Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Let me tell you, this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is one of those fall treats that just melts into your soul—literally! It’s got that irresistible combo of a buttery cake base and a rich, pumpkin-spiced cream cheese topping that’s gooey in the best way possible. Every time I make it, friends beg me for the recipe because it’s the perfect cozy dessert to whip up when you want something sweet but not fussy.

Whether you’re serving this for a holiday party, a casual Sunday gathering, or just craving pumpkin vibes on a chilly evening, this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe delivers big time. The gooey texture pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a dollop of whipped cream, and the best part? It’s super simple to make, so you can impress without stress!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe relies on simple ingredients that come together beautifully. The boxed cake mix forms the perfect buttery base, while pumpkin and cream cheese create a luscious filling. I love that everything is pantry-friendly but yields such a cozy, homemade vibe.

• Yellow cake mix: The foundation for the cake layer; it’s moist and sweet, giving a sturdy base that contrasts the gooey top perfectly.
• Eggs: They bind both layers together, ensuring structure without toughness.
• Butter (melted): Adds richness to the cake base and filling; melted butter blends easily and makes the layers silky.
• Pumpkin (canned): Brings in that smooth, natural pumpkin flavor and moisture to the filling.
• Cream cheese (softened): Gives creaminess and tang, balancing the sweetness and adding lusciousness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps with that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash to deepen the overall flavor and soften the pumpkin spice notes.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The secret to that warm, cozy fall flavor—perfectly spiced but not too much.

Make It Your Way

I love to play around with this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. Sometimes I add a handful of chopped pecans on top before baking for a delightful crunch, and other times I swirl in a bit of caramel sauce for extra decadence. Feel free to tweak it and make it truly yours!

• Nutty Twist: Adding toasted pecans or walnuts gives a crunchy contrast; I once brought this to a potluck, and the nuts stole the show!
• Spice it Up: If you prefer a bolder spice flavor, mix in a splash of cinnamon or nutmeg—just be mindful not to overwhelm the pumpkin.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes; it still bakes up wonderfully with a few taste tweaks.
• Less Sweet: Reduce powdered sugar by a quarter for a less sweet bite, which I sometimes do when serving it with sweet toppings.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep That Base Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, one egg, and melted butter until everything is well combined—using an electric mixer helps get a smooth batter quickly. Then, press this mixture evenly into a greased 13×9-inch pan; I find that patting it with your hands works better than spreading it with a spatula, giving a nice firm crust.

Step 2: Whip the Pumpkin Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and pumpkin together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and mix again until everything blends perfectly. Then, sift in the powdered sugar and sprinkle the pumpkin pie spice—mix until fully incorporated. Your filling should be silky and lightly thick.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Spread the pumpkin cream cheese filling evenly over your cake base. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it—don’t overbake! The center should remain a little gooey and soft to deliver that perfect texture. When a toothpick inserted near the edges comes out clean but there’s still some softness in the middle, it’s done.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan; this helps the gooey filling to set a bit and makes slicing easier. I like to serve it with a generous spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream—that extra fluffy topping feels like the cherry on top for this already luscious cake.

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I always reach for freshly whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon as my go-to garnish. Sometimes I add chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce when I want a little extra decadence. These simple touches heighten the flavors without stealing the spotlight from the cake itself.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or spiced cider. For a brunch spread, I like to serve it alongside fresh fruit or a light green salad to balance the richness. It also makes a cozy dessert after a hearty autumn meal like roast chicken or pork.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered slices of this pumpkin gooey butter cake with vanilla ice cream between them for a decadent cake-ice cream sandwich. I’ve also dusted the top with powdered sugar and arranged autumn leaves and mini pumpkins around the serving platter for festive flair. It’s easy to dress up but always shines simply plated too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge, where they keep their gooey charm for up to 4 days. I’ve found that letting the cake come to room temperature before serving helps recapture that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I slice the cake into squares, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze them. They keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, I thaw slices overnight in the fridge and then warm gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds; this softens the filling and brings back the gooey texture almost like freshly baked. If you prefer, warming in a low oven for 10 minutes wrapped in foil also works great without drying it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen every fall, and I’m sure once you try it, it will become one of yours too. It’s that perfect treat that feels indulgent but isn’t complicated to pull off. So go ahead, grab that boxed cake mix, and let’s bake up some cozy pumpkin magic together—you won’t regret it!

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