Pumpkin Magic Custard Cake Recipe
Pumpkin Magic Custard Cake is a delightful fall dessert featuring a luscious custard layer infused with pumpkin and warm spices, topped with a fluffy sponge cake. This bake-to-perfection treat combines a soft cake base, creamy pumpkin custard middle, and a light meringue topping, delivering a comforting and magical taste of autumn.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Butter and Dairy
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups whole milk
Eggs and Sugars
- 4 large eggs (yolks separated from whites)
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Flavorings and Spices
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of cream of tartar
Produce and Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Warm the Milk: Gently warm the milk until it is just lukewarm. Set it aside to use later in the batter.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites along with a pinch of cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. This light meringue will create the fluffy top layer of the cake. Set aside carefully.
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs when added.
- Mix Egg Yolks and Sugar: Beat the egg yolks together with the confectioners’ sugar until the mixture becomes pale and frothy. This adds volume and sweetness to the custard layer.
- Add Spices and Butter: Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and the melted butter to the egg yolk mixture, mixing well to combine the warm seasonal flavors.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Pumpkin: Incorporate the flour into the mixture and mix until smooth. Then whisk in the pumpkin puree and about 1/4 cup of the lukewarm milk to loosen the batter slightly.
- Combine Remaining Milk: Slowly pour the rest of the milk into the batter on low speed. The batter should be thin and runny; this texture helps create the distinct custard layer during baking.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter using a spatula, being careful not to deflate them entirely. A few small lumps are acceptable and contribute to the cake’s texture.
- Pour and Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60 to 65 minutes. The cake is ready when the top turns golden and the center jiggles slightly, indicating a creamy custard beneath the sponge.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for a few hours to let the custard set firmly, enhancing the flavors and texture.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the chilled cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the magical combination of the soft base, creamy pumpkin custard middle, and fluffy sponge topping—a perfect comforting fall dessert.
Notes
- Ensure the egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks for a light and airy sponge top.
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control sweetness and texture.
- Let the cake chill sufficiently to fully set the custard layer before slicing.
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven, as you want a golden top but a gently jiggling custard center.
Keywords: pumpkin custard cake, fall dessert, pumpkin dessert, magic custard cake, layered pumpkin cake, fall baking, autumn dessert