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 delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall, this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is just what you need. It’s moist, rich, and full of cozy flavors that will warm your heart and home. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening or hosting a family gathering, this cake is sure to impress everyone at the table.

What makes this recipe truly special is its gooey pumpkin filling paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s simply irresistible. It’s not only easy to make but also brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia, reminding us of crisp autumn days and festive gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake will become a staple in your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cake comes together quickly with simple steps—perfect for busy weeknights!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves pumpkin spice! This dessert is sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time for parties or potlucks; it tastes even better the next day.
• Deliciously Gooey: The combination of gooey pumpkin filling and creamy frosting creates a decadent treat.
• Seasonal Favorite: Embrace the flavors of fall with every bite—this cake just screams autumn!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a breeze! These simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create something truly delicious.

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 Cream Cheese 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

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with other spices like ginger or allspice for an extra kick.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free blend for a friendly option.
• Change the Frosting: Instead of brown sugar frosting, try a maple-flavored version for a fun twist.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Preheating ensures even baking, while greasing prevents sticking—no one wants their beautiful cake stuck in the pan!

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, melted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. This forms the base layer of your gooey cake—rich in flavor and super moist!

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, remaining pumpkin puree, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until smooth. This filling layer is what makes your cake so gooey and delicious—it adds that signature pumpkin spice flavor we love!

Step 4: Layering Time

Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan. Then carefully spread on the cream cheese filling. Finally, top with the remaining cake batter. Don’t worry if it looks messy; it will all bake together beautifully!

Step 5: Bake

Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—or at least without any wet batter!

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While your cake cools down slightly, prepare the frosting by mixing softened cream cheese with unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy. Gradually add in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost Your Cake

Once your cake has cooled completely in the pan, generously spread on that rich cream cheese frosting. Take your time here; spreading evenly makes each slice look irresistible!

Now that you’ve made this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, all that’s left is to slice it up and share (or keep it all for yourself!). Enjoy every bite filled with cozy fall flavors!

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

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is all about attention to detail! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cake turns out wonderfully gooey and delicious every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature allows for better mixing, which results in a smoother batter and frosting. This helps create that heavenly texture we all love.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Mix until just combined for a light and airy gooey cake that melts in your mouth.

• Let it cool completely: Allowing your cake to cool completely before adding the frosting will prevent it from melting. A well-set cake will hold its layers beautifully, enhancing both presentation and taste.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your personal preference! Adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom can give an extra kick of warmth that complements the pumpkin perfectly.

• Use quality cream cheese: Opting for high-quality cream cheese will result in a richer frosting. It will enhance the overall flavor and make your frosting irresistibly creamy.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Presenting your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is just as important as baking it! With a few simple touches, you can elevate this delightful dessert for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a delightful crunch and enhances the autumn flavors.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a lighter topping, whipped coconut cream offers a dairy-free alternative that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple cider: This warm beverage complements the pumpkin flavors perfectly and makes for a cozy pairing.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm gooey cake, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Cranberry sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce balances out the sweetness of the cake, providing a refreshing element on your plate.
• Roasted sweet potatoes: The natural sweetness and earthiness of roasted sweet potatoes harmonize wonderfully with this dessert’s flavors, creating a comforting meal experience.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! Enjoy every slice of this seasonal treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week, or even save it for a special occasion. Here’s how to store it properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Slice the cake into individual portions for easy thawing.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave on low power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious dessert!

Can I use a different cake mix for the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes! While yellow cake mix works wonderfully, you can experiment with other flavors such as spice or vanilla cake mix for a different twist.

How do I make my Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting more festive?

Consider adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top of the frosting or even sprinkle some pumpkin spice blend on top for an extra kick!

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! Reduced-fat cream cheese can be used in both the filling and frosting without sacrificing too much flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is truly a celebration of fall flavors that everyone will love! It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. I hope you enjoy whipping up this delightful dessert as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to try it out and let the cozy vibes flow—happy baking!