Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall, this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is the perfect treat! Imagine a warm, gooey cake with the rich flavors of pumpkin and spices. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. I love how easy it is to whip up—trust me, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your household!

This delightful cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or just craving something sweet, this recipe shines on any occasion. Let’s dive in and create something magical together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies cake-making with just a few steps, making it perfect for bakers of all levels!
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, it’s an excellent choice for potlucks or family gatherings.
• Seasonal Flavors: Pumpkin and warm spices make this cake a festive addition to fall celebrations.
• Gooey Goodness: The texture is wonderfully rich and gooey—just what you want in a dessert!
• Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld, making your life easier when hosting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delicious cake. Most of these items are probably already in your pantry!

For the Cake Base

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs (1 egg and 3 eggs separate)
• 8 ounces unsalted butter (2 sticks separated and melted)

For the Pumpkin Filling

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

Variations

One of the best things about this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some chocolate chips for a delightful twist on flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for an added texture contrast.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices like allspice or clove for more depth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Prepare a springform pan or round cake pan with parchment paper and cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent sticking—nobody likes losing their masterpiece!

Step 3: Make the Cake Base

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the boxed cake mix, 1 stick of melted butter (that’s ½ cup), and 1 egg. Mix well until everything is combined into a smooth batter. Pour this mixture into your prepared pan and press it down evenly at the bottom. This forms a thin but important layer that gives structure to our gooey goodness!

Step 4: Combine the Filling Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, super soft cream cheese, remaining 3 eggs, dark brown sugar, another stick of melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Beat on low until fully integrated; don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything mixes well!

Step 5: Pour Over Cake Base

Carefully pour the pumpkin filling over the cake batter already in your pan. Spread it out gently so every bite will have that luscious filling.

Step 6: Bake It Up!

Bake in your preheated oven for about 40 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye out until the top turns golden brown while ensuring that gooey center remains just slightly underbaked—it should be delightfully gooey!

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, let your beautiful creation cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This waiting time helps set that wonderful gooey texture we all love.

Enjoy this delectable Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake with friends and family—it’s sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Making a gooey butter cake can be incredibly rewarding, and with these simple tips, you’ll ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your cream cheese and eggs to room temperature ensures they blend smoothly into the batter, resulting in a creamy filling without lumps.

• Don’t overmix the filling: Mixing just until combined helps retain the cake’s gooey texture. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake rather than the soft, luscious center we’re aiming for.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since the center is meant to be gooey, keep an eye on it during baking. A toothpick should come out with some moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.

• Let it cool before slicing: Allowing the cake to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking helps it set and makes cutting easier without losing its delicious gooeyness.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! Adding more nutmeg or even a pinch of allspice can enhance those warm fall flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

This delightful dessert doesn’t just taste heavenly—it also presents beautifully! Here are some creative ways to serve this pumpkin gooey butter cake that will impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a luscious, dairy-free element that complements the cake’s richness perfectly.

• Chopped pecans: Sprinkling some toasted pecans on top adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy, cold vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm gooey cake, creating a comforting combination that everyone loves.

• Apple cider: Serve this dessert alongside hot apple cider for a cozy fall experience. The spiced flavors of apple cider enhance the pumpkin goodness in each bite.

• Roasted sweet potatoes: These naturally sweet and savory bites add another layer of fall flavor to your meal and balance out the sweetness of the dessert.

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness and acidity to contrast with the rich cake. Choose seasonal fruits like pears or apples for an autumn touch.

Enjoy making and serving this delectable Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe! It’s bound to become a favorite at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is not just a delightful treat to enjoy right after baking; it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment, making it an excellent option for holiday gatherings or cozy family nights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place any leftover cake in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Let the cake cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the bags with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, remove the desired slice from the fridge or freezer.
• If refrigerated, microwave on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
• For frozen slices, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about making this delightful dessert!

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

Yes! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with spice cake mix for an extra touch of autumn flavor.

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

The top of your cake should be golden brown, and the center should still feel slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter.

Can I substitute cream cheese in this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use dairy-free cream cheese if you prefer a plant-based option that still delivers creamy richness.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is truly a special fall treat that captures the essence of the season. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced—ideal for sharing with friends and family during festive gatherings. I hope you enjoy making this delightful dessert as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts or experiences while baking; I would love to hear from you!