Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Welcome to the perfect recipe for all pumpkin spice lovers out there! If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall, then this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is just what you need. It’s rich, gooey, and absolutely delightful. This cake not only fills your home with warm spices but also brings joy to family gatherings and cozy nights in. So whether you’re planning a festive party or simply craving something sweet for a busy weeknight, this cake is guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you won’t spend hours in the kitchen.
• Family Favorite: The delicious combination of pumpkin and cream cheese frosting makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a Tuesday evening, this cake fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld together for even more deliciousness.
• Irresistibly Gooey: The layers of gooey pumpkin filling will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delightful Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! Most of these items are staples in your pantry or easily accessible at your local store.

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the 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

For the Frosting:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 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

Variations

This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with additional spices such as ginger or allspice for a unique twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Top your frosted cake with a drizzle of melted chocolate for an indulgent touch.
• Swap the Frosting: Try using whipped coconut cream instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter option.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. This step is important because it creates a base that’s both fluffy and full of flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Filling

In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and two eggs until smooth. Add in the remaining pumpkin puree along with vanilla extract and spices. This filling will add that signature gooey texture that makes this cake so special.

Step 3: Layer it Up

Pour half of the cake batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the cream cheese filling over this layer evenly. Then pour the remaining batter on top. Don’t worry about making it perfect; those gooey layers will swirl together beautifully as it bakes!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until it’s set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. This ensures that signature gooey texture we all love!

Step 5: Make Your Frosting

While your cake cools down, prepare the brown sugar cream cheese frosting. Beat together softened cream cheese, brown sugar, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Once cooled, spread this luscious frosting generously over your cake.

Now you’re ready to slice into this delightful Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! Enjoy every bite—it’s sure to be a favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Baking is all about the little details, and these tips will ensure your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your cream cheese, eggs, and butter to come to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a creamier frosting and a cake that bakes evenly.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps retain the cake’s lightness. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, which we want to avoid for this gooey delight.

• Let it cool before frosting: After baking, let the cake cool completely before spreading on the frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.

• Use high-quality pumpkin puree: The flavor of your pumpkin spice cake heavily depends on the quality of the puree. Opt for 100% pure pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling for better control over sweetness and spices.

• Store properly for maximum freshness: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for several days and makes for a delightful sweet treat whenever those cravings hit!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake can be as fun as baking it! Here are some ideas to present it beautifully at your next gathering or cozy night in.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the frosting for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin spice.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, top your cake with fluffy whipped coconut cream. It adds a lovely lightness that balances the richness of the cake.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top not only enhances the visual appeal but also boosts that warm autumn aroma when served.

Side Dishes

• Apple cider: A glass of chilled apple cider pairs wonderfully with this cake, enhancing its fall flavors while providing a refreshing contrast.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve slices of gooey cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm cake and cold ice cream creates a comforting dessert experience.
• Caramel sauce drizzled over fruit: Fresh apple or pear slices drizzled with caramel sauce add a sweet touch that complements the spices in the cake while providing a refreshing crunch.
• Spiced tea or coffee: Brew up some spiced tea or coffee to serve alongside your dessert. The warmth and aromatic spices will enhance the overall experience, making it perfect for cozy gatherings.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will surely impress friends and family alike. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring you have a delicious dessert ready whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover cake in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight.
• To enjoy warm, microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds.
• For an oven option, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in aluminum foil for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I use a different frosting instead of cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! While this recipe features a delicious brown sugar cream cheese frosting, feel free to experiment with other frostings such as whipped cream or a simple glaze if you prefer.

What makes Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting so special?

The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a rich, gooey texture that perfectly complements the creamy frosting. It’s a delightful treat that embodies all the cozy fall flavors we love!

How can I make this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting vegan?

To make this cake vegan-friendly, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), use plant-based butter, and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan-certified.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of autumn flavors that can bring warmth to any gathering or cozy night in. Enjoy every gooey bite, share it with loved ones, and let it become a cherished part of your seasonal traditions. Happy baking!