Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that wraps you up in all the cozy flavors of fall, this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is absolutely the one to make. Imagine a tender, moist yellow cake base infused with pumpkin puree, topped with a luscious, spiced cream cheese filling that’s perfectly gooey and comforting. Then, it’s all crowned with a dreamy brown sugar cream cheese frosting that adds just the right touch of sweetness and tang. This cake is like a warm hug on a plate, guaranteed to bring smiles and happy sighs with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started is easy because the ingredients for this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting are straightforward but essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a role in building that irresistible fall-inspired dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

• Yellow cake mix: A convenient base that gives the cake structure and a tender crumb, effortlessly setting the stage for pumpkin and spice flavors.
• Eggs: They bind ingredients together and add richness for that soft, moist cake experience.
• Unsalted butter: Melted in both the cake and filling, it adds buttery depth and richness, plus a silky texture.
• Pumpkin puree: The star autumn ingredient, providing moisture, color, and cozy pumpkin flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the spices with warmth.
• Cream cheese: Used in the gooey filling and frosting for that creamy tang that makes every bite luscious.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: Classic pumpkin-spice spices bringing aromatic warmth and the nostalgic feeling of fall.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens both the filling and frosting with a smooth finish.
• Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes in the frosting, complementing the spices perfectly.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the cake doesn’t stick and pulls away cleanly after baking. Combine the yellow cake mix, one egg, melted unsalted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Stir until everything is smooth and evenly mixed. Pour and press this batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish. The cake base creates the perfect sturdy yet tender foundation to hold that luscious gooey filling.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Filling

In a second bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s fluffy and creamy. Add two eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and mix well until combined. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar to create a smooth, velvety filling free of lumps. Pour this heavenly spiced filling over the cake base and spread it out evenly, ensuring each bite will have that signature gooey texture that makes this cake so special.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Bake in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should come together and set while the center remains a little jiggly — that perfect gooey middle is the magic here. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan; this prevents the filling from breaking apart when you frost. Resist the urge to overbake, as a slightly soft center is exactly what you want.

Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat creams cheese, softened butter, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Slowly add powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract to round out the flavor. This frosting is decadently sweet with a caramel kiss from brown sugar, perfectly balancing the spices and richness of the cake and filling.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake, smoothing it to cover every inch. This final layer adds that lush, creamy finish everyone dreams of when making Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. For an extra touch, sprinkle with chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon to amp up both texture and aroma.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts not only adds crunch but visually elevates your pumpkin spice gooey cake with cream cheese frosting, making it look irresistible. A dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top can also enhance the scent and flavor profile just before serving.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the warmth of the spices play against creamy coldness. For a drink, try a glass of warm spiced apple cider or even a latte with a hint of cinnamon to continue the cozy vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce or a dollop of freshly whipped cream lightly sprinkled with pumpkin pie spice. You can also cut the cake into squares and serve as mini dessert bites at gatherings, placing each piece on a festive plate to celebrate fall flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the frosting fresh and the gooey filling pleasantly moist for up to 5 days. Let slices come to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes well! Wrap cooled, unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then foil for up to 3 months. After thawing in the fridge overnight, prepare and spread the frosting fresh. If already frosted, freeze portions wrapped tightly and thaw slowly to maintain the gooey texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat to preserve the creamy gooey filling texture. Rewarm gently to savor that freshly-baked feeling anytime.

FAQs

Can I make the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix of similar quantity and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. The cake will still be moist and flavorful with that signature gooey filling.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugar and spices, which can affect the taste and texture of the cake and filling.

How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

The edges of the cake should be set and firm to the touch, but the center should still jiggle slightly when you gently shake the pan. This means the gooey filling is perfectly cooked but still soft.

Can I prepare this cake vegan?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, as well as an egg substitute like flax egg or commercial egg replacer. Also, ensure your cake mix does not contain eggs or dairy.

What’s the best way to serve this cake warm?

Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds until warm but not hot. This way, the gooey filling stays soft and melty, making each bite extra comforting.

Final Thoughts

When you want to bring the ultimate fall dessert to your kitchen, this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is an absolute showstopper. The way the moist pumpkin cake meets that soft, spiced, gooey filling with creamy brown sugar frosting on top just can’t be beat. I hope you get to enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do — there’s something truly magical about sharing this cozy dessert with friends and family during chilly days. Go ahead and treat yourself to some autumn bliss on a plate!

Print