There’s nothing quite like the cozy aroma of warm spices and pumpkin wafting through your kitchen in the fall, and this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting brings that magic to life in every glorious bite. Imagine a luscious, spiced pumpkin layer atop a soft, buttery cake crust—all topped with a dreamy, tangy-sweet brown sugar cream cheese frosting. This is the dessert everyone wants a slice of at gatherings, and it just may become your new autumn tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is in its straightforward ingredients list, each playing a deliciously important role. There’s no fuss here—just honest, flavorful staples that create autumn on a plate with minimal effort.
- Spice cake mix: The secret shortcut for a deeply flavorful, warmly spiced cake base without mixing a dozen spices.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and keeps the bottom layer tender and chewy.
- Large eggs (divided): Give the cake structure and help create that irresistible gooey topping.
- Pumpkin puree: Brings moistness and true pumpkin flavor to every layer—use pure pumpkin, not pie filling!
- Pumpkin pie spice: The magic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and more for that unmistakable fall aroma and taste.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances every flavor and brings out the cake’s warmth.
- Cream cheese (softened): The rich base for your frosting, lending a tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Packed light brown sugar: Gives the frosting a caramely twist and an autumnal depth.
- Powdered sugar: Ensures the frosting is silky-smooth and spreadable.
- Milk: Loosens the frosting to the perfect creamy consistency; whole milk is best for extra richness.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy finish to the frosting, tying it all together in harmony.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well with butter or non-stick spray. Giving attention to this foundational step keeps your delicious cake from sticking, so every slice comes out perfect and picture-ready.
Step 2: Mix and Press the Cake Base
In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir just until the ingredients come together into a soft dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan—it will be thick, but don’t worry, it bakes into a dreamy, tender crust that holds up wonderfully to the gooey filling!
Step 3: Whip Up the Pumpkin Layer
In a separate bowl, beat together the pumpkin puree, the remaining 2 eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous. Pour this vibrant mixture over the cake crust, smoothing it out to cover every nook and cranny. This is where the unmistakable flavors of Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting shine through.
Step 4: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. When the edges look set but the center has a slight jiggle, you’re right on track—that’s the signature gooey magic! Resist the urge to overbake; the filling will firm up as the cake cools. Let the cake sit until completely cool before frosted—trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Step 5: Make the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cake cools, grab a bowl and beat together softened cream cheese and brown sugar until fluffy and aerated. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon, beating until it’s decadently creamy. This frosting, with its caramely warmth and silky texture, takes Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting to a whole new level.
Step 6: Frost and Chill
Once the cake is fully cooled, lavishly spread your brown sugar cream cheese frosting over the top. For the prettiest slices, chill the entire cake for at least an hour. This step lets everything set up beautifully, making for clean, mouthwatering squares.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon is the effortless finishing touch! These garnishes add crunch, color, and an extra pop of flavor, making each piece look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This cake is a star all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a warming contrast, serve alongside apple cider or hot coffee; these classic fall drinks heighten pumpkin spice’s best notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into squares and serve on a vintage dessert tray for a nostalgic feel, or slice into elegant rectangles and plate with cinnamon sticks for a rustic, Instagram-worthy display. For parties, try minis—use a mini muffin tin to create bite-sized treats topped with a swirl of frosting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting will keep wonderfully in the fridge. Simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. The cake actually tastes even richer and more luscious the next day, as the flavors have time to meld.
Freezing
Good news—this cake freezes like a dream! Slice into squares, wrap individually in plastic, and freeze in a zipper bag or airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and you’ll have an indulgent treat ready for any time a pumpkin spice craving strikes.
Reheating
If you’d like that just-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. The frosting will soften slightly and the cake will taste freshly made. For a crowd, warm the entire (unfrosted) cake in a low oven, then frost before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Absolutely! Just roast, puree, and drain your fresh pumpkin well. You’ll get a wonderfully deep, homemade flavor. Make sure your puree is as smooth as possible for the best texture in your Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting.
What’s the trick to the perfect gooey center?
The secret is not to overbake—the center should look slightly set but still jiggle a bit when you shake the pan. The gooiness firms as the cake cools, resulting in that luscious, pudding-like texture everyone loves.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes! Just swap the regular spice cake mix for your favorite gluten-free variety. Double-check that all other ingredients, like your pumpkin puree and baking powder, are gluten free as well, and you’ll still get rave reviews.
Should the cake be stored at room temperature or in the fridge?
Due to the cream cheese frosting, refrigerate your cake to keep it fresh and safe. Chilling also helps the flavors meld, making Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting even more irresistible the next day.
Can I make this ahead for the holidays?
Definitely! This cake is actually better made in advance—the flavors develop beautifully overnight. Just wait to add the frosting until the cake is completely cool and you’ll have a stunning, stress-free holiday dessert.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says “it’s fall” better than sharing a slice of Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting with friends or family. Trust me, it’s a showstopper for any holiday, potluck, or cozy night in. Invite the flavors of the season into your kitchen—your taste buds (and guests) will thank you!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake topped with a luscious Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s the perfect dessert for any autumn gathering!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs, divided
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, mix the spice cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Press the mixture into the pan evenly.
- Make the filling: In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Pour over the crust.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until just set.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat cream cheese and brown sugar until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon. Spread over the cooled cake.
- Chill and serve: Chill the cake before slicing and serving for best results.
Notes
- Enhance with chopped pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Flavors meld beautifully, making it even better the next day.
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