Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that wraps you in the cozy flavors of fall with every bite, look no further than this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This decadent treat combines a moist, pumpkin-infused cake base with a rich, gooey pumpkin spice filling, all topped off with a luxuriously smooth brown sugar cream cheese frosting that’s simply irresistible. It’s the perfect answer to chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, or when you just want to treat yourself to something that tastes like a warm hug in cake form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to creating the perfect texture and flavor harmony in your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Each element plays a special role — from the moist pumpkin puree that gives the cake its autumnal charm to the spices that add depth and warmth.

• Yellow cake mix: The base of our cake, providing a light, tender crumb that’s easy to work with.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure while keeping the cake moist.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for the cake base and softened for the frosting, delivers richness and buttery flavor.
• Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that lends moisture, sweetness, and vibrant color.
• Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that lifts the overall taste complexity.
• Cream cheese: Used both in the filling and frosting, it adds tanginess and creaminess.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: Traditional pumpkin spices that bring warmth and aromatic depth.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths both the creamy filling and frosting.
• Brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness and depth to the frosting.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep the cake from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the yellow cake mix, one large egg, melted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, homogenous batter. Spread this mixture evenly into your prepared pan — pressing gently to form a consistent layer. This cake base will serve as the perfect foundation for the gooey filling that follows.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s fluffy and smooth. Then, add eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and the warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until everything combines into a luscious, creamy batter. Gradually fold in the powdered sugar, mixing well to ensure the filling is silky without lumps. Pour the filling over your cake base and spread it into an even layer, getting ready for baking.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You want the edges to be set but the center to stay a bit gooey and tender — this contrast creates that unforgettable texture. Once baked, allow your cake to cool fully in the pan before moving on to frosting. Patience here means you’ll get perfectly cut slices and a fabulous final presentation.

Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and airy. Slowly add powdered sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Stir in vanilla extract for that little extra magic that makes this frosting sing with flavor.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Once your cake is completely cool, generously spread the luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting over the top. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly, covering the entire surface. For a little extra sparkle and texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top — it’s such a lovely finishing touch that amps up the festive feeling.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Garnishing your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can be as creative as you want. A simple sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top enhances the warm spice notes. Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, perfectly balancing the cake’s gooey softness. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent finish.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to cool the spiced richness. For a more autumnal vibe, a cup of hot apple cider or a spiced chai latte can elevate your dessert experience, making it cozy and comforting beyond words.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting the star of any gathering by serving it in charming individual squares on rustic wooden boards or beautiful ceramic plates. Adding edible flowers or fresh cranberries offers color contrast that’s visually stunning. For holiday parties, consider layering slices with dollops of whipped cream in clear dessert glasses for individual trifles that impress with every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve enjoyed some, cover any leftover Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, maintaining the freshness of the creamy frosting and the gooey filling.

Freezing

You can freeze this delicious cake to enjoy later. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To warm up a slice, pop it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This brings back some of that gooey magic without melting the frosting completely. If you prefer, a quick stint in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes also works beautifully, especially if you want a firmer texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting vegan?

Absolutely! Swap regular butter and cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives, and use a vegan cake mix to make it vegan-friendly without sacrificing any of the gooey goodness or flavor.

What kind of pumpkin puree should I use?

Use plain canned pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added spices and sugar that can alter the taste and texture of your cake.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, but be sure to cook and puree fresh pumpkin thoroughly and strain out excess moisture for the best results. The moisture content can affect the cake’s texture if too wet.

Why does the middle of my cake sometimes come out too runny?

The center should be slightly gooey but not liquid. This can happen if the cake isn’t baked long enough or your oven temperature is lower than expected. Try baking a bit longer, but watch carefully to avoid overbaking.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Just double each ingredient and use a larger baking dish or two pans. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may increase slightly with the added volume.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is such a joy to make and share. It captures everything we love about fall in one irresistible slice of cake: warmth, spice, creaminess, and that special gooey middle that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re making it for a festive get-together or simply because you deserve a treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite that you’ll reach for year after year. Go ahead—bake it, savor it, and watch it disappear faster than you can say pumpkin spice!

Print