Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall, then this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is just what you need! It’s rich, creamy, and has that warm pumpkin spice flavor that feels like a cozy hug. I love making this cake for family gatherings or simply to enjoy on a busy weeknight when I want to treat myself. The gooey center is pure bliss, and I promise it will disappear faster than you can say Thanksgiving!

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to prepare. You’ll find yourself reaching for it time and time again. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something sweet, this cake will surely impress everyone around your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have this cake in the oven in no time.
• Gooey goodness: The delightful gooey center makes every bite a little piece of heaven.
• Fall flavors: Packed with pumpkin and warm spices, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season.
• Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore this sweet treat—perfect for family dinners.
• Make ahead: Bake it a day in advance; it tastes even better after resting overnight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake Base

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 8 ounces unsalted butter (2 sticks separated and melted)
• 1 large egg

For the Pumpkin Filling

• 1 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 8 ounces cream cheese (super soft)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Change up the spices: Try adding cardamom or allspice for an extra layer of warmth.
• Swirl in chocolate: Fold in some mini chocolate chips for a delicious twist on flavors.
• Top with cream cheese frosting: For an indulgent touch, spread cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake.

How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the moment you put it in.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Next, grab your springform pan or round cake pan. Line it with parchment paper and give it a quick spray with cooking spray. This helps prevent anything from sticking, making serving a breeze!

Step 3: Make the Cake Base

In your electric mixer bowl, combine the boxed cake mix, ½ cup of melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well combined. This mixture will be your base layer—press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.

Step 4: Create the Pumpkin Filling

In another mixing bowl, blend together pumpkin puree, super soft cream cheese, three eggs, dark brown sugar, remaining melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Beat on low until everything is smooth and mixed well. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl!

Step 5: Pour It All Together

Pour that luscious pumpkin filling over your cake base in the pan. Spread it out gently so every bite gets that gooey goodness!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the top should be golden brown while the center remains delightfully gooey!

Step 7: Let It Rest

Once baked perfectly, let your Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This waiting period allows those flavors to meld beautifully.

Now you’re ready to serve up this scrumptious treat! Enjoy each bite as you share warm moments with friends and family around your table.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Making the perfect Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is all about getting those gooey layers just right, and I’m here to help you do just that!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly into the batter, ensuring a creamy texture that’s oh-so-delicious.

• Don’t overmix: When combining the pumpkin filling ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, while we want that delightful gooeyness!

• Check for doneness: Since every oven varies, start checking your cake around the 40-minute mark. The top should be golden brown, but the center should still be slightly jiggly for that classic gooey texture.

• Let it cool: Be patient and let your cake rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This cooling time allows the flavors to set and makes cutting easier.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! Adding more cinnamon or even some allspice can create a unique flavor profile that suits your preferences.

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Presenting your Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake beautifully will make it an irresistible centerpiece for any fall gathering or Thanksgiving feast!

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: This plant-based alternative adds a light and airy touch that complements the richness of the cake.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: A sprinkle of nuts not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the nutty flavor profile of the spices used.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzling some dairy-free caramel sauce over each slice adds a sweet finishing touch that brings out the autumn flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Cranberry sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake and adds a festive touch.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serving with vegan vanilla ice cream creates a wonderful combination of warm cake and cold ice cream that’s simply irresistible.
• Apple cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider pairs perfectly with this dessert, enhancing its cozy fall vibe.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: For a savory accompaniment, roasted Brussels sprouts bring in a deliciously earthy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the cake.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake will surely shine and impress everyone around your table! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness even on busy days. You can easily make it ahead of time and store it properly to keep it fresh.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Cut the cake into individual portions for easier thawing.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, label your container with the date.

Reheating

• Remove the desired portion from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• To reheat, place the slice in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dessert!

Can I use a different cake mix for this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix works great, you can experiment with chocolate or spice cake mixes for a unique twist on flavor.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is done baking?

The top should be golden brown, and the center should remain slightly gooey. It’s perfectly normal for it to have a soft texture!

What if I don’t have cream cheese? Can I make this recipe without it?

You can substitute cream cheese with lactose-free cream cheese or even a blended tofu mixture for a dairy-free version while still achieving that creamy texture.

Can I make this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free yellow cake mix as a substitute. The other ingredients remain the same, and you’ll still have a tasty treat!

Is there a way to reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia while adjusting other wet ingredients accordingly. However, note that this may affect the gooey texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe! It’s not only rich and delicious but also brings that cozy fall spirit right into your kitchen. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or just because you crave something sweet, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy every gooey bite, and don’t forget to share your creations with me!