Name: Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 4 cups powdered sugar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

The Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is a delicious blend of moist cake, creamy pumpkin filling, and rich frosting, perfect for cozy fall gatherings. This dessert combines classic pumpkin spice flavors with a luscious cream cheese layer that melts in your mouth.

A close-up of a thick, square piece of layered carrot cake on a white plate, showing three layers: a dark brown, moist carrot cake base with a slightly crumbly texture, topped by a thin creamy white layer, followed by a thin orange layer likely of carrot filling, then another layer of dark brown carrot cake. The top is covered with a thick, smooth white frosting with soft ridges and a light dusting of brown cinnamon powder that adds texture and warmth to the surface. The background is blurred, focusing attention on the cake, with soft natural light highlighting the rich colors and creamy textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened (for filling)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
4 cups powdered sugar (for filling)
8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan to prepare for the cake base.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix the cake mix, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup pumpkin puree, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the greased pan.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp cloves, and 4 cups powdered sugar until smooth. Pour this filling evenly over the cake base.
Step 4: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the cake is set and the filling looks slightly puffed. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Step 5: To make the frosting, beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until creamy. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of ginger or increase the cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience or homemade pumpkin for a fresh flavor.
Swap brown sugar in the frosting for maple syrup to add a subtle maple flavor.
Make this cake a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and the frosting to set nicely.

Storage

Store the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes for a softer texture. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds if you prefer it warm.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a square slice of layered carrot cake on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has three distinct layers: the bottom layer is a moist, textured orange-brown carrot cake, followed by a smooth, thick white cream cheese filling in the middle, then another similar orange-brown carrot cake layer, and topped with a thick layer of creamy white frosting with soft swirls. Light brown cinnamon or nutmeg powder is sprinkled gently over the frosting and some on the plate. The overall look is rich and moist with contrasting colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, yellow cake mix works best to complement the pumpkin spice, but a white or spice cake mix can also be used for a unique twist.

Is it possible to freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake without the frosting for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.