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, this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is it! This delightful cake combines rich layers of gooey pumpkin filling with a luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want to treat yourself or for family gatherings where you want to impress your loved ones. Trust me, this cake will quickly become your go-to recipe every autumn!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious cake ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves pumpkin spice, making this dessert a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night at home or a festive gathering, this cake fits right in.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge, making entertaining effortless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delightful Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

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
• 1/2 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 versatile! Here are some fun ways to make it your own:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Top with chocolate ganache to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute vegan cream cheese and butter to make it dairy-free without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, one egg, and one cup of pumpkin puree. Mixing these ingredients creates a moist base that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.

Step 2: Create the Filling

In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in two eggs and mix well. Now add half a cup of pumpkin puree along with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This spiced filling brings that comforting autumn flavor that makes this dessert so special.

Step 3: Layer and Bake

Pour half of the cake mixture into your greased baking dish. Then carefully spread the creamy filling over it before topping it with the remaining cake batter. This layering technique ensures each slice has that gooey goodness everyone loves. Bake for about 40-45 minutes until it’s set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While your cake cools, prepare the brown sugar cream cheese frosting. Beat together softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This frosting is not only delicious but also adds a beautiful finish to your cake.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

Once your cake has completely cooled down (patience is key!), spread that dreamy frosting on top. Slice into squares and serve! Your guests will be delighted by this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting—just watch those smiles bloom!

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

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is easier than you think! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cake turns out wonderfully every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature allows for better mixing and a smoother batter, resulting in a creamier texture.
• Don’t skip the spices: The warm spices are what make this cake sing! Ensure you use fresh ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for maximum flavor.
• Check for doneness carefully: Since the center is meant to be gooey, it can be tricky. Start checking around 30 minutes and insert a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting. This helps the frosting set nicely on top instead of melting into the cake.
• Store properly: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to five days!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake beautifully can make all the difference at your gatherings. Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dessert.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on top adds lightness and a hint of sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling some chopped nuts adds a crunchy texture and enhances the fall flavors.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top gives a beautiful finish and invites everyone in with its warm aroma.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: This warm beverage is a quintessential fall pairing that brings out the flavors of pumpkin spice beautifully.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the gooey cake, making each bite heavenly.
• Roasted fall vegetables: A savory side dish like roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes balances out the sweetness of the cake while adding seasonal flair.
• Mixed green salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cranberries, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich dessert.

Enjoy every slice of this delightful Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting as you embrace all that autumn has to offer!

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, and store it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or cover it with an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For best results, keep the frosting separate until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

• Cut the cake into individual pieces for easy storage.
• Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To preserve freshness, avoid freezing the frosted cake.

Reheating

• Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• For a warm slice, microwave on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• If you prefer a warm piece without using a microwave, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might arise as you prepare your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure it’s thick and not too watery for the best results.

How do I make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to check that any other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.

How long does Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, this delicious cake will last about 5 days. If frozen, it can be enjoyed for up to 3 months!

Can I add nuts to my Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake?

Certainly! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delightful addition to enhance texture and flavor. Just fold them into the pumpkin mixture before baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! It encapsulates everything we love about fall—warm flavors, cozy vibes, and that wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing it at a gathering or savoring it all by yourself, I believe this dessert will bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite!