Welcome to the perfect recipe for all pumpkin spice lovers out there! If you’re searching for the ultimate fall dessert, look no further than this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. This delectable cake, with its rich layers of gooey pumpkin filling and luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting, is sure to satisfy all your cravings for autumn flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake will quickly become a seasonal favorite in your recipe rotation. Let’s dive into this cozy, comforting recipe that’s bursting with flavor!
Introduction
What’s better than indulging in a cozy dessert that brings together the warmth of pumpkin spice and the creaminess of a gooey filling? The Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is an irresistible treat that combines the rich, spiced flavors of fall with the creaminess of a decadent frosting. This dessert takes inspiration from the classic gooey butter cake but adds a pumpkin twist, making it perfect for autumn.
This recipe is easy to make yet impresses with its texture and flavors. The Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is soft, moist, and has that signature gooey center, while the brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a rich sweetness that balances the spiced pumpkin perfectly. It’s a must-try for pumpkin lovers, fans of comforting desserts, or anyone looking for the perfect fall cake recipe.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake
Let’s start by gathering everything you’ll need to create this amazing cake. These ingredients are simple and easily found at your local grocery store. The combination of these elements results in a dessert that tastes like a warm hug on a chilly fall day. Here’s what you’ll need for both the cake base and the gooey pumpkin filling:
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Filling:
- 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
- For the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 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
These ingredients are carefully chosen to enhance the flavor and texture of the cake, creating a gooey, spiced filling that contrasts perfectly with the sweet, creamy frosting. For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese in the frosting to make this recipe vegan-friendly. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free cake mix as a base.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake – Step by Step
Making this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is simple and straightforward. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these steps will guide you through creating a cake that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 large egg, melted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Press the cake base mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
Pro Tip: To ensure the base remains moist, avoid overmixing. You can use a spatula or your hands to press the dough into the dish.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Filling
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the bowl. Mix until fully combined and the mixture is creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the filling is smooth and without lumps.
- Pour this gooey pumpkin spice filling over the cake base and spread evenly.
Pro Tip: For an extra touch of spice, feel free to add a dash more cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste preferences. Also, make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl when adding the powdered sugar to avoid clumps.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.
- The edges should be set while the center remains slightly gooey—this is key to achieving the perfect texture.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
Pro Tip: Avoid overbaking! The center should jiggle slightly when removed from the oven, ensuring a gooey interior. If you prefer a firmer cake, leave it in for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting generously over the top.
- Smooth it out evenly, making sure to cover the entire surface of the cake.
Pro Tip: For an extra indulgent finish, sprinkle chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon over the frosting.
Helpful Tips for Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake
When making a dessert as rich as this, there are always a few tips and tricks that can elevate your baking game.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your butter, cream cheese, and eggs to come to room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
- Don’t rush the cooling process: Let the cake cool fully before frosting, as this prevents the frosting from melting and becoming runny.
- Enhance the spice: If you’re a fan of extra spiced desserts, feel free to adjust the cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove levels to suit your preferences.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the cake base and gooey filling the day before, refrigerating the cake before frosting it the next day for easy preparation.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake
- Equipment Matters: Use a sturdy 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure even cooking. Metal pans conduct heat better than glass, providing a consistent bake.
- Avoid overmixing: When preparing the cake base, overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until combined to maintain a soft, tender base.
- Test for Doneness: The center of the cake should remain slightly gooey. Use a toothpick to test the edges—they should come out clean, while the middle can be a bit soft.
- Bake in the center of the oven: To ensure even cooking, place your cake pan in the center of the oven and avoid opening the oven door too frequently, as this can cause uneven baking.
Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake
This cake is perfect as a standalone dessert, but it can also be enhanced with a few complementary accompaniments:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich gooey filling.
- Cinnamon-spiced Latte: Pair this cake with a warm cinnamon-spiced latte for the ultimate fall dessert experience.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream works beautifully alongside the warm, spiced cake.
Nutritional Information
The Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is indulgent, but with the following nutritional information, you can enjoy it while staying informed.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 480
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 65g
- Sugars: 52g
- Protein: 5g
While it’s not a light dessert, the comforting, rich flavors make it worth every bite.
Storage and Leftovers for Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this cake!), here’s how to store and reheat them for the best results:
- Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The gooey filling will firm up slightly but remain delicious.
- Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted portions of the cake. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm, gooey cake again, simply microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or until warm. This brings back the gooey texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake
1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute a gluten-free yellow cake mix for the regular one, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
2. How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs, use vegan cream cheese and butter, and ensure your cake mix is vegan-friendly.
3. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a great crunchy texture to the gooey filling or as a topping.
4. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, just make sure the pumpkin is cooked, pureed, and drained of excess moisture to avoid altering the cake’s texture.
Related Recipes for Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake Lovers
If you enjoyed this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake, here are two similar recipes you’ll love:
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars Recipe – Tangy & Creamy Dessert
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make this incredible Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s time to give it a try! This cake is the perfect dessert for fall, filled with the warmth of pumpkin spice and the indulgence of gooey goodness. Don’t forget to share your results and let us know if you added your own twist to the recipe. Happy baking, and enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake!
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Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
Welcome to the perfect recipe for all pumpkin spice lovers out there! If you’re searching for the ultimate fall dessert, look no further than this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. This delectable cake, with its rich layers of gooey pumpkin filling and luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting, is sure to satisfy all your cravings for autumn flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake will quickly become a seasonal favorite in your recipe rotation. Let’s dive into this cozy, comforting recipe that’s bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Filling:
- 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
For the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 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
These ingredients are carefully chosen to enhance the flavor and texture of the cake, creating a gooey, spiced filling that contrasts perfectly with the sweet, creamy frosting. For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese in the frosting to make this recipe vegan-friendly. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free cake mix as a base.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 large egg, melted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Press the cake base mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
Pro Tip: To ensure the base remains moist, avoid overmixing. You can use a spatula or your hands to press the dough into the dish.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Filling
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the bowl. Mix until fully combined and the mixture is creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the filling is smooth and without lumps.
- Pour this gooey pumpkin spice filling over the cake base and spread evenly.
Pro Tip: For an extra touch of spice, feel free to add a dash more cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste preferences. Also, make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl when adding the powdered sugar to avoid clumps.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.
- The edges should be set while the center remains slightly gooey—this is key to achieving the perfect texture.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
Pro Tip: Avoid overbaking! The center should jiggle slightly when removed from the oven, ensuring a gooey interior. If you prefer a firmer cake, leave it in for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting generously over the top.
- Smooth it out evenly, making sure to cover the entire surface of the cake.
Pro Tip: For an extra indulgent finish, sprinkle chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon over the frosting.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your butter, cream cheese, and eggs to come to room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
- Don’t rush the cooling process: Let the cake cool fully before frosting, as this prevents the frosting from melting and becoming runny.
- Enhance the spice: If you’re a fan of extra spiced desserts, feel free to adjust the cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove levels to suit your preferences.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the cake base and gooey filling the day before, refrigerating the cake before frosting it the next day for easy preparation.
