Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Welcome to the perfect recipe for all pumpkin spice lovers out there! If you’re searching for the ultimate fall dessert, look no further than this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This delectable cake, with its rich layers of gooey pumpkin filling and luscious cream cheese frosting, is sure to satisfy all your cravings for autumn flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake will quickly become a seasonal favorite in your recipe rotation. Let’s dive into this cozy, comforting recipe that’s bursting with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin spice and creamy frosting creates a delightful taste that captures the essence of fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this cake without any hassle.
• Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat on a cozy evening at home.
• Gooey Goodness: The gooey pumpkin filling pairs beautifully with the rich cream cheese frosting, making each bite irresistible.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare this cake in advance and store it in the fridge, allowing flavors to meld over time.

Tools and Preparation

To get started on your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes baking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes blending ingredients effortless and ensures a smooth consistency for both the cake batter and frosting.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: The perfect size for creating a thick cake that bakes evenly while allowing enough surface area for gooey goodness.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

For the Frosting

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly throughout.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until well combined and smooth.
3. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.

Step 3: Create the Filling Layer

In another bowl:
1. Beat together softened cream cheese and eggs until creamy.
2. Add in remaining pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, melted butter, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Carefully pour the filling mixture over the cake batter in the baking pan.
Bake in preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until set but still slightly gooey in the center.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While your cake cools:
1. In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, brown sugar, powdered sugar (both amounts), and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled:
Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting over your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake.

Enjoy every delicious bite of this seasonal delight!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate the experience and delight your guests. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this seasonal treat.

Individual Slices

• Serve each slice on a decorative plate for a refined look. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Heat a slice in the microwave for a few seconds and top it with vanilla or caramel ice cream. The warm cake combined with cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast.

Festive Platter

• Arrange slices on a large platter, adding fresh autumn fruits like apples or pears around them. This makes for an inviting centerpiece at any gathering.

Coffee Pairing

• Serve alongside a warm cup of spiced coffee or chai tea. The flavors of the drink will complement the pumpkin spice perfectly.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is all about attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure every bite is divine.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Fresh pumpkin adds more flavor than canned. If possible, roast and blend your own for an authentic taste.

• Check oven temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly, as an accurate temperature will help achieve that gooey texture without overcooking.

• Don’t skip the cooling time: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and maintains its creamy texture.

• Experiment with spices: Adjust spices according to your preference. Adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the fall flavors even further.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake can create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Spiced Apple Salad: A refreshing salad made with crisp apples, candied nuts, and a light cinnamon vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the cake.

2. Maple Roasted Carrots: Sweet, caramelized carrots drizzled with maple syrup provide a savory counterpoint to the dessert’s richness.

3. Butternut Squash Soup: A warm bowl of creamy butternut squash soup enhances the autumn theme while offering a comforting flavor profile.

4. Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce balances out the sweetness of the cake, making each bite more exciting.

5. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits creates an elegant appetizer that pairs well with pumpkin spice flavors.

6. Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato mash infused with cinnamon brings warmth and harmonizes beautifully with the cake’s spices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here’s how to steer clear of them:

• Skipping the cream cheese softening: If you don’t soften your cream cheese, it will be lumpy in the frosting. Always let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.

• Not measuring pumpkin puree properly: Using too much or too little pumpkin can affect the cake’s texture. Use a standard measuring cup for accuracy.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined to maintain a light and gooey texture.

• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different, and baking times may vary. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature settings for the best results.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can cause your cake to bake unevenly. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the cake in for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat slice for 20-30 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious dessert:

How do I make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting from scratch?

You can use homemade yellow cake instead of box mix, following similar steps but incorporating fresh ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking powder.

Can I substitute other spices?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with spices like ginger or allspice for a unique twist on your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Check if the edges pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

What can I use instead of powdered sugar in frosting?

You can use coconut sugar or blended granulated sugar as a substitute for powdered sugar in your frosting recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only an autumn favorite but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat. Give this cozy dessert a try—it’s sure to delight everyone!