Decadent Chocolate Pumpkin Layer Cake for Fall Celebrations

Easy Chocolate Pumpkin Magic Cake with a pumpkin pie layer and a chocolate cake layer!

We’re still riding the pumpkin-chocolate wave — they really are a perfect pair. While pumpkin spice lattes get all the attention, imagine a pumpkin mocha on the menu: rich chocolate balanced with warm pumpkin spice. It’s a flavor combo worth trying any time of year.

Easy Chocolate Pumpkin Magic Cake with a pumpkin pie layer and a chocolate cake layer!

I love sharing big, show-stopping recipes, but I also appreciate treats that are simple, approachable, and fast. This Chocolate Pumpkin Magic Cake is one of those recipes: made in a single 9×13 pan, it’s easy to prepare and bakes itself into two distinct layers — a fudgy chocolate cake with a creamy pumpkin pie layer on top. It’s a perfect option when you want something impressive without the fuss of multiple layers and frosting.

Easy Chocolate Pumpkin Magic Cake with a pumpkin pie layer and a chocolate cake layer!

This cake earns the name “magic” because the two layers form naturally in the oven: the denser pumpkin custard rises to create a creamy top layer while the cake batter settles beneath. It’s a bit like a slow-cooker meal where the appliance does the heavy lifting — just mix, pour, and bake.

This version features a pumpkin spice boost from Rodelle’s Pumpkin Spice Extract, which adds a concentrated, aromatic spice note. If you enjoy pumpkin spice, a small amount of extract can brighten the pumpkin layer without altering the texture. I’m excited to be working with Rodelle and will be using some of their products in recipes going forward.

Easy Chocolate Pumpkin Magic Cake with a pumpkin pie layer and a chocolate cake layer!
A slice of rich chocolate pumpkin cake topped with whipped cream sits on a terracotta plate, with a fork beside it. In the background are another cake slice, a bottle, chocolate chips, and small pumpkins.

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Chocolate Pumpkin Magic Cake

By: Beth
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 20 servings
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What’s the magic in this cake? The layers form themselves in the oven!

Ingredients

  • 15 oz pumpkin puree
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 tsp Rodelle Pumpkin Spice Extract
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp cloves
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • Chocolate cake mix plus the ingredients on the box to make it, typically 3 eggs, 1/3 cup oil, 1 cup water

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  • Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package directions (typically 3 eggs, 1/3 cup oil, and 1 cup water). Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the pan.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, evaporated milk, pumpkin spice extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
  • Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the chocolate batter in the pan. Don’t worry if it sinks in places — the layers will form as it bakes.
  • Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature before cutting.
  • For best texture, you can chill the cake overnight and serve it cold. Slice and top each piece with a dollop of whipped topping or cool whip and a light dusting of cocoa powder, if desired.
A cookbook titled Sweet by Beth Baumgartner is surrounded by images of cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Text reads: For a special occasion or an everyday treat...make it Sweet. BUY NOW.

Nutrition

Calories: 159kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 206mg | Potassium: 176mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 3381IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition Disclosure

All nutritional values are approximate and provided as a courtesy. Adjusting ingredients or quantities will change the estimated nutrition facts.


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