Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
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If you are searching for that ultimate cozy, indulgent dessert to celebrate fall flavors, the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will quickly become your new obsession. Imagine a rich, warm cake infused with aromatic pumpkin spice and luscious pumpkin puree, layered with a creamy, dreamy brown sugar cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. This cake is the perfect marriage of gooey texture and spiced sweetness, making it an unforgettable treat for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply when you need a little extra comfort on a crisp autumn day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to bake this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is delightfully straightforward thanks to the simple yet essential ingredients. Each element has a key role—from the moist pumpkin puree that brings softness and depth, to the spices that awaken your senses, and the creamy frosting that ties everything together perfectly.
- Yellow cake mix: The base of the cake providing structure and a lightly sweet flavor.
- Large eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the cake and filling together.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Keeps the cake moist and tender with a subtle buttery taste.
- Pumpkin puree: Infuses the cake and filling with natural moisture and classic pumpkin flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient in both the filling and frosting for a velvety texture and tangy lift.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: Classic pumpkin spices that bring depth and warmth to every bite.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens both the filling and the frosting to luscious perfection.
- Brown sugar, packed: Adds a caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the cream cheese in the frosting.
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). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake won’t stick. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one egg, melted butter, one cup of pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the batter is smooth and uniform. Evenly spread this mixture into your prepared baking dish—it’s your cake’s cozy foundation.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Pumpkin Spice Filling
Next, whip the cream cheese in a separate bowl until it’s light and fluffy; this step ensures that your filling will have a smooth, luscious texture. Beat in the two large eggs, vanilla extract, half a cup of pumpkin puree, melted butter, and the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Once the spices are fully incorporated, slowly add powdered sugar while mixing until you achieve a silky, thick filling. Pour this flavorful filling evenly over the cake base in the baking dish—it’s going to sink in and create that irresistible gooey center.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pop your masterpiece into the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The edges should set firmly, but the center should remain soft and slightly gooey, giving you that trademark texture that makes this cake so special. Allow the cake to cool completely—this step is key before moving on to frosting, so be patient and let the magic happen.
Step 4: Prepare the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cake cools, get started on the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and packed brown sugar together until creamy and smooth. Then, gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is luscious and spreadable. This frosting will add a rich, caramel-kissed sweetness that perfectly balances the spiced pumpkin flavors.
Step 5: Frost and Enjoy
Once your cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting generously on top, smoothing it to the edges. Slice into twelve servings and prepare to enjoy a warm slice of pure fall comfort that’s gooey, spiced, and simply unforgettable.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your cake by adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for a delightful crunch that contrasts the softness of the cake. A dusting of cinnamon or a few festive pumpkin seeds can also add visual appeal and an extra hint of seasonal charm.
Side Dishes
This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe pairs spectacularly with hot beverages like a spiced chai latte, classic coffee, or a creamy hot chocolate. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side adds a luscious coolness that balances the warm spices beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming fall dessert table, serve individual portions in decorative mini pumpkin bowls or on rustic wooden platters with sprigs of fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for a pop of color. Layer cake cubes in a trifle dish with whipped cream and candied pecans for a casual yet elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cake, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This cake stays moist and flavorful for up to four days, making it perfect for savoring over the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, cut the cake into slices and freeze them individually wrapped to preserve freshness. Frozen pumpkin spice gooey cake with brown sugar cream cheese frosting will keep best for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Enjoy the gooey texture by warming slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven until softened but not dried out. Reheating brings back the divine softness and intensifies the pumpkin spice aroma.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works wonderfully in this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe and often has a fresher, more vibrant flavor. Just be sure it is well drained to avoid adding too much moisture.
What if I don’t have all the spices on hand?
You can substitute with a store-bought pumpkin pie spice blend that combines cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes ginger. It’s a convenient way to ensure your cake has that classic spiced flavor without hunting down every individual spice.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the delicious flavors without worrying about gluten sensitivities.
Is it possible to make the frosting dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the cream cheese and butter for dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and margarine. The brown sugar and powdered sugar will still create a rich, tasty frosting that complements the pumpkin cake nicely.
What’s the best way to achieve the gooey center?
Baking at the right temperature and timing is crucial. Remove the cake from the oven as soon as the edges set and the center still jiggles slightly. The cake will firm up as it cools, preserving that perfect gooey texture that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those rare treats that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or indulging in a quiet moment alone, it’s a cozy celebration of fall flavors and comforting textures. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever went through autumn without it!
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Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich, warm flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake topped with luscious Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. This moist and gooey cake combines classic pumpkin spice spices with a creamy filling and a sweet, buttery frosting, making it a perfect dessert for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations.
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one large egg, melted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and well blended. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Add two eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, melted butter, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until the filling is fully combined and creamy. Pour this mixture over the cake base layer in the baking dish.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The cake edges should be set while the center remains slightly gooey for that perfect texture. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake cools, beat together cream cheese, softened butter, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the prepared brown sugar cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 12 generous servings and enjoy this moist, gooey, and spiced pumpkin treat.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- The cake is best served within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice for the individual spices if preferred, using about 1 tablespoon.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes.
- To enhance the gooey texture, avoid overbaking; check the cake around 40 minutes with a toothpick that should come out with moist crumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
