Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s just bursting with cozy fall flavors and melts in your mouth, you’re going to absolutely adore this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. I first tried making this for a family gathering, and from the moment I took it out of the oven, the irresistible aroma and that perfectly gooey texture told me it was a keeper. Whether you’re a pumpkin fan or just looking for a unique spin on traditional cake, you’ll find this recipe satisfying in all the right ways. Ready to dive into a dessert that quickly becomes a seasonal favorite? Let me take you through every step!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe come together to create the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy. Make sure you have softened cream cheese for the smoothest filling, and if you can, fresh butter always adds a richer flavor.

• Yellow cake mix: The base of this recipe, it creates a sturdy yet tender crust for the gooey pumpkin topping.
• Eggs: Essential for binding both the crust and filling layers.
• Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps keep the crust and filling moist and flavorful.
• Can of pumpkin: The star ingredient—choose pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best texture and flavor.
• Cream cheese (softened): This makes the filling silky smooth and gives that signature gooey texture.
• Vanilla extract: A little splash enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps achieve that classic gooey consistency.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring cozy fall vibes right to your dessert plate.

Variations

I love how versatile this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is because you can tweak it a bit to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want to amp up the spice, lower the sugar, or add some texture, there’s always a way to make this recipe your own.

• Spiced up pumpkin: I sometimes add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the pumpkin pie spice for extra warmth and complexity—it’s a subtle lift that friends always ask about.
• Gluten-free variation: Try a gluten-free yellow cake mix and make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free too—I’ve done this a few times with great results!
• Nutty twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a delightful crunch contrasting that gooey center.
• Less sweet option: Reduce powdered sugar by a quarter cup if you find it too sweet; I prefer this when serving with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.

How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Create the base crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, grab a mixing bowl and combine the yellow cake mix, one egg, and melted butter. I recommend using an electric mixer here to get the batter smooth and well blended. Once mixed, press the batter evenly into a lightly greased 13×9-inch baking pan; this crust will be your cake’s sturdy foundation but still soft enough to complement the filling perfectly.

Step 2: Whip up the luscious pumpkin filling

In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and canned pumpkin until smooth and creamy. Then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and more melted butter, mixing until fully combined. Finally, incorporate the powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice. The filling should be silky with a lovely scent of fall spices—if you’re like me, you’ll want to sneak a taste of this before spreading!

Step 3: Assemble and bake to gooey perfection

Pour and spread the pumpkin filling evenly over the crust in your pan. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Here’s where I learned you have to watch closely—the center should remain slightly gooey and not fully set. Overbaking results in a dry cake, which defeats the whole point of this recipe. When the edges are golden and the center jiggles gently, it’s perfect!

Step 4: Cool and serve with flair

Let your Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake cool completely in the pan before slicing. I love serving it with a big dollop of freshly whipped cream—it balances the spices and sweetness beautifully. It’s best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled, whichever you prefer.

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love to top this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake with a scoop of whipped cream lightly dusted with cinnamon—simple but so effective. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for a little crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cake.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like spiced chai tea or a rich cup of coffee. On colder days, I even serve it alongside some vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch that’s hard to resist!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve arranged small squares of Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake on a decorative platter lined with autumn leaves and little gourds—it really adds to the festive mood. You could also serve individual portions in ramekins topped with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick for a classy single-serve presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator; it keeps the cake moist and the flavors intact. Leftovers stay delicious for about 3 to 4 days—though in my house, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

If you want to freeze this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, cut it into portions and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap before putting them in a freezer-safe bag. I’ve found this works great for up to 2 months without sacrificing taste or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, let a frozen piece thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. This helps the gooey center come back to life without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe quickly became one of my absolute favorites for fall baking because it’s incredibly simple to make but feels like something truly special. I love how the pumpkin and cream cheese filling create a luscious, comforting bite every time. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s a little different but guaranteed to impress family and friends, give this one a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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