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
Scale
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.
