Pumpkin spice season is here, and nothing captures its cozy charm quite like Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake. Imagine biting into a dessert that’s rich, creamy, spiced just right, and—true to its name—perfectly gooey in the center. It’s not just a cake; it’s a warm, comforting hug in dessert form.
This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the simplicity of a boxed cake mix and the richness of pumpkin, cream cheese, and fall spices. The result? A layered treat with a soft, chewy crust and a luscious, gooey filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you serve it for Thanksgiving, at a fall potluck, or as a weeknight indulgence, this cake will steal the spotlight on any dessert table.
Why This Cake is Perfect for Fall
When the leaves turn golden and crisp, and the air smells of cinnamon and cloves, pumpkin spice takes center stage. This cake embodies everything people love about autumn.
- Warm Spices – Pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon instantly transport you to cozy evenings by the fire.
- Rich Texture – Unlike traditional cakes, this one is intentionally gooey, making it decadent and satisfying.
- Simple but Impressive – Easy enough for beginner bakers, yet elegant enough for a holiday feast.
- Crowd-Pleaser – It’s universally loved, even by those who don’t usually gravitate toward pumpkin desserts.
Think of this dessert as the fall version of a gooey butter cake—only with a pumpkin twist that makes it seasonal, festive, and impossible to resist.
Ingredients Breakdown and Their Role
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a specific part in creating the cake’s signature gooey texture and rich flavor. Let’s break it down:
Cake Mix (Yellow Cake Mix, 15.25 oz)
Forms the base crust when combined with butter and an egg. It creates a soft yet sturdy layer that balances the gooey filling.
Pumpkin Puree (15 oz can)
The star ingredient! It provides moisture, natural sweetness, and that distinct fall flavor. Always use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling (which already has sugar and spices added).
Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened)
Adds richness and creaminess to the filling, balancing the sweetness with a slight tang.
Eggs (3 total, divided)
One egg binds the crust; the other two help set the filling while keeping it gooey.
Powdered Sugar (3 ½ cups)
Sweetens the filling while contributing to its creamy texture. Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar blends smoothly with cream cheese and pumpkin.
Pumpkin Pie Spice & Cinnamon
The heart of the flavor. These spices bring warmth, depth, and that unmistakable fall aroma.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
Rounds out the flavor, making the filling taste more complex and indulgent.
Together, these ingredients create a cake that’s decadent, seasonal, and wonderfully gooey.