Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake Recipe – A Fall Favorite
Introduction
There’s something magical about the flavors of fall—warm spices, velvety pumpkin, and cozy sweetness that fills the kitchen with the scent of comfort. Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is a dessert that embodies autumn itself. It’s rich, moist, buttery, and decadently soft in the center, with a golden crust that gives way to a melt-in-your-mouth filling. Perfect for gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or just an indulgent evening at home, this cake will become your go-to seasonal favorite.
Ingredients & Quantities
For the Cake Base:
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz / 432 g)
1 large egg
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Pumpkin Filling:
1 (8 oz / 226 g) package cream cheese, softened
1 (15 oz / 425 g) can pumpkin purée
3 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp salt
1 (16 oz / 450 g) box powdered sugar
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
2. Prepare the Base:
In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until well blended.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
3. Make the Pumpkin Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Add the pumpkin purée, eggs, and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
Mix in the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt).
Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until smooth.
Finally, pour in the melted butter and blend until the filling is creamy and luscious.
4. Assemble & Bake:
Pour the pumpkin filling over the crust and spread evenly.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the center is slightly set but still gooey.
(Do not overbake—remember, it’s meant to be soft and creamy inside!)
5. Cool & Serve:
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.
Dust with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Pumpkin desserts have deep roots in American culinary tradition, especially tied to autumn and Thanksgiving celebrations. The Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is a modern twist on Paula Deen’s famous “Ooey Gooey Butter Cake,” infused with the cozy warmth of pumpkin and fall spices. It represents a union of Southern comfort baking and classic fall flavors, celebrating gratitude, harvest, and home.
Description
This cake is a delightful blend of textures and flavors:
The base layer is dense, buttery, and golden.
The filling is smooth, creamy, and lightly spiced, delivering the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.
Each bite melts in your mouth, offering the comforting essence of pumpkin pie combined with the richness of cheesecake.
Optional Additions
Toppings: Whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Add crunch: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking.
Flavor twist: Add 2 tbsp of maple syrup or 1 tbsp of bourbon for depth.
Chocolate lovers: Mix in white chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over cooled slices.
Tips for Success
Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.
Don’t overbake—look for a slight jiggle in the center when done.
Let it cool completely before slicing for clean, gooey squares.
Store leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days.
Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature for best texture.
Nutritional Information (Per serving, approx. 1/12 of cake)
Calories: 420
Total Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 51 g
Sugars: 39 g
Protein: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
(Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion size.)
Conclusion
Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is not just a dessert—it’s an experience. It brings the warmth of the season straight to your table with its blend of comforting textures and nostalgic flavors. Whether served at a festive dinner or enjoyed with coffee on a crisp autumn morning, it captures everything we love about fall in a single, irresistible bite.
Recommendation
Serve this cake slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a dessert that feels truly indulgent. Pair it with a pumpkin spice latte or chai tea for a perfect seasonal treat.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While this cake leans toward indulgence, you can make mindful tweaks without losing its charm. Use low-fat cream cheese, reduce sugar slightly, or swap half the butter for pumpkin purée to keep it lighter. Remember, balance is key—savoring a small piece mindfully can be both satisfying and soul-nourishing.