This Pumpkin Spice Latte Magic Cake is the best of both worlds with a mocha cake top and a pumpkin pie bottom all topped with fluffy whipped cream frosting.
People love to have strong opinions about the strangest things; one of those things seems to be the timing of holidays and beverages.
Here in Seattle, today included (hello 56F), we are getting what I call fall preview weather with chilly temps and overcast skies with a little misty rain.
It makes me long for fall and fall foods.
I put up on Instagram a photo of canned pumpkin that I had bought a couple weeks ago and I either had people saying yay pumpkin or nooo too early.
When I was at Costco the other day I noticed they had wrapping paper out for Christmas…and I heard some comments about too early.
I personally love it.
It helps to spread out the cost of Christmas in my opinion.
You don’t have to buy it now…but really who is it hurting if someone else does buy wrapping paper in August?
Traditionally, we put our Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving.
Due to circumstances last year we had to put up our tree in the middle of November or it wasn’t going to get up until well into December based on our schedule.
Oh sure, we had a few “it’s too early” comments but you know what, it put me in a happy mood.
We discovered that our dog Holly LOVES Christmas lights.
You would come down in the morning when it’s still dark out to give Holly her pills and turn on the lights.
She would sit at the end of the couch and stare at them in wonder every single time we turned them on.
It was my favorite part of the holidays last year.
This year we have decided our tree is going to be going up SUPER early.
While we enjoyed it last year the real reason we are choosing to do so is because we are not sure Holly is going to make it to actual Christmas this year.
We got some sad news at the veterinary cardiologist yesterday and so we are doing her favorite holiday early.
Because guess what?
It’s not hurting anyone.
In fact, it’s making a dog and her mom and dad very happy.
How early?
Not sure, that will depend on Costco I guess…we need to get a new tree this year, the kind with the lights already on them (I’m over battle lights).
So when you see Christmas trees up at your store this year don’t grumble to yourself that it’s too early…think of my sweet little pup getting to enjoy her lights with all the wonder and awe of a toddler.
Besides Christmas the other thing people argue about is that it’s too early for Pumpkin Spice Latte’s to be out.
Don’t order one.
Problem solved.
I personally love pumpkin year round and my dogs eat it every day.
I’m personally ready for the pumpkin and cooler weather and so I baked with pumpkin.
Oh, the horror. 😛
Last year I had pinned a Pumpkin Magic Cake that looked really interesting.
You started with the cake batter and then poured the pumpkin pie mixture on top of it.
During the baking process the pie portion sinks to the bottom (aka the magic part) and the cake rises to the top.
I had seen the original version and a chocolate version but saw no pumpkin spice latte version.
So Pumpkin Spice Latte Magic Cake was born.
At least my version of it.
This cake is pretty easy to make (don’t even have to drag out the Kitchen Aid) and is super tasty since it’s the best of both worlds…cake AND pie!
So this year when you see people drinking PSL or getting Christmas décor…try not to worry about it…it’s not hurting anyone.
It’s a great day to order my cookbook.
Want more recipes? Try these:
Pumpkin Spice Latte Russian Tea Cake Cookies
Salted Caramel Frosted Pumpkin Cupcakes
Chocolate Cinnamon Frosted Pumpkin Cupcakes
Mini Pumpkin Toffee Bundt Cake
Pumpkin Spice Latte Magic Cake
Ingredients
- For the Mocha Cake Layer:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (I used Pillsbury)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp. powdered coffee (I used Starbucks Via)
- 3 eggs
- For the Pumpkin Pie Layer:
- 1 (15oz) can Pumpkin Puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 1 (4 serving size) box vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp. powdered coffee
- 1 cup cold milk
- 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Lightly grease a 9″x13″ cake pan with baking spray.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the box directions, adding the powdered coffee in there as well.
- Pour into the prepared pan but DO NOT bake it.
- Using a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, evaporated milk, cream, eggs, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice, until smooth. Slowly pour the pumpkin pie mixture on top of the cake mix.
- Do not panic that some stayed on top and some sank and you are thinking what the heck.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is no longer jiggly, and a toothpick inserted into cake mix comes out clean.
- Let cool to room temperature while you prepare frosting.
- Make the frosting:
- Place the vanilla pudding mix into a large bowl, add the pumpkin pie spice, powdered coffee and pour in the cold milk. Whisk until combined and starting to thicken.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until it’s completely combined.
- Spread on top of the cooled cake.
- Chill the cake for an hour and serve.
Heather says
The cake looks delicious!
I am just like you when it comes to loving cool weather and early holidays. I always put my tree up on Nov. 1st.
I’m so sorry about Holly’s news. No doubt about it, she’s had the best care since joining your family.
xo
Peabody says
Ah, Heather just makes me love you more. I love that you put up your tree Nov 1st! I was so happy last year with it up early. I think I might steal your Nov 1st idea!
Marjorie J. Leatherwood says
I just got your Wednesday letter and I am so sorry for your lost. I had to give my cat up because of my health reasons and it is so hard. I would have helped if I could but because of not having control of my money( do to my mistakes) I can’t send to anyone. I hope these people will realize how they hurt people. Thank you for telling about your beloved pei
JulieD says
For many years, we have gone to Hallmark for their July ornament premiere…we always love it! Some people think it’s too soon oh well. I have tons of music on my phone and when I’m in the car, if it’s June and Christmas music comes on…I like to listen to it!
This cake…I’m not a huge pumpkin person but I have to have this cake!!! <3
PS I'm so sorry about Holly…I'm sure knowing that you don't have much time with her doesn't make it that much easier. I have you guys in my thoughts!! xoxo
Peabody says
Julie- yep! I keep my holiday music on my iPhone all year and if it happens to come on then so be it. 🙂
We know that’s it was inevitable…I mean we took her in with congestive heart failure…never makes it easier though.
JulieD says
I’m sure it isn’t. Thinking about you guys…sending hugs!!! <3
Peabody says
Thanks Julie
Tanisha says
“Besides Christmas the other thing people argue about is that it’s too early for Pumpkin Spice Latte’s to be out. Don’t order one. Problem solved.”
Have I told you before that I love you? 😉
I think it’s awesome that you are going to give Holly a special, early Christmas. I hope that she surpasses anyone’s expectations and sticks around for a long time o come. No matter what you and Jason are giving her an amazing life.
Oh!! And this recipea looks AMAZING!!!!!
Peabody says
Thanks Tanisha. We hope she surpasses too.
Beamer says
This cake sounds heavenly! Not a big coffee fan, so I’d likely leave that out.
If I had my way, the tree would probably stay up most, if not all year. Decorations are easy to change out and if you do clear lights they go with everything!
As it is, since I am in charge of putting up and taking down the tree every year it goes up on Black Friday, and comes down whenever I feel like it. Usually mid-January. It always makes me sad to take down Christmas stuff, the house feels so empty afterward.
I saw, if makes you and/or yours happy do it. Who cares if other people don’t approve.
Last year I was listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, my niece was in the car and said, “We can’t listen to this until after Thanksgiving, Dad says so.”
I of course told her, “Well you are in MY car, and in MY car we listen to Christmas music whenever we want!”
Peabody says
You could easily leave out the coffee.
Francesca says
It still very much feels like Summer here in Rome (in the 90s!) so any pumpkin desserts/mentions of Fall are welcome at this point! This looks delicious — like the mocha/pumpkin combo — thanks for sharing 🙂
Peabody says
We just got a heat wave so I’m happy I made it while I could.
Tiffany Porter says
I will give the cake a try! Sounds interesting and yummy:)
Peabody says
Let me know how you liked it.
Megan says
It’s never to early for pumpkin, or Christmas items on the shelf. I love the holidays!!! And I’m going to make this delicious looking cake/pie for a coworkers birthday on our first day back to school (work next week). Looks like a perfect anytime treat. 😉
Peabody says
Hopefully they liked it.
Jesse @ Scones & Patron says
Wow, this looks incredible! It makes me excited for fall already!
Peabody says
Yeah, I’m so ready for fall
Nicole Johnson says
Oh man. I fully admit to being one of the, “NOOOOOOOO not pumpkin yet!” people. Just because September rolls around and it seems like the pumpkin doesn’t quit again until March. 😀 Ha! And I am not a personal fan.
But it is mostly in jest. And for this cake? I’d give pumpkin another shot. Wow, does this look amazing.
Peabody says
You should give it a try Nicole…especially if you like coffee.
Jasra says
Happy summer Xmas! 🙂
Peabody says
We will probably hold out until September (unless she takes a sudden turn)…so at least it’s fall Christmas. 🙂
Erika says
I love that you’re decorating early for Holly 🙂
Peabody says
Thanks Erika!
Leigh Ann says
So sorry to hear about your pup. 🙁
Love how easy this cake is and thoughts of fall! Can’t wait till it cools off and I can turn on the oven again (it feels like 104 today in Philadelphia).
Peabody says
Leigh Ann- yeah, our heat wave starts today and is supposed to stick around for 2 weeks. Not looking forward to that at all.
annie says
Awww, your puppy baby. I’m sorry to hear she’s not doing so well. Hugs. I’d love to see an Instagram of her with the tree, no matter how early you put it up. Poo to the haters. My mom’s dog is also named Holly, and she’s older….I don’t know how much longer she’ll be around either, and it makes me a little sad.
Speaking of dogs, that crazy layer cake has my tongue lolling out like a mutt. And I’m especially in love with that frosting.
Miranda says
Pumpkin spice lattes are one of my favorite things about fall, I bet it would be AMAZING in cake form!
sherry says
Undoubtedly it’s too early in the morning and I haven’t had enough coffee…..I have a question about your Pumpkin Spice Lattes Magic Cake recipe. When you refer to powdered coffee you mean instant coffee right? I don’t want to use the wrong ingredient and ruin the consistency .
Peabody says
You can use instant coffee but there are places that make both espresso and coffee powder that is just for baking.
Sherry Miller says
Where does the 1 cup of water go in? Is the 1 cup in addition to what the cake mix wants you to add?
Peabody says
The one cup of water is not in addition to what the cake mix, it was the amount the Pillsbury cake mix asked for.