Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal dessert for the fall season and Thanksgiving celebrations. The combination of creamy pumpkin filling and a buttery cake layer creates a rich, gooey treat that everyone will love. It’s simple to make, ensuring you can spend more time enjoying the holiday festivities with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe uses a boxed cake mix, making it quick for bakers of all skill levels.
• Deliciously Creamy: The cream cheese and pumpkin filling create a rich, gooey texture that melts in your mouth.
• Perfect for Fall: With warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake embodies the flavors of autumn.
• Great for Gatherings: It serves up to 12 people, making it perfect for Thanksgiving or any family gathering.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it warm or chilled, topped with whipped cream or served plain; it’s always a hit!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Springform pan or round cake pan
• Parchment paper
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Helps combine ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a smooth cake batter and filling.
• Springform pan or round cake pan: Provides the perfect shape for easy removal and presentation of your cake.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, allowing for easy release from the pan after baking.

Ingredients

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

For the Cake Base

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

For the Pumpkin Filling

• 1 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 3 large eggs (separate from above)
• 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 that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Prepare a springform pan or round cake pan by lining it with parchment paper and spraying it lightly with cooking spray.

Step 3: Make the Cake Base

In the bowl of an electric mixer:
1. Combine the boxed cake mix, 1 stick melted butter (1/2 cup), and 1 egg.
2. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Pour this mixture into your prepared pan and press down evenly on the bottom. This layer will be thin but holds everything together.

Step 4: Mix Pumpkin Filling

In another bowl of an electric mixer:
1. Combine pumpkin puree, super soft cream cheese, 3 eggs, dark brown sugar, remaining melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
2. Beat on low until fully mixed, scraping down the sides to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Pour the pumpkin filling gently over the prepared cake base in your pan. Spread evenly for consistent baking.

Step 6: Bake

Place in your preheated oven:
– Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 to 50 minutes.
– The top should be golden brown while maintaining a gooey center—this is what makes it a GOOEY butter cake!

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Let the cake rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows it to set slightly while still being warm enough to enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or a festive celebration, these serving suggestions will enhance its flavor and presentation.

Serve Warm

• Enjoy the cake warm straight from the oven for a gooey texture that melts in your mouth. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Add Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with fresh whipped cream. The lightness of the cream complements the rich pumpkin flavors beautifully.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and a lovely visual appeal. It’s perfect for those who enjoy an indulgent dessert.

Pair with Coffee

• Serve slices alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The warm spices in the cake pair wonderfully with the flavors of your favorite brew.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor. This also enhances the cake’s fall-themed aesthetic.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Achieving the perfect Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Here are ways to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth batter and filling.

• Do not overmix: Mix only until combined when preparing both layers. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture instead of that desired gooeyness.

• Check doneness carefully: Bake until the top is golden brown but still slightly jiggly in the center. This ensures you retain that signature gooey consistency.

• Cool properly: Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps set the filling and makes cutting easier without losing its shape.

• Store correctly: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: These sweet treats complement the pumpkin flavors perfectly, adding another layer of fall-inspired indulgence.

2. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp brings a fruity balance, enhancing the overall dessert table with its crunchy topping and soft apples.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that provides creamy contrast and balances the richness of the cake.

4. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the pumpkin cake while still keeping it festive.

5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and lightness, making it an excellent accompaniment to richer desserts.

6. Hot Chocolate: Serve warm cups of hot chocolate for an extra cozy treat alongside your cake, perfect for chilly evenings.

7. Gingerbread Cookies: Spice up your dessert spread by including gingerbread cookies, which echo similar flavors found in the cake itself.

8. Chai Latte: Pairing this spiced tea beverage creates a soothing experience that enhances autumnal flavors while complementing your dessert wonderfully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a flawless dessert.

• Bold ingredient choices: Using the wrong type of pumpkin puree can affect texture. Always opt for pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Bold mixing too fast: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix on low speed and only until ingredients are combined.
• Bold ignoring cooling time: Cutting into the cake too soon can ruin its gooey center. Allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
• Bold incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Bold skipping parchment paper: Not using parchment paper can cause sticking. Line your pan with parchment for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F, place slices on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm individual slices for about 20-30 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat and warm each slice for about 5 minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute yellow cake mix with gluten-free or spice cake mix for different flavors.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The top should be golden brown, and the center should still be slightly gooey but not runny.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it one day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until serving.

What can I serve with Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake?

This cake pairs well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to complement its rich flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is an irresistible treat that captures the essence of fall. Its creamy texture combined with warm spices makes it perfect for any gathering or holiday celebration. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or topping with chocolate chips to enhance its flavor even further. Give it a try and enjoy!