If you’re craving autumn in a bite, look no further than Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This showstopping treat marries a buttery spiced cake base with a sinfully gooey pumpkin filling, then tops everything off with a dreamy brown sugar cream cheese frosting. The aroma alone will sweep you straight into sweater weather mode, no matter the season! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply need a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this irresistible dessert never fails to impress, delight, or disappear from the serving plate in record speed.

Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is how each simple ingredient plays a starring role in creating that flawless combination of spiced warmth, creaminess, and rich sweetness. These easy-to-find components come together to deliver a cake that tastes gourmet with almost no fuss!

Yellow cake mix: Creates a light, tender base with a hint of vanilla and buttery richness—shortcut baking at its best!
Large eggs: Essential for binding and adding richness; one goes into the cake base and two in the gooey filling.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds luxurious moisture and flavor; using unsalted lets you control the saltiness.
Pumpkin puree: The heart of that autumnal flavor and gorgeous orange color—be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
Vanilla extract: Highlights and deepens all the spiced flavors in both the cake and frosting.
Cream cheese, softened: Delivers luscious tang and irresistible creaminess to both the filling and frosting.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves: These three classic spices bring the signature warmth and aroma to every bite.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the filling and gives the frosting its fluffy, creamy body.
Brown sugar, packed: Infuses the frosting with a caramel-like depth that balances the tang of cream cheese.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one egg, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup pumpkin puree, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms—this will be the sturdy but flavorful foundation for your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form an even layer.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Filling

In a new bowl, blend together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Once it’s silky smooth, add in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, followed by the powdered sugar. Beat it all together until you have a thick, luscious batter. Pour this gooey goodness over your cake base, spreading to the edges for even coverage.

Step 3: Bake

Bake your assembled cake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges look set but the center still has a gentle jiggle—resist the urge to overbake! This slight wobble is key to achieving that signature gooey texture at the heart of a perfect Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Step 4: Cool Completely

Once the cake is finished baking, let it cool fully in the pan on a wire rack. This patience will be rewarded! Cooling ensures your gooey filling sets up just right and won’t run when you pile on the frosting. Take your time—the anticipation only makes that first bite sweeter.

Step 5: Make the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then whip until smooth and creamy. The brown sugar adds a rich, almost caramel vibe that pairs perfectly with the warm spices of the cake.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Generously spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting over your fully cooled cake. Slice into squares and, with great delight, serve up this dreamy Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Watch faces light up in anticipation!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a light dusting of powdered sugar amps up both the visual appeal and flavor profile. For a festive twist, add candied pecans, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a few edible autumn leaves made of marzipan or fondant.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting with a freshly brewed cup of spiced chai, strong black coffee, or a tall glass of cold milk. These classic sides balance the sweetness of the cake and round out your treat into a truly cozy experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into individual squares and serve in cupcake liners for a party-ready dessert, or layer cubes of cake and extra frosting in small jars to create pumpkin spice trifle parfaits. For extra flair at a fall gathering, top each slice with a star of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually intensify and the cake stays wonderfully moist, making the leftovers almost as irresistible as the day it was baked!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze the cake (with or without frosting) for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, microwave individual slices (unfrosted, if possible) for 15-20 seconds. If the cake has frosting, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften before digging in. The gooey center comes right back to life!

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works perfectly in Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture so your cake doesn’t end up runny.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in a gluten-free yellow cake mix for the base and make sure all your other ingredients (like baking powder, if using) are certified gluten-free. The texture is just as marvelous, and nobody will guess it’s gluten-free.

Can I prepare this cake in advance for a holiday gathering?

Definitely! You can bake the cake and even frost it up to a day ahead. Just store it covered in the refrigerator, and let it come to room temperature before serving so the flavors and gooeyness shine.

Will the frosting hold up if the cake sits out at room temperature?

The cream cheese frosting is stable enough to last a few hours on a dessert table, but for food safety and best texture, keep the cake refrigerated if you’re not serving it right away—especially in warm weather.

What should I do if my cake comes out too gooey in the middle?

A little jiggle in the center is perfect, but if your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting seems genuinely underbaked, tent it loosely with foil and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes. Remember, it will set further as it cools!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a treat that captures everything you adore about fall (and dessert), Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is destined to be your new favorite. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a beloved tradition after just one bite. Gather your ingredients and enjoy both the baking and the sweet rewards!

Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake. A luscious cake base infused with pumpkin and warm spices, topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth.

Instructions

Cake Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a bowl, mix together the cake mix, egg, melted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until well combined. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Pumpkin Spice Gooey Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth. Pour this over the cake base.
Bake: Bake for about 40-45 minutes until the edges are set but the center is still slightly gooey.
Cool and Frost: Let the cake cool completely. For the frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, brown sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Spread over the cooled cake.
Serve: Slice and enjoy this delicious Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Notes

You can customize the spice levels by adjusting the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to suit your taste.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Feel free to add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American