Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall, then this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is just what you need! It’s warm, comforting, and so delicious. This cake is not only perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings but also makes for a delightful treat on busy weeknights. The gooey center and rich pumpkin flavor make it a standout dessert that your family and friends will remember.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. With just a few simple steps, you can create something that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare. It’s the kind of dessert that brings everyone together, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: You won’t need to spend all day in the kitchen! This recipe comes together quickly.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a gooey cake, especially when it’s infused with pumpkin goodness!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual weeknights to big family gatherings, this dessert fits right in.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese and pumpkin creates a rich, satisfying taste you won’t forget.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it in advance and let it chill, making your life easier on busy days!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake. You might already have some of these staples in your kitchen!

For the Cake Base

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 large egg
• 8 ounces unsalted butter (1 stick melted)

For the Pumpkin Filling

• 1 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 8 ounces cream cheese (super soft)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 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 how flexible it is! Here are some fun ideas to customize your dessert:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in a cup of chocolate chips into the pumpkin filling for an extra sweet surprise.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to give your cake a little kick!
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added texture.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a marbled effect by swirling extra softened cream cheese into the pumpkin filling before baking.

How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is essential because it ensures your cake bakes evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Prepare either a springform pan or a round cake pan by lining it with parchment paper and applying cooking spray. This will help the cake come out easily without sticking!

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 half a cup), and 1 egg. Mix well until everything is combined smoothly. This mixture will form a thin base that holds all that gooey goodness together!

Step 4: Press Into the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and press down evenly across the bottom. It doesn’t need to be thick; just make sure it’s spread out well.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, super soft cream cheese, 3 eggs, dark brown sugar, another stick of melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Beat on low until fully mixed; don’t forget to scrape down those sides for even blending!

Step 6: Pour Over Batter

Carefully pour this luscious pumpkin filling over your cake batter in the pan. The layers will bake together beautifully!

Step 7: Bake It Up

Bake in your preheated oven for about 40 to 50 minutes until the top turns golden brown. Remember—it should still be a bit gooey in the center because that’s what makes this cake special!

Step 8: Let It Rest

Once baked, allow your cake to rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This waiting time helps everything set up nicely while keeping that gooey texture intact.

Now you’re ready to enjoy every bite of this delightful Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake! Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring all on your own—because you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

This pumpkin gooey butter cake is a delightful treat, and with these tips, you’ll ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your cream cheese and eggs to come to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a creamy filling without lumps.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined ensures that your cake remains light and airy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture that’s not as enjoyable.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since the center should remain gooey, keep an eye on the cake during baking. It should be golden brown on top but still slightly jiggly in the middle when you take it out of the oven.

• Cool before serving: Letting the cake rest for at least 10 minutes after baking allows it to set up a bit more, making it easier to cut into perfect slices while maintaining that gooey texture.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of cloves or allspice can give your cake an extra layer of warmth and flavor perfect for fall!

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Serving pumpkin gooey butter cake is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors. Here are some ideas to make your dessert shine!

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and fluffy element that balances the richness of the cake.
• Toasted pecans: Sprinkling some toasted pecans on top gives a crunchy contrast and enhances the autumn vibe.

Side Dishes

• Cinnamon ice cream: Creamy cinnamon ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm flavors of pumpkin, creating a delicious contrast in temperatures.
• Maple syrup drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup adds sweetness and compliments the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with apples, pears, and citrus can cleanse the palate between bites of this rich dessert.
• Coffee or chai tea: Serving this cake alongside a cup of coffee or warm chai tea creates a cozy atmosphere and brings out the spices in the cake.

Enjoy making this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, and watch it become a beloved favorite during your fall gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is not only delightful to enjoy fresh, but it also makes for a fantastic dessert to prepare ahead of time. Perfect for gatherings, you can easily store leftovers or freeze portions to savor later!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, cut the cake into individual slices.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just label and date your containers for reference!

Reheating

• For best results, thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
• Enjoy warm, just like it was fresh from the oven!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

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 or even gluten-free options if desired. Just be mindful that it may slightly alter the flavor profile.

How should I serve my Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake?

This cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds an extra touch of fall flavor!

Can I make this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or use unsweetened applesauce. For butter, opt for a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.

What’s the best way to tell when my Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is done baking?

Look for a golden-brown top with a slightly gooey center. A toothpick inserted should come out with some moist crumbs rather than completely clean.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake brings warmth and joy to your kitchen this fall! It’s such a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any gathering or simply as a treat for yourself. Enjoy making this delightful recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences and variations with friends and family! Happy baking!