Description
This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is a luscious, seasonal dessert combining a buttery yellow cake crust with a rich, spiced pumpkin cream cheese filling. Perfect for fall gatherings, it offers a delightful balance of gooey texture and cozy autumn flavors. Baked until just set, this cake remains moist and indulgently soft in the center, making it an irresistible treat for pumpkin lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Stir the ingredients until a smooth dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to create a solid crust base.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Filling: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and pumpkin puree together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, mixing well to combine. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar followed by the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves if using, and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until the filling is fully blended and smooth in texture.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared pumpkin filling evenly over the crust layer in the baking dish. Spread it out to cover the crust completely. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are set but the center remains slightly gooey to maintain its signature texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, slice into squares. Optional serving suggestions include topping with whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- The center should remain a bit gooey for the best texture; do not overbake.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer flavor and texture.
- You can omit cloves if you prefer less spice.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
