Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall, then this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is just what you need. It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious! This cake has a wonderful gooey center that will make your taste buds dance with joy. I can’t help but smile every time I take a bite — it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day!

This recipe is not only perfect for cozy family gatherings but also makes an impressive addition to your Thanksgiving table. Plus, it’s so simple that even busy weeknights can accommodate this sweet treat. Trust me; once you try it, it might just become your new go-to dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, this cake comes together quickly, making it perfect for any occasion.
• Family favorite: Its rich flavor and gooey texture are sure to please both kids and adults alike!
• Perfectly seasonal: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices makes this dessert ideal for fall festivities.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare it in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving time on the big day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delightful Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

For the Cake Base

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs (1 egg and 3 eggs separate)
• 8 ounces unsalted butter (2 sticks separated and melted)

For the Pumpkin Filling

• 1 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 8 ounces cream cheese (super soft)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice it up: Experiment with additional spices like allspice or cloves for a unique twist.
• Swap the pumpkin: Replace pumpkin puree with sweet potato puree for a different taste experience.
• Chocolate drizzle: Top your finished cake with a rich chocolate ganache for extra decadence.

How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This ensures that when your cake goes in, it bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grab your springform pan or round cake pan and line it with parchment paper. Don’t forget to spray it lightly with cooking spray too! This step helps ensure that your cake releases easily after baking.

Step 3: Make the Cake Base

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the boxed cake mix, 1 stick of melted butter (that’s ½ cup), and 1 egg. Mix until well combined. Pour this mixture into your prepared pan and press it down evenly — remember, this will be just a thin layer at the bottom!

Step 4: Whip Up the Pumpkin Filling

In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, super soft cream cheese, remaining 3 eggs, dark brown sugar, another stick of melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Beat on low until everything is nicely blended. Scrape down the sides to get every bit mixed in!

Step 5: Bake It Up

Gently pour the pumpkin filling over the top of your cake batter in the pan. Place it in the oven and bake for about 40 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the top to be golden brown while keeping that delicious gooey center intact!

Step 6: Let It Rest

Once done baking, let your gorgeous cake rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This little waiting period allows everything to set up just right and makes serving so much easier.

Enjoy sharing this delightful Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake with friends and family — they’ll be asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Making this pumpkin gooey butter cake is a delightful experience, and with a few simple tips, you can ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the cream cheese and eggs blend smoothly, resulting in a creamy filling without any lumps.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense texture. Just mix until everything is combined for that perfect gooey consistency.

• Check doneness carefully: Since the center should be slightly gooey, use a toothpick to check; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

• Let it cool before cutting: Allowing the cake to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking helps it set up and makes slicing easier while maintaining its gooey texture.

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

This pumpkin gooey butter cake is as beautiful as it is delicious! When serving, consider how you can enhance its presentation and taste by pairing it with complementary sides and garnishes.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a lightness and sweetness that balances the richness of the cake.

• Candied Pecans: Chopped candied pecans sprinkled on top offer a delightful crunch and an additional layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm, gooey cake, creating a comforting dessert experience.

• Spiced Apples: Sautéed spiced apples provide a warm, fruity complement that enhances the fall flavors of the cake.

• Coffee or Chai Tea: A warm beverage like coffee or chai tea adds warmth and depth, making it a perfect pairing for enjoying this decadent dessert at any gathering.

By following these serving suggestions and pro tips, your pumpkin gooey butter cake will not only look stunning but will also be an unforgettable treat for all your guests! Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is not only delicious but also fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, which makes it perfect for gatherings or just enjoying throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Once cooled, slice the cake into individual portions for easy thawing.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove a slice from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• For a warm treat, microwave on low power for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delightful recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree for the Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to roast and puree it until smooth before using it in the recipe.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is done?

The cake is ready when the top is golden brown and slightly firm, but remember that the center should still be gooey!

Can I substitute other types of flour in this recipe?

While yellow cake mix gives the best result, you can experiment with gluten-free cake mixes if needed. Just follow package instructions.

What’s the best way to serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake?

Serve it warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of non-dairy ice cream for extra indulgence!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake as much as I do! It’s a special treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering or cozy night in. The rich flavors of pumpkin and spices create a heavenly dessert that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, get baking, and share this delightful creation with your family and friends—you won’t regret it!