If you are looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of cozy autumn nights, look no further than this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This delightful treat combines the moist, tender crumb of a pumpkin-infused cake with an irresistibly gooey center and a luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting that elevates every bite. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form, bringing together rich spices, creamy texture, and just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your seasonal cravings in the most comforting way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple but every ingredient plays a pivotal role. From the pumpkin puree that keeps the cake moist and adds natural sweetness to the warming spices that evoke fall comfort, each component builds layers of flavor and texture.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides the perfect base with tender crumb and light texture.
- Large eggs: Help bind the ingredients together while contributing to the cake’s structure.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds richness and depth of flavor without overpowering.
- Pumpkin puree: Infuses moistness and a subtle earthiness that complements the spices beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds warmth to every bite.
- Cream cheese (softened): Essential for both the filling and frosting, delivering creamy tang and smooth texture.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: Form the classic pumpkin spice trio that brings the cake’s autumnal spirit to life.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and frosting, providing that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds caramel notes that perfectly balance the tang of 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) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one large egg, half a cup of melted unsalted butter, one cup of pumpkin puree, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir these together until the batter is smooth and uniform. This base will give you that classic cakey foundation that soaks up the gooey filling wonderfully. Spread it evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Pumpkin Filling
Next, you’ll prepare the decadent filling that makes this cake uniquely gooey. Beat eight ounces of softened cream cheese until it’s fluffy and smooth. Then add two large eggs, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, half a cup of pumpkin puree, half a cup of melted unsalted butter, along with one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves. Mix everything thoroughly until smooth. Slowly incorporate four cups of powdered sugar to sweeten and thicken the filling. This luscious mixture will meld beautifully atop your cake base.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour your cream cheese filling evenly over the cake base you prepared earlier. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll want the edges to be firm and set, but keep an eye on the center because it should remain just slightly gooey—that’s what makes this cake so wonderfully indulgent and special. Once baked, set the cake aside to cool completely before moving on.
Step 4: Prepare the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake is cooling, it’s time to whip up that dreamy frosting. Beat eight ounces of softened cream cheese, a quarter cup of softened unsalted butter, and a quarter cup of packed brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and fluffy. Gradually add two cups of powdered sugar and beat until smooth and spreadable. This frosting is the crowning glory that brings together the warm spices and gooey cake with a touch of caramel sweetness.
Step 5: Frost and Enjoy
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 12 generous servings and prepare to delight in each bite of this spectacular Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s pure autumn bliss that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation by sprinkling a little extra ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the frosting just before serving. For a festive touch, crushed pecans or toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch that complements the gooey softness. You could also add a light dusting of powdered sugar to create a delicate “snowfall” effect perfect for fall gatherings.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to contrast the spice with creamy sweetness. For a beverage pairing, hot chai tea or a cinnamon-spiced latte will echo the cake’s warm flavors for a truly cozy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve individual portions in elegant glass dishes layered with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of candied ginger. Another fun idea is to turn this recipe into mini cupcakes by adjusting the baking time, then piping the brown sugar cream cheese frosting on top for party-ready treats everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying a slice (or two), cover the remaining cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more beautifully.
Freezing
This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe also freezes well. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds or heat in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. Be careful not to overheat as you want to preserve the gooey center and creamy frosting without melting it away.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed cake mix?
Absolutely! A homemade yellow cake mix will work beautifully. Just ensure you adjust the moisture levels as homemade mixes can vary in texture. This recipe suits either option without sacrificing flavor or consistency.
Can I substitute pumpkin pie spice for the individual spices?
Yes! If you prefer convenience, use approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice in place of the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This blend simplifies the spice mix while keeping that essential pumpkin flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
For dairy-free alternatives, swap the cream cheese and butter with suitable non-dairy substitutes like vegan cream cheese and plant-based margarine. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor and texture but still yield a delicious dessert.
Why is the center supposed to be gooey?
The gooey center is what makes this cake unique and special, offering a luscious, creamy contrast to the cakey edges. It’s intentionally baked to stay slightly underdone at the middle, ensuring each bite is delightfully indulgent.
Can this cake be made ahead for holiday gatherings?
Definitely! This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Bake and frost a day before your event, refrigerate overnight, and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that delivers all the warm spices and comforting textures of fall in one luscious bite, you simply must try this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for sharing at any gathering or enjoying in a quiet moment with a cup of tea. Once you make it, I’m certain it will become one of your seasonal favorites, just as it has for me!
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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
This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for fall. Featuring a pumpkin-infused yellow cake base and a rich, gooey cream cheese filling spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it’s topped off with a creamy brown sugar cream cheese frosting for an irresistibly sweet finish. Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, this cake serves 12 and promises a delightful combination of warm spices and creamy textures.
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
- ÂĽ tsp ground cloves
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ÂĽ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ÂĽ 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 large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, melted butter, 1 cup pumpkin puree, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and evenly blended. Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until fluffy. Add 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves. Mix until smooth. Gradually incorporate 4 cups of powdered sugar until fully combined and the mixture has a creamy, thick consistency. Pour this filling evenly over the cake base in the baking dish.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly gooey for the perfect gooey texture. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the dish to ensure the filling sets properly.
- Prepare the Frosting: Using a mixer, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ÂĽ cup softened butter, and ÂĽ cup packed brown sugar together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar and continue mixing until the frosting has a smooth and spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice the cake into 12 servings and enjoy the rich, gooey layers with spiced cream cheese and luscious frosting.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For an extra pumpkin flavor, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top after frosting.
- This cake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice for the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves if preferred.
- To soften cream cheese quickly, leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
