Indulge in the Best Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Frosting

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through the kitchen. Enter the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – a decadent dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. This irresistible cake boasts a moist and gooey pumpkin-infused center, surrounded by a buttery yellow cake base and crowned with a rich, creamy frosting. It’s the ultimate autumnal indulgence that’s sure to delight your taste buds and have you craving more.

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Ingredients for the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake

To create this delectable Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed treat.

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

Baking the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating this mouthwatering Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Cake Base: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, melted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and pour it into the prepared pan.
3. Make Gooey Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla, pumpkin puree, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and powdered sugar. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Layer Filling: Evenly pour the pumpkin spice gooey filling over the cake base.
5. Bake: Bake the cake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. The filling will remain gooey.
6. Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the brown sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it’s creamy and well combined.
7. Frost Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
8. Serve: Slice and enjoy this decadent Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake! For an extra burst of flavor, consider chilling the cake briefly before serving.

Tips for Perfecting Your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake

To ensure your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Allowing the cream cheese, butter, and eggs to come to room temperature before using them will help create a smoother, more cohesive batter and frosting.
• Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense, tough cake. Mix the ingredients just until they’re combined.
• Check for Doneness: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs still clinging to it. The gooey filling should remain slightly underbaked.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking. You can add more cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of ginger for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Decorate with Flair: Once the cake is frosted, consider adding a dusting of cinnamon, a drizzle of caramel, or even some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is a delightful dessert that pairs well with a variety of beverages and accompaniments. Consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. For a cozy autumn evening, a warm mug of apple cider or a spiced latte would be the perfect complement to this rich and flavorful cake.

Storage and Shelf Life

The Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, covered or wrapped in plastic. For longer storage, the cake can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. To maintain its fresh and gooey texture, be sure to keep the cake tightly covered or in an airtight container. If you’d like to freeze the cake, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before bringing it to room temperature and enjoying.

FAQs About Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake

Can I use canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin puree for this cake?

Either canned pumpkin puree or homemade fresh pumpkin puree will work perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to use the same amount of pumpkin puree (1 cup) regardless of the source.

Is the cream cheese frosting optional or can it be substituted?

The cream cheese frosting is not optional for this recipe, as it provides a delicious contrast to the gooey pumpkin filling. However, if you prefer a different frosting, you can experiment with substitutions such as a cinnamon-spiced buttercream or a whipped cream topping.

How long should the cake be stored, and what’s the best way to keep it fresh?

The Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For optimal freshness, be sure to keep the cake tightly covered or in an airtight container.

Can this cake be made gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives, such as cashew-based cream cheese and coconut oil or plant-based butter.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting
• Pumpkin French Toast Bake
• Pumpkin Cupcakes
• White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this irresistible Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a comforting dessert, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and become a new autumn favorite.

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

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