Pumpkin Magic Custard Cake With Caramel Topping Recipe
Pumpkin Magic Custard Cake is a delightful fall-themed dessert that combines a moist pumpkin-flavored cake base with a rich custard layer and a luscious homemade caramel topping. This decadent recipe is perfect for autumn gatherings, offering warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and is finished with a creamy caramel drizzle for an indulgent treat.
- Author: Stella
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cake and Custard
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 4 large eggs (for custard)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for custard)
Caramel Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Mix Pumpkin Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and evaporated milk until they are fully incorporated.
- Add Butter and Eggs: Pour in the melted butter and whisk until combined. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, blending on low speed or stirring by hand until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain cake tenderness.
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Layer Cake Batter: Pour the pumpkin cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and spread it out smoothly.
- Add Custard Layer: Gently pour the custard mixture over the cake batter, allowing it to settle evenly without disturbing the base.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover the top with foil if it browns faster than the custard bakes through.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before chilling.
- Chill: Cover the cooled cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to set the custard and enhance flavor.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat without stirring until sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add Butter: Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the butter until fully melted and incorporated.
- Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly.
- Finish Caramel: Return the saucepan to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the caramel is smooth and creamy (1-2 minutes).
- Season Caramel: Stir in a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Cool Caramel: Allow the caramel to cool slightly before using to drizzle.
- Serve: Cut the chilled cake into squares.
- Drizzle Caramel: Drizzle the cooled caramel topping generously over the cake squares.
- Garnish (Optional): Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, whipped cream, or chopped pecans for extra flavor and presentation.
- Store Leftovers: Keep leftover cake covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days, and store caramel separately at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the cake batter for a tender crumb.
- If the cake browns too quickly during baking, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- The custard layer requires chilling to fully set, so plan ahead for refrigeration time.
- Be very cautious while making caramel as the sugar syrup becomes extremely hot.
- For best flavor, allow the cake to chill overnight before serving.
- You can garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon, or nuts to enhance the presentation.
- Store caramel separately to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Keywords: pumpkin custard cake, fall dessert, pumpkin cake, caramel topping, autumn dessert, holiday dessert