If you’re ready to embrace all the cozy, warm flavors of autumn in one irresistible dessert, then the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. This cake perfectly marries a tender, moist pumpkin-infused base with a rich cream cheese filling that stays delectably gooey in the center. Topped with a luscious, brown sugar sweetened frosting, every bite feels like a comforting hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, gathering with friends, or simply craving a slice of pure fall magic, this recipe delivers an unforgettable experience that’s as charming as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simple, approachable ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the cake’s moist texture, warm spice profile, and creamy topping that pairs perfectly with pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides the sturdy, buttery base that soaks up the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
- Large eggs: Help bind the cake and filling together for a silky consistency.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to both the cake and frosting, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth.
- Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that lends moisture, color, and that unmistakable fall flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the spices and sweetness perfectly.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates the dreamy filling and frosting with its luxurious texture and tangy taste.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: Infuse the cake with classic pumpkin spice warmth you’ll crave all season long.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and frosting, creating a perfectly smooth and creamy finish.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel note to the frosting that pairs incredibly well with pumpkin.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one large egg, melted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until smooth and well incorporated. This simple batter forms the moist, flavorful base that will soak up the luscious filling you’ll add next.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Next, in a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy and creamy. Then blend in two eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and the warm spices—ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing continuously until the filling becomes smooth and luscious. This rich layer will ooze beautifully into the cake as it bakes.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cake base batter evenly into your prepared pan. Carefully spoon the cream cheese filling over the top to cover the surface without mixing. Bake the cake for 40 to 50 minutes. Look for set edges and a slightly gooey center to know it’s perfectly baked. After baking, allow the cake to cool completely before continuing to ensure the filling sets just right.
Step 4: Prepare the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, whip together softened cream cheese, butter, and packed brown sugar until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until you achieve a silky, spreadable frosting. This frosting carries a deep caramel sweetness that complements the pumpkin and spices in the cake effortlessly.
Step 5: Frost and Enjoy
Once your cake has fully cooled, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 12 generous pieces and get ready to savor every gooey, flavorful bite. This step seals the deal, transforming your gooey pumpkin cake into a show-stopping dessert made for cozy gatherings or moments of pure indulgence.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra pizzazz, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the frosting. Toasted pecans or chopped walnuts create a delightful crunch contrast to the gooey softness of the cake. For an elegant touch, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream can make each serving feel like a sophisticated treat.
Side Dishes
This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a rich espresso. Fresh fruit such as apple slices or pears offer a refreshing balance, cutting through the richness while complementing the autumn spices beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve individual portions in pretty ramekins topped with a swirl of frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Layer smaller squares with alternating frosting in a trifle dish for a dramatic presentation that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. For festive occasions, cut the cake into mini squares and insert decorative toothpicks for easy, elegant finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and prevent the cake from drying out. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe even after the initial baking excitement.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or placing it in an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve that gooey texture and creamy frosting.
Reheating
To gently warm up leftovers, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain the gooey center and smooth frosting. This way, you get to enjoy the same fresh-baked feeling with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree fresh pumpkin fully before measuring 1 cup for the recipe to maintain the right moisture and texture.
Is it necessary to use yellow cake mix, or can I make this cake from scratch?
You can certainly bake this cake from scratch, but using a yellow cake mix speeds up the process and ensures consistent texture. From-scratch versions might require slight adjustments in moisture.
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze?
While the brown sugar cream cheese frosting is what makes this recipe shine, a simple glaze or even whipped cream works in a pinch, but it won’t deliver the same rich, sweet tangy contrast.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Look for set edges with a slightly gooey center when you gently shake the pan—this ensures that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines this cake.
Can this cake be made vegan or dairy-free?
It’s possible with substitutions like vegan butter, plant-based cream cheese, and egg replacers, but keep in mind that the texture and richness will differ somewhat from the original Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so wonderfully comforting about the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone craving a dessert that captures the true taste of fall. It’s simple enough for even a beginner baker to tackle but delivers show-stopping results that will wow your family and friends. So go ahead and bake this cake—you deserve a little slice of pumpkin spice heaven today!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful autumn treat combining a moist pumpkin-infused yellow cake base with a rich, spiced cream cheese filling. Topped with a luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting, this cake offers a perfect balance of gooey texture and warm fall flavors, ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy dessert moments.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 large egg, melted butter, 1 cup pumpkin puree, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and consistent. Spread this batter evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese until fluffy and smooth. Add 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup melted butter, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, and ¼ tsp ground cloves. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly. Gradually incorporate 4 cups of powdered sugar and continue mixing until the filling is creamy and well blended. Pour this filling evenly over the cake base layer in the baking dish.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Bake until the edges are set and firm, but the center remains slightly gooey and soft to maintain the desired texture. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese, ¼ cup softened unsalted butter, and ¼ cup packed brown sugar together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar while continuing to beat the mixture until the frosting achieves a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Slice the cake into 12 servings. Serve and enjoy the rich, gooey, and spiced dessert perfect for seasonal celebrations.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Do not overbake to maintain the gooey center texture; check doneness at 40 minutes.
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for best flavor.
- The cake should be fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for freshness.
