Pumpkin Magic Cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously spray a 10-inch springform pan with baking spray to prevent sticking. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

In a large bowl, combine spice cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and 3 eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined, creating a smooth batter. Pour batter evenly into the prepared springform pan. (Mixing time: 5 minutes)

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until just smooth. Be careful not to overmix; aim for about 15-20 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add granulated sugar and beat on medium speed until just combined, approximately 20 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Whisk in canned pumpkin, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until fully combined. It is acceptable if the batter shows very small lumps of cream cheese, this adds to the texture. (Mixing time: 10 minutes)

Carefully spoon the pumpkin mixture over the cake batter in the springform pan, spreading it into an even layer. Leave a small, approximately 1/2-inch border around the edges of the pan. Bake in the preheated oven until the cake has risen and a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. This should take about 1 hour. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil after 50 minutes to prevent over-browning. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding the topping, approximately 2 hours. (Baking time: 1 hour, Cooling time: 2 hours)

While the cake is cooling, whisk together the pumpkin spice instant pudding and whole milk in a bowl until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until no streaks of pudding or topping remain, creating a light and airy frosting. (Preparation time: 10 minutes)

Once the cake is completely cooled, spoon the prepared topping over the cake, spreading it into an even layer. Slice and serve this magically layered Pumpkin Magic Cake. Enjoy! (Assembly time: 5 minutes)