Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve found it! This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or just want to bring a little warmth to a busy weeknight, this cake is sure to impress. The gooey center is a delightful surprise, making it a favorite at family gatherings and potlucks. Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity at its best: With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Family-approved flavor: The warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor will have your loved ones coming back for seconds.
• Perfect for any occasion: From holiday feasts to casual get-togethers, this cake fits right in.
• Make-ahead magic: Bake it in advance and let it chill; it tastes even better when allowed to set!
• Gooey goodness: The unique texture of this cake is what makes it so special – who can resist that gooey center?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! This list features everything you need for your delightful Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe.

For the Cake Base

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 large egg
• 8 ounces unsalted butter (1 stick melted)

For the Pumpkin Filling

• 1 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 3 large eggs
• 8 ounces cream cheese (super soft)
• 1 stick unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

Variations

One of the best things about this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to get creative with these tasty variations!

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate twist: Swirl in some chocolate chips into the filling for a decadent chocolate-pumpkin combo.
• Spice it up: Add extra spices like allspice or cloves for an additional layer of warmth.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix if you need to accommodate dietary preferences.

How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and helps create that perfect golden-brown top.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Prepare your springform pan or round cake pan by lining it with parchment paper and spraying it with cooking spray. This step is crucial as it prevents sticking and makes serving much easier.

Step 3: Make the Cake Base

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the boxed cake mix, 1 stick of melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix well until smooth. Pour this mixture into your prepared pan, pressing down evenly on the bottom. Remember, this layer will be thin, but it’s essential as it forms the base for our gooey goodness.

Step 4: Mix the Pumpkin Filling

In another clean mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, super soft cream cheese, 3 eggs, dark brown sugar, remaining melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Beat on low speed until everything is well mixed; don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl!

Step 5: Combine Layers

Carefully pour the luscious pumpkin filling over the cake batter in your pan. It’s okay if it looks uneven at this point; that’s part of what makes this dessert so delightful!

Step 6: Bake Away!

Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it – you want a lovely golden top while ensuring that gooey center remains intact.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Once baked, let your cake rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This waiting time allows everything to set up just right so you can enjoy those gooey layers without making a mess.

Now you’re ready to serve up slices of happiness! Enjoy every bite of your homemade Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Creating the perfect pumpkin gooey butter cake is easier than you think! Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out deliciously gooey every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your cream cheese and eggs to room temperature helps them blend smoothly, creating a velvety filling that bakes evenly.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined prevents the cake from becoming tough. A few lumps are perfectly fine since they will bake out in the oven.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since this is a gooey butter cake, it’s essential to keep an eye on it. The center should still jiggle slightly when you take it out of the oven, which indicates its delightful gooiness!

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes helps it set up and makes cutting easier. Plus, the flavors meld beautifully during this time.

• Store leftovers properly: To keep your cake fresh, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It can even be enjoyed chilled!

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Serving your pumpkin gooey butter cake is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert presentation and enjoyment.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy touch that complements the richness of the cake.
• Chopped pecans: Sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Dusting of powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives your cake a beautiful finish and a touch of sweetness without overpowering its flavors.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider alongside your cake for a cozy fall beverage that perfectly complements the flavors of pumpkin and spice.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the gooiness of the cake, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Roasted butternut squash salad: This fresh salad balances the richness of the cake with its earthy flavors and crunchy texture, creating a satisfying meal.
• Maple-glazed Brussels sprouts: These roasted veggies bring a sweet-savory combo to your table, enhancing the autumn theme while providing a healthy side.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your delightful pumpkin gooey butter cake. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This pumpkin gooey butter cake is not just a delightful treat for special occasions; it also shines as a meal prep option! You can make it ahead of time, ensuring you have a delicious dessert ready to impress your family or guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil for extra protection.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; label with the date for reference.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Enjoy that gooey goodness!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have!

Can I use a different type of cake mix for the Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe?

Yes! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with spice cake mix or even gluten-free alternatives to add unique flavors to your pumpkin gooey butter cake.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is done baking?

The top should be golden brown, and the center will still appear slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted should come out with some moist crumbs attached but not wet batter. Remember, it’s meant to be gooey!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture. Just fold them into the pumpkin filling before pouring it onto the cake layer.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute vegan butter for the unsalted butter and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. This will maintain the creamy texture while accommodating dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is truly something special—a perfect blend of creamy richness and seasonal spices that fills your home with warmth and joy. I hope you enjoy making this delightful dessert as much as I do, whether it’s for Thanksgiving or just a cozy evening at home. Remember, baking is all about sharing love and creating memories, so gather your loved ones around and dig into this gooey goodness together! Happy baking!