Welcome to the perfect recipe for all pumpkin spice lovers out there! If you’re searching for the ultimate fall dessert, look no further than this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. This delectable cake, with its rich layers of gooey pumpkin filling and luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting, is sure to satisfy all your cravings for autumn flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake will quickly become a seasonal favorite in your recipe rotation. Let’s dive into this cozy, comforting recipe that’s bursting with flavor!
This cake is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a celebration of the warm and spicy flavors we all love during the fall season. The combination of creamy pumpkin, aromatic spices, and the sweetness of the frosting creates a mouthwatering experience that really embodies the spirit of autumn. Plus, the gooey texture adds an interesting contrast to the smoothness of the cream cheese frosting. Every slice offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it an irresistible dessert for family gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake
- Rich Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and cream cheese makes this cake a deeply satisfying dessert.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you’ll have your delicious cake ready in no time.
- Perfect for Fall: This cake captures the cozy essence of autumn, making it ideal for seasonal festivities.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to fit dietary needs, such as making it dairy-free or gluten-free.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you embark on creating this scrumptious Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake, it’s essential to set up your kitchen and gather all necessary tools. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake doesn’t stick. Gather a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients, a whisk or electric mixer for beating the ingredients until smooth, and a spatula for spreading the batter and frosting.
The workspace should be clean and organized to facilitate an efficient cooking experience. Have measuring cups and spoons on hand for precise ingredient amounts, and prepare a cooling rack for the cake to rest after baking. This arrangement not only saves time but also reduces mess in your kitchen, allowing you to focus on making a perfect dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your greased 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one large egg, melted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Gently stir this mixture until it reaches a smooth, well-blended consistency. It’s crucial to avoid overmixing as it can make the cake dense.
Next, ensure to evenly distribute this cake mix across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly with a spatula or even your hands to create a smooth, even layer. This step guarantees a firm base that will perfectly support the gooey pumpkin filling.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Filling
In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is light and fluffy. Afterward, incorporate the eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into the cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and free of lumps. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until everything is well incorporated and the filling is smooth.
Pour this rich and gooey pumpkin spice filling over the prepared cake base, spreading it evenly throughout the dish. This layer is what gives the cake its unique texture and taste, so take your time to ensure it’s distributed evenly for optimal results.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Now, it’s time to bake! Place your cake in the preheated oven and allow it to bake for about 40-45 minutes. During this time, keep an eye on it— the edges should appear set while the center retains a soft, gooey texture. It’s important to remember that slightly jiggly is what you want in the center for that gooey effect. Overbaking will lead to a firmer cake, which may lose its character.
Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This cooling phase allows the layers to settle and makes it easier to frost later.
Step 4: Prepare the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
As your cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. The brown sugar adds a wonderful caramel-like flavor to the frosting. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, ensuring that it blends smoothly without clumps. Finally, add the vanilla extract for a burst of flavor.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Once your cake has completely cooled, it’s time to slather on that indulgent brown sugar cream cheese frosting. Use a spatula to spread the frosting generously across the top of the cake, smoothing it evenly for an attractive finish. For a delightful finishing touch, consider sprinkling some chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon over the frosting. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds visual appeal.
Variations
- Protein: Incorporate some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the filling for an added crunch.
- Vegetables: If you’re feeling adventurous, add in grated carrots or zucchini for an additional layer of flavor and moisture.
- Spices: Experiment with your choice of spices; incorporating ginger or cardamom can create a unique twist on the traditional flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- The cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If you’re making ahead, frosted cakes can be frozen for later; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
- Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea to enhance the flavors.
Tips
- Make sure to bring cream cheese to room temperature before using it; this will make it easier to beat until smooth.
- Don’t skip the cooling time for the cake, as frosting a warm cake will make the frosting melt off.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 340 per slice
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe and can enhance the flavor even more.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix for an equally delicious result.
How can I make this cake dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese and butter in both the cake and frosting recipes.
Can I store leftovers and how long do they last?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. The cake is best served cold or at room temperature.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is truly a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall flavors in each bite. Its unique gooey texture and rich taste make it a standout choice for any occasion, be it a comforting evening at home or a festive gathering with friends and family. Not to mention, the easy preparation means you’ll have more time to enjoy this indulgent treat. We encourage you to try out different variations of this recipe and share your experiences, tips, or photos in the comments below; let’s make this fall season even sweeter together!
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Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall flavors in each bite.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your greased 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one large egg, melted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Gently stir this mixture until it reaches a smooth, well-blended consistency. It’s crucial to avoid overmixing as it can make the cake dense.
- Next, ensure to evenly distribute this cake mix across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly with a spatula or even your hands to create a smooth, even layer. This step guarantees a firm base that will perfectly support the gooey pumpkin filling.
- In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is light and fluffy. Afterward, incorporate the eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into the cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and free of lumps. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until everything is well incorporated and the filling is smooth.
- Pour this rich and gooey pumpkin spice filling over the prepared cake base, spreading it evenly throughout the dish. This layer is what gives the cake its unique texture and taste, so take your time to ensure it’s distributed evenly for optimal results.
- Now, it’s time to bake! Place your cake in the preheated oven and allow it to bake for about 40-45 minutes. During this time, keep an eye on it— the edges should appear set while the center retains a soft, gooey texture. It’s important to remember that slightly jiggly is what you want in the center for that gooey effect. Overbaking will lead to a firmer cake, which may lose its character.
- Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This cooling phase allows the layers to settle and makes it easier to frost later.
- As your cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. The brown sugar adds a wonderful caramel-like flavor to the frosting. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, ensuring that it blends smoothly without clumps. Finally, add the vanilla extract for a burst of flavor.
- Once your cake has completely cooled, it’s time to slather on that indulgent brown sugar cream cheese frosting. Use a spatula to spread the frosting generously across the top of the cake, smoothing it evenly for an attractive finish. For a delightful finishing touch, consider sprinkling some chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon over the frosting. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds visual appeal.
Notes
The cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Protein: 4 g