Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake
If autumn had a flavor, it would taste like Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake. This decadent dessert combines a buttery cake base with a creamy, spiced pumpkin filling that melts in your mouth. It’s warm, comforting, and just the right amount of sweet, like pumpkin pie and cheesecake rolled into one irresistible treat.
Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a cozy family dinner, or just because you love pumpkin season, this gooey cake is guaranteed to steal the show. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with just a handful of pantry staples.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, custard-like texture with a buttery crust
- Bursting with pumpkin spice flavor
- Perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays
- Simple ingredients, no fancy equipment needed
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any fall gathering
Time Taken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 35g
(Values may vary based on brands and portion size.)
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Make the crust:
In a medium bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. - Prepare the filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and pumpkin puree until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until creamy. - Assemble the cake:
Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust and spread evenly. - Bake:
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly soft — that’s what makes it gooey! - Cool and serve:
Let cool for 30 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
You Must Know
- Don’t overbake, the gooey texture is what makes this cake special.
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Let the cake cool slightly before cutting; it sets as it cools.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Reheat: Enjoy cold or slightly warmed in the microwave.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cake mix: Use spice cake mix for extra flavor or white cake mix for a milder taste.
- Cream cheese: Substitute with mascarpone for a lighter texture.
- Pumpkin puree: Sweet potato puree works as a delicious alternative.
- Powdered sugar: You can reduce to 3 cups for less sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with caramel or maple syrup for a festive finish.
- Pair with a pumpkin spice latte or chai tea for the ultimate fall dessert experience.
Cultural and Historical Context
Inspired by the classic Gooey Butter Cake from St. Louis, this pumpkin version celebrates the cozy flavors of autumn. The creamy filling and buttery crust nod to Midwestern comfort food traditions while incorporating the warm spices that have made pumpkin a seasonal icon across the U.S.
Seasonal Adaptations
- Thanksgiving: Add a graham cracker crust twist or a layer of pecans for crunch.
- Christmas: Replace pumpkin spice with gingerbread spices for a holiday flair.
- Spring/Summer: Use lemon zest or berry puree in place of pumpkin for a refreshing version.
Success Stories
“This cake disappeared in minutes at our Friendsgiving, everyone begged for the recipe!”
“I’ve made this every fall for years. It’s my family’s favorite pumpkin dessert.”
“Super easy and rich, tastes like pumpkin cheesecake bars without the fuss!”
Pro Tips
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother filling.
- Mix the filling until creamy but don’t overbeat, too much air can affect the texture.
- For an elegant touch, sprinkle crushed pecans or toffee bits on top before baking.
Chef’s Special Tips
- Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the filling for a gourmet flavor boost.
- Top with salted caramel drizzle for a sweet-salty balance.
- For a bakery-style finish, chill the cake overnight before slicing.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is everything you love about fall in one luscious dessert. It’s creamy, buttery, spiced just right, and simple enough for any home baker to master. Whether served warm from the oven or chilled from the fridge, every bite is pure autumn comfort.