Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. With its rich pumpkin flavor and creamy texture, this cake is ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings and cozy family dinners. Its unique gooey center makes it stand out among traditional desserts, ensuring everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe uses a boxed cake mix to save time without sacrificing flavor.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a deliciously comforting dessert.
• Perfect for Gatherings: It serves up to 12, making it great for sharing at parties or holiday events.
• Gooey Texture: The cream cheese filling gives the cake its signature gooeyness that everyone loves.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with whipped cream or at room temperature for a perfect dessert experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Springform pan or round cake pan
• Parchment paper
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients, creating a smooth batter and filling.
• Springform pan: Allows easy removal of the cake while maintaining its perfect shape.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup quick and easy.

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Ingredients

This pumpkin gooey butter cake recipe is perfect for fall and a wonderful dessert to make for Thanksgiving!

For the Base

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs (1 egg and 3 eggs separated)
• 8 ounces unsalted butter (2 sticks separated and melted)

For the Filling

• 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
• 8 ounces cream cheese (super soft)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures even baking from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Prepare your springform or round cake pan by lining it with parchment paper and spraying it with cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Base Batter

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine:
1. The boxed cake mix.
2. 1 stick melted butter (½ cup).
3. 1 egg.

Mix well until fully combined. Pour this mixture into your prepared pan, pressing it down evenly to create a thin layer.

Step 4: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

In another bowl of an electric mixer, combine:
1. Pumpkin puree.
2. Super soft cream cheese.
3. The remaining 3 eggs.
4. Dark brown sugar.
5. 1 stick melted butter.
6. Vanilla extract.
7. Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Beat on low until all ingredients are well mixed, scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Pour the pumpkin filling over the base batter in the pan, spreading it evenly across the top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown. The center should still be slightly gooey—this is what makes it a true gooey butter cake!

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Let the cake rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake as a standout dessert at any gathering!

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

This delicious Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion, especially during the fall season. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

A La Mode

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a creamy contrast to the gooey cake.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with freshly whipped cream for added lightness and sweetness that complements the spices.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the cake for an indulgent touch that enhances the pumpkin flavor.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of fresh apples or pears to add a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the cake.

Garnished with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for additional texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

To ensure your Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for better blending and a smoother filling.

• Mix Gently: When combining the pumpkin filling, mix on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air, which can affect the texture.

• Check Doneness Carefully: The cake should be golden brown but still slightly gooey in the center. Use a toothpick to check; it should come out with some moist crumbs, not wet batter.

• Cool Before Serving: Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps set the gooey center and makes cutting easier.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the spice of the cake.

2. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider complements the flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon perfectly.

3. Candied Pecans: These sweet nuts provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft cake.

4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness brings out the flavors in your cake while keeping things cozy.

5. Fall Salad: A salad with mixed greens, cranberries, and walnuts offers freshness to balance the rich dessert.

6. Pumpkin Soup: For pumpkin lovers, serving a small cup of creamy pumpkin soup can create a lovely theme throughout your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and this pumpkin gooey butter cake recipe is no exception. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using Cold Ingredients – Ensure all your ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and improves texture.
• Not Measuring Properly – Baking is a science! Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. An extra tablespoon of flour can change the consistency.
• Overmixing the Batter – Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of the desired gooeyness.
• Skipping Parchment Paper – Always line your pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This makes it easier to remove the cake once baked.
• Not Allowing Cooling Time – Letting the cake sit for at least 10 minutes before cutting allows it to set properly. Cutting too soon may result in a mess.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Make sure the cake is completely cool before sealing it.

Freezing Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for even heating, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the pumpkin gooey butter cake recipe that might help you during baking.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! You can use fresh pumpkin puree, just ensure it’s well-cooked and blended until smooth.

How do I know when my cake is done?

The top should be golden brown, and the center should be slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted should come out with some moist crumbs.

Can I customize this pumpkin gooey butter cake recipe?

Absolutely! Add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor or spices like allspice or cloves for variation.

What should I serve with this cake?

A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with this dessert.

Final Thoughts

This pumpkin gooey butter cake recipe is a delightful treat perfect for any fall gathering. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it an instant favorite among family and friends. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins!