Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is just what you need! There’s something magical about the combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and rich cream cheese that brings comfort and joy. This cake has a wonderfully gooey center that makes it feel extra special, perfect for family gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or even a sweet treat after dinner on a busy weeknight.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels indulgent and festive. Trust me; your friends and family will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Gooey goodness: The texture is uniquely delicious with its creamy filling and light cake base—it’s truly irresistible!
• Fall flavors: The warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring the taste of autumn right to your table.
• Perfect for sharing: This recipe serves 12 people, making it ideal for parties or potlucks.
• Make ahead: You can prep this cake in advance, letting the flavors meld together beautifully!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients will have you on your way to creating this delightful cake in no time!

For the Cake Base

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 large egg
• 8 ounces unsalted butter (1 stick melted)

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

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is quite flexible! Here are some ideas to give it your own twist:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Use different spices: Experiment with allspice or cloves if you want to change up the spice profile.
• Try different cake mixes: A spice cake mix could enhance those fall flavors even more!
• Make it chocolatey: Swirl in some cocoa powder for a deliciously decadent chocolate pumpkin version.

How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the moment you put it in.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Grab a springform pan or round cake pan and line it with parchment paper. Give it a quick spray with cooking spray too. This will help ensure your gooey butter cake comes out easily without sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Base

In an electric mixer bowl, combine the boxed cake mix, one stick of melted butter, and one egg. Mix until well combined. The batter will form a thin layer at the bottom of your pan—this is what gives the cake its delightful base!

Step 4: Bake the Base

Pour your cake batter into the prepared pan and gently press it down into an even layer. It’s important that this layer is flat so that your pumpkin filling sits nicely on top.

Step 5: Create the Pumpkin Filling

In another bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, super soft cream cheese, three eggs, dark brown sugar, one stick of melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Beat on low until fully combined—make sure to scrape down the sides so everything gets mixed in well.

Step 6: Combine Layers

Now it’s time to pour that luscious pumpkin filling over your cake batter in the pan. Be sure to spread it evenly for consistent baking.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake

Pop your pan into the oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes. The top should turn golden brown while leaving a gooey center—after all, it’s called gooey butter cake for a reason!

Step 8: Let It Rest

Once baked to perfection, allow your cake to rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This helps set those gooey layers just right!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this wonderful Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake! It’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

This cake is sure to impress your family and friends, so let’s make it even better with these helpful tips!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature ensures they blend smoothly, creating that creamy texture we love in gooey butter cakes.

• Don’t overmix the batter: A gentle mix ensures the cake remains light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, which isn’t what you want for this delicious dessert!

• Check for doneness: Since the center should be gooey, keep an eye on the baking time. If it looks golden brown but a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (but not wet batter), it’s just right!

• Let it cool a bit before serving: Allowing the cake to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking helps it set and makes cutting easier, giving you those perfect gooey slices.

• Store properly: To keep leftovers fresh, cover them tightly or store in an airtight container. This will help maintain that gooey goodness for days to come!

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Presentation can elevate any dish, and your Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is no exception! Here are some delightful ideas on how to serve it.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy touch that complements the richness of the cake perfectly.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling some chopped nuts on top not only adds crunch but also enhances the autumnal flavor profile of your cake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream next to a warm slice of cake creates a beautiful contrast in temperatures and flavors, making every bite heavenly.
• Spiced apple cider: Warm spiced apple cider is a cozy beverage that pairs wonderfully with this dessert, enhancing those fall flavors.
• Candied sweet potatoes: The sweetness of candied sweet potatoes complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully, creating a festive spread that’s perfect for any gathering.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: The savory notes from roasted Brussels sprouts balance out the sweetness of the cake, providing a nice contrast that rounds out your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake will surely be a showstopper at any fall gathering! Enjoy every gooey bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is not only delicious but also a fantastic dessert for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Let the cake cool completely.
• Cut into individual slices for easier thawing.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove a slice from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm slice, microwave for 15-20 seconds or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat!

FAQs

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

Can I use a different type of cake mix for the Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe?

Yes! While yellow cake mix works wonderfully, you could try using spice cake mix for an extra flavor kick that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

How long does the Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, your Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake can last up to 5 days. If you freeze it, it’ll remain delicious for about 3 months!

What can I serve with my Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake?

For an extra touch, consider serving your cake with whipped coconut cream or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. It complements the gooey texture beautifully!

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

Absolutely! Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is truly a treasure of autumn flavors! With its rich, gooey center and spiced pumpkin goodness, it’s bound to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table or any fall gathering. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do—I can’t wait for you to take that first bite! Happy baking!