Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall, this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is just what you need! It’s a cozy treat that fills your home with warm aromas and brightens any gathering. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or simply enjoying a quiet evening with family, this cake is sure to impress. The gooey texture combined with the rich pumpkin flavor makes it a true seasonal favorite!

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll find joy in creating this delicious cake. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family—who wouldn’t want a slice of this heavenly dessert?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have this cake in the oven in no time!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual get-together, this cake fits right in.
• Delightfully Gooey Texture: The unique gooey layer adds an irresistible twist that will have everyone coming back for more.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet pumpkin flavor and creamy filling.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time, and it’s ready when you are—ideal for busy holiday prep!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, you’ll only need some simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this scrumptious dessert!

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

Variations

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

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey twist, fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips into the pumpkin filling.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices like allspice or clove for an extra kick of flavor!
• Nutty Crunch: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for added texture.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Before baking, swirl some extra cream cheese into the pumpkin filling for an even richer taste.

How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grab a springform pan or round cake pan and line it with parchment paper. Lightly grease it with cooking spray. This step helps your cake release easily once it’s baked.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Base

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the yellow cake mix, one stick of melted butter (that’s 1/2 cup), and 1 egg. Mix well until everything is fully combined. This forms a thin layer at the bottom that acts as a base for our gooey goodness.

Step 4: Pour and Press

Pour your cake mixture into the prepared pan and press down evenly on the bottom—this layer should be thin but firm enough to hold up under all that luscious filling.

Step 5: Create the Pumpkin Filling

In another bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, super soft cream cheese, remaining three eggs, dark brown sugar, one stick of melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Beat on low until smooth; take care to scrape down sides so every bit gets mixed in.

Step 6: Combine Layers

Now comes the fun part! Gently pour your pumpkin filling over the prepared cake batter in the pan. Don’t worry if it looks like too much; it will bake beautifully!

Step 7: Bake

Place your pan in the oven and bake at 350 degrees for about 40 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the top should turn golden brown while the center remains delightfully gooey!

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, let your cake rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This waiting period allows those flavors to meld beautifully!

And there you have it—a perfectly gooey pumpkin butter cake that’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your home! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Making this pumpkin gooey butter cake is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you can ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow the cream cheese and eggs to sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps them blend smoothly, resulting in a creamy filling without lumps.

• Don’t overmix the pumpkin layer: Mixing too much can incorporate air, which may affect the gooey texture. Just beat until combined to maintain that rich, dense consistency.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since we want that gooey center, test with a toothpick—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s just right. Remember, the top should be golden brown!

• Cool before cutting: Letting the cake rest for at least 10 minutes allows it to set a bit more, making slicing easier and preventing the filling from spilling out.

• Serve warm or at room temperature: This cake is delicious served warm and gooey but also holds up well at room temperature. Either way, it’s sure to please!

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

This pumpkin gooey butter cake can be presented beautifully at any gathering or holiday table. Here are some fun ways to serve it!

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A light dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a lovely touch and complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling some chopped nuts on top gives a nice crunch and enhances the fall flavors.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a creamy contrast to the warm gooey cake, creating a comforting dessert combo.

• Spiced apple cider: Serving this cake alongside hot spiced apple cider sets a cozy mood perfect for fall gatherings.

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the cake with bright flavors, making for an inviting plate.

• Caramel sauce: Drizzling some caramel sauce is an indulgent addition that elevates your dessert experience with extra sweetness.

Enjoy crafting this delicious Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake! It’s sure to become a cherished favorite at your fall celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is a fabulous option for meal prep, especially as the fall season approaches. It can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy delicious dessert without the last-minute rush.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, which will keep it fresh for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

• For the best experience, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm slices in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe:

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

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with spice cake mix or even gluten-free options if needed. Just keep an eye on baking times as they may vary slightly.

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

The cake is done when the top is golden brown and slightly firm to touch while still gooey in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out with some moist crumbs attached but not wet batter.

Can I make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe without cream cheese?

Yes! You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or another soft vegan cream cheese substitute. This will give you similar texture while keeping it dairy-free.

What can I serve with my Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake?

This delicious dessert pairs wonderfully with whipped coconut cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. Fresh whipped cream adds a lovely touch as well!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe becomes a cherished addition to your fall celebrations! With its warm flavors and gooey texture, it’s sure to bring joy to your family gatherings and holiday feasts. Enjoy making this delightful treat, and don’t hesitate to share it with loved ones. Happy baking!