looks so good!! I need to make this
http://xoxobella.com
Give me Cool Whip any day!! It’s the BEST. Love this cake!
Thanks Dorothy!!
Cool Whip is magic, Aimee. Everyone just needs to calm the hey down. Like, we’re not mainlining it every day, right? Balance! Moderation! Cool Whip on holidays! And sometimes on ordinary, hard to handle days!
This cake is magic, too. I want it on my Thanksgiving table, along with all the things!
Balance and moderation. EXACTLY 🙂
Looks awesome but I think I’m going to try chocolate cake mix, do you think that would work?
Definitely! I love chocolate and pumpkin together!
There are times when Cool Whip rules! or when Whipped Cream in a can does, or when homemade does. It depends on the application and the other flavors involved. I want this cake right now!!! Thanks for sharing and as always ‘the haters gonna hate’.
I have been using and eating Cool Whip for years. I like the convenience and the taste. It looks like it would be great on this Pumpkin Magic Cake. I can’t wait to try the recipe and the Cool Whip topping!!
Your cake looks delicious! I prefer to eat homemade whip cream but I like the convenience of Cool Whip. I’m pretty sure we also had the whipped product in the cans with the pressurized tip when I was growing up. Not sure what that product is but it sure was fun. Anyway, since neither is a product we eat regularly, I do whatever works for me at the time.
LOVE this creative recipe!! You are so smart!!
this is a magic white covered cake