Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you love fall flavors that hug you from the inside out, then you are going to adore this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine a soft, buttery yellow cake base topped with a luscious, spiced pumpkin filling that’s irresistibly gooey, and all finished with a dreamy brown sugar cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Every bite offers the perfect harmony of warm spices, rich cream cheese, and comforting pumpkin, making it an ideal treat for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. This dessert isn’t just delicious; it’s a slice of seasonal heaven that feels like a warm, fluffy hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze, thanks to simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed masterpiece. Each component plays an essential role—from the moist yellow cake mix that forms the sturdy base to the rich pumpkin and warming spices in the gooey filling, all crowned with a velvety frosting that balances sweetness and tang perfectly.
- Yellow cake mix: The foundation that gives this cake a tender crumb and perfect structure.
- Large eggs: They provide richness and help bind everything beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and a subtle buttery flavor without overpowering.
- Pumpkin puree: Brings natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a touch of warmth and sweetness.
- Cream cheese: Essential for the filling and frosting, delivering that creamy tang and texture.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: These spices make the filling glow with cozy fall vibes.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths both the filling and frosting for irresistible softness.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to the frosting.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake doesn’t stick. In a large bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix, egg, melted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth. Press this mixture evenly into your baking dish using a spatula or your hands; this will create a tender yet sturdy base for the luscious filling.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Filling
For the heart of the cake, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy, then add the eggs, vanilla, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and the delightful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix everything until creamy, then gradually fold in the powdered sugar for that perfect sweet balance. Pour this heavenly filling over your prepared cake base and spread it out evenly, savoring the smell of spices filling your kitchen.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should be set and golden, while the center remains slightly gooey to maintain that signature texture. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely—this cooling lets the cake settle into a perfect, sliceable consistency while keeping that gooey core.
Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, whip up your frosting. Beat together softened cream cheese, softened butter, and packed brown sugar until light and airy. Then, slowly add the powdered sugar to achieve a smooth, creamy texture, finishing with vanilla extract to bring everything together. This frosting is smooth, sweet with a hint of caramel, and downright addictive.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top, smoothing it out evenly. For a little extra love, sprinkle the frosting with chopped pecans or a liberal dusting of cinnamon. Your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is now ready to impress friends and family alike!
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation by crowning your cake with toasted pecans, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, or even a dollop of whipped cream. These simple touches add texture, warmth, and beautiful contrast to the creamy frosting and gooey filling.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of spiced chai. The creamy coolness of ice cream balances the cake’s spices, while the chai amplifies those fall flavors for a cozy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, cut the cake into squares and serve them layered in glass cups with additional whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Alternatively, create mini versions in muffin tins for perfect party bites that look as inviting as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from drying out. Stored properly, it will stay delicious for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the unfrosted cake base wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw thoroughly before baking and adding the pumpkin spice filling and frosting for the best results.
Reheating
For optimal gooey texture, enjoy the cake chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it warmed, gently heat a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, avoiding overheating to keep the frosting intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin may have more moisture, so you might need to adjust other liquids slightly in the recipe for the perfect texture.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
To soften cream cheese quickly, cut it into small cubes and leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes. Alternatively, microwave it on low power in 10-second bursts, checking frequently to avoid melting.
Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives to keep it vegan. For gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients comply with gluten-free standards.
Why is the center supposed to be gooey? Will it be undercooked?
The slight gooeyness is intentional to create that melt-in-your-mouth texture unique to this cake style. The edges will be fully baked and set, while the center remains tender and moist without being raw or unsafe.
How long does the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting last? Can I prep it in advance?
This cake can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to let flavors meld. It stays fresh for 3-4 days when properly stored in the fridge, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting isn’t just another pumpkin recipe—it’s a cozy celebration of fall all wrapped up in one spectacularly moist, gooey, and creamy treat. From the first bite to the last crumb, you’ll find yourself coming back for more. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to share this indulgent delight with everyone you know. So go ahead, bake it, savor it, and enjoy the warm spirit of the season in every glorious mouthful!
PrintPumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a festive and indulgent dessert perfect for autumn gatherings. Featuring a moist yellow cake base infused with pumpkin puree, topped with a rich and gooey pumpkin spice cream cheese filling, and finished with a smooth brown sugar cream cheese frosting, this cake offers a perfect balance of warm spices and creamy sweetness. It’s a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 4 cups powdered sugar
For the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 large egg, melted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Press the cake base mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer. Pro Tip: To ensure the base remains moist, avoid overmixing. You can use a spatula or your hands to press the dough into the dish.
- Make the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the bowl. Mix until fully combined and the mixture is creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the filling is smooth and without lumps. Pour this gooey pumpkin spice filling over the cake base and spread evenly. Pro Tip: For an extra touch of spice, feel free to add a dash more cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste preferences. Also, make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl when adding the powdered sugar to avoid clumps.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly gooey—this is key to achieving the perfect texture. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Pro Tip: Avoid overbaking! The center should jiggle slightly when removed from the oven, ensuring a gooey interior. If you prefer a firmer cake, leave it in for an additional 5 minutes.
- Make the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor. Pro Tip: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Smooth it out evenly, making sure to cover the entire surface of the cake. Pro Tip: For an extra indulgent finish, sprinkle chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon over the frosting.
Notes
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese in both the filling and frosting.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
- Avoid overmixing the cake base to keep the texture moist and tender.
- Adjust the spices in the filling to suit your taste by adding more cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
- Ensure the cake cools completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top provides a nice crunch and additional flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 43 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Pumpkin spice cake, Cream cheese frosting, Gooey pumpkin cake, Fall dessert, Pumpkin dessert, Autumn cake
