Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert to warm your heart and home this fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is a beloved family favorite that combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices with a rich, gooey topping. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, cozy family dinners, or just a sweet treat on a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this cake has earned such a special spot in our hearts!

With its easy preparation and incredible flavor, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply indulging yourself, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious dessert in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet pumpkin flavor and gooey texture.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe serves 12, making it ideal for parties or potlucks.
• Seasonal Delight: The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg make it the perfect fall treat.
• Make-Ahead Option: Bake it in advance and let it sit; it’s just as yummy after chilling!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It doesn’t get much simpler than this! The ingredients for this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe are wholesome and easy to find at your local grocery store. Gather these goodies, and you’ll be on your way to creating something truly special!

For the Cake Layer

• 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 some nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch to the filling.
• Use different spices: Experiment with pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap out the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary needs.
• Top with whipped cream: A dollop of dairy-free whipped cream on top makes this cake extra special!

How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial because it ensures your cake bakes evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grab your springform pan or round cake pan and line it with parchment paper. Give it a light coat of cooking spray too. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 3: Make the Cake Layer

In an electric mixer, combine the boxed cake mix, one stick of melted butter (that’s half a cup), and one egg. Mix until everything is well blended. Pour this batter into your prepared pan and press it down evenly across the bottom. This creates a thin but sturdy base for our gooey goodness!

Step 4: Create the Pumpkin Filling

In another bowl (yep, time to clean that mixer!), combine the pumpkin puree, super soft cream cheese, three eggs, dark brown sugar, remaining melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Beat on low until everything is mixed together nicely—don’t forget to scrape down those sides!

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour that luscious pumpkin filling over your cake layer in the pan. Pop it into your preheated oven for about 40 to 50 minutes until the top turns golden brown. The center should retain that signature gooeyness—it’s what makes this cake so special!

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, let your cake rest for at least ten minutes before cutting into it. This helps set everything up beautifully while keeping that gooey texture intact.

And there you have it! A warm slice of Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake to share with loved ones (or keep all to yourself!). Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Making this pumpkin gooey butter cake is a delightful and rewarding experience—here are some tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like cream cheese and eggs mix better when they are at room temperature, resulting in a smoother filling without lumps.

• Don’t overmix: When combining the batter and filling, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, which we want to avoid for that gooey finish.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since gooey butter cake is meant to be slightly underbaked in the center, keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking. You want a golden top with a soft center.

• Let it cool before slicing: Allowing the cake to rest for at least 10 minutes helps it set slightly, making it easier to cut clean slices while still keeping that delicious gooeyness.

• Experiment with spices: While this recipe calls for cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, feel free to add your favorite fall spices like clove or allspice to customize the flavor profile!

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

When it’s time to enjoy your pumpkin gooey butter cake, presentation can elevate your dessert experience! Here are some fun ideas for serving.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, airy touch that beautifully contrasts the dense cake.
• Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle some toasted pecans on top for added crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce not only enhances the sweetness but also gives an elegant look.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices in the cake wonderfully.
• Spiced Apple Compote: This warm fruit topping brings a homey touch with its sweet and spicy flavors that pair perfectly with pumpkin.
• Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake and adds beautiful color to your dessert plate.
• Coffee or Chai Tea: Pairing this rich dessert with a cup of coffee or fragrant chai tea makes for a cozy treat after dinner.

Now you’re ready to bake up this delicious Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe! It’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This pumpkin gooey butter cake recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it, making it a perfect dessert for special occasions or cozy nights in.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider placing it in an airtight container.

Freezing

• Cut the cake into individual slices for easy thawing.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Label the bag with the date for reference!

Reheating

• Thaw the slices overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy!

FAQs

Here are some common questions related to this delightful recipe.

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

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. You’ll need about 1 1/2 cups of fresh pumpkin puree.

How long does it take to make this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe?

The total time to prepare this delicious cake is around 70 minutes—10 minutes for prep and about 40-50 minutes for baking. It’s well worth the wait!

Can I substitute other types of cake mix in this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe?

Certainly! While yellow cake mix is recommended for its flavor compatibility, you can experiment with spice cake mix or vanilla cake mix for a different taste profile.

What should I serve with my Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake?

This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a lovely touch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake as much as I do! It’s truly a special dessert that captures all the warmth and flavors of fall. Whether you’re sharing it at Thanksgiving or enjoying it just because, I’m sure it’ll bring joy to everyone who tries it. Happy baking!