Introduction

This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful blend of warm autumn spices and creamy sweetness. With a moist cake base, a rich spiced filling, and a smooth brown sugar frosting, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or as a festive dessert.

A square slice of dessert with four visible layers on a white plate, placed on a white marbled textured surface. The bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown crust with a rough texture. Above it is a smooth, creamy beige layer showing a dense consistency. The third layer is thick, slightly translucent, and golden-brown with a glossy texture. The top layer is a fluffy, light cream with soft swirled peaks, dusted generously with cocoa powder in a random pattern. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: 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 smooth and well combined. Press the cake base mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
Step 2: 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. Mix until fully combined and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and lump-free. Pour the pumpkin spice filling over the cake base and spread evenly.
Step 3: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly gooey. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.
Step 4: To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese, and use a vegan cake mix.
If gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix as the base.
Adjust the spices by adding more cinnamon or nutmeg if you prefer a stronger flavor.
To avoid lumps in the filling, scrape the sides of the bowl well when adding powdered sugar.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, bring to room temperature before serving. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if you prefer a warm treat.

How to Serve

A close-up of a square slice of layered dessert on a white plate, resting on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a crumbly, golden brown crust, followed by a thick, creamy white layer. Above this is a generous light brown creamy layer with a smooth texture, topped with a piped creamy white layer dusted evenly with cinnamon powder creating a warm, textured finish. The dessert looks soft and rich with clear, clean layers visible in the slice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be baked a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and add the frosting just before serving to maintain its freshness.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely. Canned pumpkin puree works well and provides consistent texture and flavor for this recipe.

Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 71 reviews

This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a luscious dessert perfect for fall gatherings and cozy evenings. It features a moist yellow cake base infused with pumpkin puree and warm spices, topped with a gooey pumpkin spice cream cheese filling and finished with a sweet, creamy brown sugar cream cheese frosting. The combination of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves imparts a rich autumn flavor, making this cake irresistibly comforting and flavorful.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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. Be careful to avoid overmixing to keep the base moist; using a spatula or your hands to press the dough evenly is recommended.
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, mixing until fully combined and creamy. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and free of lumps. Pour this filling evenly over the cake base layer. For enhanced flavor, add a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg if desired, and scrape the sides of the bowl when mixing in powdered sugar to avoid clumping.
Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges of the cake should be set while the center remains slightly gooey, which is essential for the perfect texture. After baking, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before applying the frosting.
Prepare the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add brown sugar and beat until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy. Spread this frosting over the cooled cake evenly before serving.

Notes

To make the recipe vegan, substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese in the frosting and gooey filling.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
Do not overmix the cake base batter to maintain moistness.
The cake is best served after it has completely cooled and the frosting has been applied.
This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Keywords: Pumpkin spice cake, gooey pumpkin cake, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, pumpkin dessert, spiced cake