If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is one of those family favorites that brings smiles to everyone’s faces. It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious, making it perfect for cozy gatherings or even a simple weeknight treat. Each bite offers a warm hug of pumpkin spice goodness that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.

What I love most about this cake is not just its incredible flavor but also how easy it is to whip up. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or just want to indulge in something sweet, this recipe fits the bill perfectly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, this cake comes together quickly. Perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros!
Family-Friendly: Everyone in your family will love the gooey texture and pumpkin flavor. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
Make-Ahead Option: You can bake this cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It tastes even better after a day in the fridge!
Perfect for Fall: Embrace the flavors of the season with this pumpkin-inspired dessert that captures all the autumn vibes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be using some simple, wholesome ingredients for this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. These are pantry staples that come together to create an irresistible dessert!

For the Cake Base

1 box yellow cake mix
1 large egg
8 ounces unsalted butter (1 stick melted)

For the Pumpkin Filling

1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
3 large eggs
8 ounces cream cheese (super soft)
1 stick unsalted butter (melted)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to customize your Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake:

Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Spice it Up: Experiment with other spices like allspice or cloves to enhance the flavor profile.
Chocolate Drizzle: Top your cake with a drizzle of melted chocolate or chocolate syrup for an indulgent twist.
Swap the Pumpkin: Try substituting sweet potato puree if you’re feeling adventurous!

How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Prepare a springform pan or a round cake pan by lining it with parchment paper and spraying it lightly with cooking spray. This step helps prevent sticking, making serving much easier.

Step 3: Make the Cake Base

In your electric mixer bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter (half a cup), and one egg. Mix until well combined. This mixture forms a thin layer that will serve as the base of your gooey butter cake.

Step 4: Spread the Batter

Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan and press it down evenly on the bottom. Remember, this layer should be thin because it’s just the foundation for our delicious filling!

Step 5: Whip Up the Filling

In another mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, three eggs, dark brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Beat on low speed until everything is blended smoothly — don’t forget to scrape down those sides!

Step 6: Combine Layers

Pour this luscious pumpkin filling over your prepared cake batter in the pan. The gooeyness is what we’re after here!

Step 7: Bake Away!

Place your masterpiece in the oven and bake for about 40 to 50 minutes until it’s golden brown on top. Remember — it’s meant to be gooey in the center!

Step 8: Let It Rest

Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This helps set up that gooey texture we all love.

Enjoy every slice of your Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake! It’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Creating the perfect pumpkin gooey butter cake is a delightful experience, and these tips will ensure it turns out just right!

Use room temperature ingredients: Let your cream cheese and eggs sit out for at least 30 minutes before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures that everything blends beautifully.
Don’t skip the cooling time: Allowing the cake to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking helps set the gooey center. This makes it easier to cut and serve while still maintaining that deliciously gooey texture.
Check for doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s perfect! If it comes out wet, give it a couple more minutes in the oven.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference. Adding a pinch of allspice or clove can give your cake an extra layer of warmth and flavor that’s perfect for fall.
Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It’s great chilled or at room temperature!

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Presenting your pumpkin gooey butter cake can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert experience.

Garnishes

Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy touch, complementing the dense cake wonderfully.
Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling some chopped nuts on top provides a nice crunch and enhances the flavor profile of pumpkin.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon ice cream: A scoop of cinnamon ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm flavors of pumpkin, adding a creamy balance.
Apple cider: Serve with warm apple cider for a festive touch that brings out the autumn vibes.
Vanilla yogurt: A side of vanilla yogurt can add some tanginess that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake.
Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like pears, apples, and cranberries can lighten up the meal and provide refreshing flavors alongside your rich dessert.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with this scrumptious pumpkin gooey butter cake! Enjoy every bite as you celebrate fall festivities.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, and it stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat whenever the mood strikes!

Storing Leftovers

Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
Place wrapped cake in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to label it with the date!

Reheating

For individual slices, microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm.
For the whole cake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Enjoy warm for that extra gooey goodness!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious dessert:

Can I use a different cake mix for the Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix adds a lovely flavor, you can experiment with spice cake mix or even gluten-free options if needed.

How should I serve my Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake?

This cake is fantastic on its own or served with whipped topping or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream. The gooey center pairs perfectly with creamy textures!

What makes this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe special?

The combination of creamy pumpkin filling and rich butter flavor creates a delightful, moist cake that is perfect for fall gatherings and holidays.

Can I substitute ingredients in this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe?

Yes! You can replace eggs with applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) for a vegan option, and use dairy-free cream cheese if you’re looking for a non-dairy alternative.

Final Thoughts

I hope you are as excited to make this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake as I am! It’s truly a special dessert that captures the essence of fall—warm, comforting, and just a little bit gooey. Whether you’re sharing it at Thanksgiving or enjoying it on a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!