Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously moist, autumn-inspired dessert, look no further than Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This irresistible treat combines everything you love about pumpkin spice season—creamy texture, fragrant spices, and that signature tangy-sweet cream cheese crown. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy gathering or just satisfying a personal craving, this cake’s comforting aroma and gooey, melt-in-your-mouth bite are impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is as simple as it gets, but each one truly matters. From the warming spices to the smooth cream cheese, these essentials create the memorable taste, heavenly texture, and appealing colors that make this cake a crowd-pleaser.

• Yellow cake mix: The secret shortcut! It forms a sweet, soft base and keeps the cake super fluffy.
• Canned pumpkin puree: Adds rich color, moisture, and classic fall flavor—make sure it’s 100 percent pumpkin!
• Unsalted butter, melted: Brings a subtle richness and binds the crust together effortlessly.
• Large eggs: Vital for structure, the eggs help everything rise while keeping the cake lusciously tender.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the warmth of the spices and rounds out all the flavors.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The signature spice blend that transforms the whole cake into autumn on a plate.
• Cream cheese, softened: For the silkiest, smoothest frosting, make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft.
• Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting its creamy-sweet body without grittiness.
• Milk: Helps loosen the frosting, giving you that dreamy, spreadable consistency.
• Cinnamon: Adds a little extra spiced warmth and beautiful flecks throughout the frosting.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

First things first! Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan generously—this ensures every bar pops out clean, with gooey edges perfectly intact.

Step 2: Mix the Crust Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, pumpkin puree, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Give everything a thorough mix until you have a smooth, even batter that smells just like fall. Spread this mixture evenly in your prepared pan—you want every bite to have that signature soft, spiced base.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layer

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep a watchful eye: the edges should be set and a touch golden, but the center wants to stay just a little gooey. This balance is what makes Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting so addictive.

Step 4: Let the Cake Cool

Patience is key! Allow your freshly baked cake to cool completely in the pan. This step ensures your luscious frosting won’t melt into oblivion (as tempting as it is to dig in right away).

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat your softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until perfectly smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon, continuing to beat until the mixture is creamy, dreamy, and flecked with warm cinnamon. This topping is the crowning glory of every slice.

Step 6: Frost and Finish

Once the cake has cooled, spread your cinnamon cream cheese frosting in a thick, even layer across the top. Marvel at the creamy ribbons swirled atop autumn-orange cake! Slice, serve, and prepare for applause.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

For that extra flourish, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice over the frosted top, or scatter on some chopped toasted pecans for a crunchy contrast. Even a few white chocolate shavings or a dusting of powdered sugar make this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pairing this indulgent dessert with a big mug of chai, hot coffee, or a spiced latte really enhances the cozy vibes. If you’re serving this after dinner, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream will make everyone at the table swoon.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking outside the pan? Try cutting the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting into small squares for a party platter, or serve in cupcake liners for a grab-and-go treat at fall festivals. For a special touch, layer cubes of the cake with frosting in mason jars for instant parfaits—pretty and portable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep any leftover Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting covered in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen even more overnight, and the cake stays beautifully moist for three to four days. Just make sure it’s air-tight so the frosting doesn’t take on any fridge odors.

Freezing

If you want to save a batch for later, this cake freezes well—frosted or unfrosted! Just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then slide them into a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months; simply thaw in the fridge when your pumpkin spice craving hits.

Reheating

For a just-baked, gooey experience, pop a chilled slice into the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The cake softens and the flavors seem to come alive again, but keep in mind the frosting may melt a little. If you prefer your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting perfectly set, let it sit out at room temperature for 20 minutes instead.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works just as well as canned, as long as you’ve drained off excess moisture for the right, thick consistency. Just be sure the flavor is rich and sweet—some homemade purees can be a bit more watery.

Is there a gluten-free option?

You can swap the yellow cake mix for your favorite gluten-free cake mix to make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free. Keep an eye on baking times and check for doneness, as gluten-free cakes sometimes bake a little differently.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the cinnamon cream cheese frosting a day or two ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and let it sit at room temp for a bit before spreading for the creamiest texture.

What other spices can I add?

Feel free to experiment—ground nutmeg, cloves, or even a dash of cardamom all complement the classic pumpkin spice notes beautifully. Just remember to keep the total spice amount in check so it doesn’t take over the cake’s natural pumpkin yumminess.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Of course! You can easily double the ingredients and bake the cake in two pans, or use a larger sheet pan for thinner bars. Just keep an eye on your oven, as bake times may vary depending on the size and depth of your bakeware.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll treat yourself and your loved ones to Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting—there’s just nothing like the flavor or the smiles it brings. Whether it becomes your new harvest party tradition or simply your favorite way to celebrate fall, I promise this recipe is one worth sharing. Happy baking!

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