If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, let me introduce you to the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake Recipe. This luscious treat combines the comforting spices of fall with a delightfully gooey texture that’s almost sinful. Picture a tender yellow cake base topped with a rich, creamy pumpkin filling, bursting with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It’s a perfect balance of cake and custard that will quickly become your go-to for cozy gatherings or an indulgent weekend bake. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake Recipe, you’ll be hooked on the glorious combination of gooeyness and spice!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake Recipe brings together simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a starring role. The yellow cake mix offers a quick, reliable base with just the right crumb, while the cream cheese and pumpkin filling create that irresistible gooey texture and autumnal flavor. The spices add layers of warmth and depth, making every bite memorable.
- Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): A convenient base that turns into a perfectly moist and fluffy cake layer.
- Large egg: Helps bind the cake mix dough together for structure and moisture.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1 cup total, divided): Adds richness and a tender crumb to both the base and filling.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Creates that creamy, gooey texture which is the star of this cake.
- Pumpkin puree (15 oz): Brings natural sweetness, moisture, and the classic fall flavor everyone loves.
- Extra large eggs (3): For richness and to help set the luscious pumpkin filling.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the pumpkin and spice flavors, adding warmth.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Provides the quintessential cozy spice note.
- Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): Adds a slightly sweet, nutty undertone.
- Ground ginger (½ tsp): Offers a subtle zing that enhances the spices.
- Ground cloves (½ tsp): Gives a deep, aromatic earthiness typical of pumpkin spice blends.
- Powdered sugar (16 oz): Sweetens and thickens the pumpkin filling to perfect gooey consistency.
- Optional toppings: Whipped cream, powdered sugar, caramel sauce, toasted pecans for extra indulgence.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure easy release later. In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one large egg. Stir until the dough is thick and sticky—you’ll want to press it evenly into the bottom of your baking pan to form the perfect sturdy base that supports that luscious pumpkin topping.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and silky. Then add the pumpkin puree, three large eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until everything is combined. This is where the magic starts to happen, turning into that dreamy gooey center.
Step 3: Add the Spices and Sweetness
Sprinkle in the warm ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—these spice blend elements bring that unmistakable pumpkin spice flavor everyone craves at this time of year. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar to sweeten and thicken the filling. Your mixture should become smooth and just a little fluffy, ready to spread on top of the cake base.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread the pumpkin filling evenly over the prepared cake base. Make sure to smooth it out gently so it cooks evenly. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for set edges with a center that stays slightly gooey—that’s the key to this recipe’s charm and texture.
Step 5: Cool and Finish
Take the cake out of the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial because it allows the gooey filling to set properly but remain deliciously soft inside.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To finish off your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake Recipe, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top for a pretty, snow-like effect. Or for a richer finish, add a generous dollop of whipped cream. If you want to elevate it even more, drizzle caramel sauce and scatter toasted pecans on top—each garnish brings its own texture and taste boost that complements the cake beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot spiced apple cider. For a breakfast twist, serve alongside rich coffee or chai tea. The subtle spiciness and gooey creaminess make it versatile enough to enjoy as dessert or a special treat anytime during the day.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the pumpkin gooey cake into neat squares and stack them slightly offset on a rustic wooden board for a cozy party platter. Adding small bowls of caramel sauce or whipped cream nearby invites everyone to customize their slice. For a festive gathering, garnish each square with an edible flower or a sprinkle of cinnamon for inviting aroma and visuals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It stays moist and flavorful for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store them in a freezer-safe container. Your cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing that signature gooey texture. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best gooey experience, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the filling. Adding a little whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce after reheating brings back all the deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! However, fresh pumpkin should be cooked, pureed, and drained well to remove excess moisture so the texture of the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake Recipe remains just right.
What if I don’t have a boxed yellow cake mix?
You can substitute with your favorite homemade yellow cake batter but be mindful that the ease and texture might vary slightly without the convenience of the mix.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix of similar weight and type. Be sure all other ingredients, especially the mix, are labeled gluten-free.
How important is it to cool the cake completely before cutting?
Very important! Cooling sets the filling for clean slices and keeps the gooey layer from spilling out or becoming too runny.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely. Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly, checking frequently to keep the center gooey but not underbaked.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake Recipe. It’s one of those magical bakes that brings pumpkin spice lovers together around the table with smiles and second helpings. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or a quiet self-indulgent moment, this cake offers pure comfort and joy in every bite. Give it a try soon—you’ll thank yourself!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is a delightful autumn dessert that combines a buttery yellow cake base with a rich, creamy pumpkin filling infused with warm spices. Baked to create a slightly gooey center, this cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings, topped optionally with whipped cream, caramel, or toasted pecans for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Pumpkin Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 15 oz pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 16 oz powdered sugar
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Caramel sauce
- Toasted pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cake Base: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with melted butter and one large egg. Mix until a thick dough forms, then press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the cake base.
- Make Pumpkin Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, three large eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
- Add Spices and Sugar: Stir in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves into the pumpkin mixture. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to mix until the filling is smooth and slightly fluffy.
- Assemble Cake: Spread the pumpkin filling evenly over the prepared cake base in the pan, ensuring a uniform layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. The edges should be set, while the center remains slightly gooey for the perfect texture.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan to set the filling properly.
- Serve: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar. Cut into squares and serve with optional toppings such as whipped cream, caramel sauce, or toasted pecans based on your preference.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly gooey for the ideal texture.
- Optional toppings add flavor and texture variety but are not necessary.
- Use fresh ground spices for the best aroma and taste.
- Allow the cake to cool completely to avoid breaking when slicing.
