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 cozy dessert that embodies the essence of fall, this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is calling your name. With its rich layers of gooey pumpkin filling and that dreamy brown sugar cream cheese frosting, it’s a treat that warms the heart and soul. This cake is not only a delight for your taste buds but also a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or a sweet addition to family gatherings. Trust me, once you make this cake, it will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This cake comes together in no time, making it perfect for those hectic days when you still want something homemade.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone will love the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake this cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It tastes even better after it sits for a day!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a cozy flavor that captures the spirit of fall in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! You’ll find everything you need for this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting right in your pantry or at your local grocery store. Let’s take a look!

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 Gooey Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these easy variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch that complements the creamy texture.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with spices like ginger or allspice to give your cake a unique twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, add a drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate on top for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Swap Frosting Flavor: Try using a maple-flavored frosting instead of cream cheese for a different but equally delicious taste!

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). Grease and flour your baking pan so the cake slides out easily once baked. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one egg, melted butter, one cup of pumpkin puree, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. This step creates a moist base that pairs perfectly with the gooey filling.

Step 2: Make the Gooey Filling

In another bowl, beat together eight ounces of softened cream cheese with two eggs until smooth. Add in half a cup of pumpkin puree along with melted butter and spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until everything is well blended. This filling adds that delightful gooey texture that makes every bite unforgettable.

Step 3: Layer and Bake

Pour half of your cake batter into the prepared pan. Next, gently spread the gooey filling over this layer. Finally, pour the remaining cake batter on top. Bake in your preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until set. The layers will meld beautifully during baking while creating that signature gooeyness.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

While your cake is cooling down, whip up the frosting! In a bowl, combine four cups of powdered sugar with eight ounces of softened cream cheese and ¼ cup of softened butter. Add brown sugar and mix until creamy. A splash of vanilla extract enhances this frosting’s flavor beautifully.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

Once your cake has cooled completely (this step is crucial!), generously spread your delicious frosting over the top. Slice into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled—whichever way you prefer! Enjoy every bite as you share this delightful dessert with friends and family.

Now you’re ready to savor this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! Happy baking!

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

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful experience, and here are some tips to ensure you nail it every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing helps achieve a smoother batter and cream cheese frosting, which results in a creamier texture and better flavor integration.

• Don’t skip the spices: Adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves enhances the warm flavors of pumpkin spice. Freshly ground spices can elevate the taste even more, giving your cake that authentic autumn feel.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since this cake has a gooey layer, it can be tricky to determine when it’s done. Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will lead to a dry cake, so keep an eye on it!

• Chill the frosting: If your cream cheese frosting feels too soft to spread, chill it for about 15-30 minutes. This will help firm it up, making it easier to apply without sliding off the cake.

• Let it cool completely: Allowing your cake to cool fully before frosting is key. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures that every slice looks as good as it tastes!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Presenting your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake can be just as fun as making it! With a few simple touches, you can transform this delicious dessert into a showstopper.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped nuts on top of your frosted cake for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on each slice brings a lightness and tropical twist that balances the richness of the cake beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Warm vanilla custard: A rich vanilla custard pairs perfectly with the gooey texture of the cake, adding warmth and comfort.
• Cinnamon-spiced apples: Sautéed apples with cinnamon make for an excellent side dish that enhances those fall flavors while providing a refreshing contrast.
• Coffee or chai tea: Serving this dessert alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea creates an inviting experience that warms the heart.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream brings cold sweetness against the warm gooey layers of cake, creating an irresistible combination.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions at your fingertips, you’re ready to impress friends and family with this incredible Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake! Enjoy every bite of this seasonal delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re planning for a gathering or just want to enjoy a sweet treat throughout the week, this cake can be made ahead of time and stored easily.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• Cut the cake into individual slices for easier thawing.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or place them in airtight freezer bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

• For a warm, gooey experience, microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting without cream cheese?

Yes! You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or use whipped coconut cream as a lighter option.

How do I store Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months!

Is there an alternative to pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! If you can’t find pumpkin puree, you can use butternut squash puree as a great substitute in this recipe.

Can I add nuts to my Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a lovely crunch and flavor. Just mix them into the batter before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is truly a celebration of fall flavors that will warm your heart and home. I hope you enjoy making this delightful dessert as much as I do! It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family or indulging in all on your own. Please let me know how yours turns out—I can’t wait to hear all about your baking adventures!