Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a true showstopper. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, combining the cozy flavors of pumpkin and spices with a delightful cream cheese frosting that will make your taste buds dance. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight treat or a family gathering, this cake is sure to impress.

What makes this recipe so special is its gooey texture and rich flavor, making it an instant favorite for pumpkin spice enthusiasts. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you can spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, this cake comes together in no time!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or just a cozy evening at home, this dessert fits right in.
• Family-Friendly: The flavors are loved by both kids and adults alike—everyone will be asking for seconds!
• Make Ahead Option: You can bake this cake ahead of time and frost it just before serving for maximum freshness.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices topped with creamy frosting is simply heavenly!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! For this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need some simple yet wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. 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 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 make it your own. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with ginger or allspice for a unique twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary needs.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the frosting for added decadence.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your baking pan will help ensure that your gooey cake comes out easily once baked. This step is crucial because no one wants their masterpiece stuck to the pan!

Step 2: Make the Cake Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. This mixture will create a deliciously moist base that complements the filling perfectly.

Step 3: Create the Filling

In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, remaining pumpkin puree, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until smooth. Pour this luscious filling over your cake batter. The layers will create that gooey texture we all love!

Step 4: Bake Your Cake

Pour everything into your greased baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until set. Keep an eye on it; every oven behaves differently! The top should be golden brown while still being soft underneath.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While your cake cools down slightly, let’s whip up some delicious frosting! Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and brown sugar along with vanilla extract until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Frost Your Cake

Once your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake has cooled completely (patience is key here!), generously spread that delightful cream cheese frosting on top. Feel free to go wild—this frosting is too good not to enjoy!

Now slice yourself a generous piece of this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and share it with friends or savor it all yourself—you deserve it!

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

Making the perfect Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is as easy as pie with these helpful tips!

• Choose high-quality pumpkin puree: Using pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling ensures your cake isn’t overly sweetened and highlights that delicious pumpkin flavor.
• Room temperature cream cheese: Allowing your cream cheese to soften at room temperature before whipping it into the frosting will help achieve a smooth, creamy texture that spreads beautifully.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently mixing the batter until just combined prevents the cake from becoming dense, ensuring it remains light and gooey.
• Let it cool completely before frosting: Allowing your cake to cool allows the frosting to set properly, ensuring each slice has the perfect balance of cake and frosting without melting together.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking! Adding more cinnamon or even a hint of ginger can create a unique twist on this classic fall dessert.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This delightful Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake deserves a beautiful presentation! Here are some ideas for serving it that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling some chopped nuts on top adds a crunchy texture that complements the gooeyness of the cake.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of coconut cream provides a dairy-free alternative to regular whipped cream, adding a light and airy touch that pairs perfectly with pumpkin flavors.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm spices in the cake, making each bite heavenly.
• Spiced chai tea: A warm cup of spiced chai tea enhances the autumn vibes and complements the pumpkin spice flavors wonderfully.
• Apple slices with caramel dip: Fresh apple slices provide a crisp contrast, while caramel dip adds an extra layer of indulgence, making for a fun and interactive side dish.
• Roasted butternut squash salad: A savory roasted butternut squash salad offers a healthy option that balances out the sweetness of the cake.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will not only taste divine but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy every bite of this autumn delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment, ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Cut the cake into individual slices for easier thawing.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating.
• Microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds until warm, or heat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about this delightful dessert.

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

Yes! You can substitute eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture or unsweetened applesauce. For every egg, use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water or 1/4 cup of applesauce.

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

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly.

Can I customize the spices in my Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. You can add more cinnamon or nutmeg, or even try a pinch of ginger for extra warmth!

How long does it take to make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?

The total time is around 45 minutes, including preparation and baking time. It’s a quick and delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting as delightful as I do! It’s truly a comforting recipe that captures all the cozy flavors of fall. Whether you’re sharing it at a gathering or savoring it solo, I’m sure this cake will bring warmth and joy to your table. Enjoy making it, and don’t forget to share your experience!