Pumpkin Magic Cake

Look at those beautiful layers in this Pumpkin Magic Cake! This is a must make recipe for the holidays!

There is a lot of controversy going on in our country right now. I’m sure you’ve been on the internet. Specifically facebook. I’ve seen the controversy popping up everywhere. You know what it’s about…

Cool Whip.

I’m sorry were you thinking something more political? This is a food blog after all, can’t get too crazy.

However, whenever I mention I use Cool Whip, I feel like there is a bit of judgement handed down upon me. As if I’m feeding my children arsenic.

I grew up eating Cool Whip on our pumpkin pies. I’m sorry, it’s true. On Thanksgiving, Grandma would put out a tub of the white, creamy stuff and a can of whipped cream (nobody thought twice about making homemade whipped cream..).

I always chose the Cool Whip. Sorry friends, it pairs wonderfully with pumpkin pie. 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 over a year! (I’ve also made several other recipes from her site…and she has a delicious cookbook on the shelves now too!)

Shawn has a pudding frosting to top her cake, but I skipped that for my end result and just used Cool Whip (remember, I love it on pumpkin pie)! This cake is making an appearance on our Thanksgiving table because we LOVED it so much!!

And it’s truly a magic cake.

How to make a Magic Cake:

Start with your cake mix layer.

Pour in your pumpkin pie mixture.

While the cake bakes, the two layers magically separate.

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. Wait until you slice into the cake to make that call, it will WORK.

Be sure to cool and chill this cake COMPLETELY before topping it with frosting (or Cool Whip). Serve cold and enjoy!

Looking for more cake recipe ideas? I’ve got you covered!

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!

Ingredients

For the Cake layer:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 3 large eggs

For the pumpkin layer:

• 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves

For the frosting:

• 1 tub (16 oz) Cool Whip, thawed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Spray 13x9 baking dish with non-stick baking spray. Set aside.
2. Prepare cake layer by blending ingredients together until smooth. Beat 2 minutes and pour into prepared baking dish.
3. 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.
4. 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!