Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With its creamy pumpkin filling and rich buttery crust, this cake makes for an irresistible dessert. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering, it brings warmth and cheer to your table. The gooey texture combined with the warm spices creates a unique taste experience that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe uses simple ingredients and requires minimal preparation time, making it perfect even for beginner bakers.
• Flavorful Fall Treat: The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger delivers a warm flavor that captures the essence of fall.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm with whipped cream or at room temperature for a delicious treat that suits any occasion.
• Feed a Crowd: With 12 servings in one recipe, it’s ideal for gatherings and holiday celebrations.
• Gooey Goodness: The unique texture keeps every bite moist and rich, ensuring this cake will become a family favorite.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and quicker.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: It helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing all ingredients quickly.
• Springform pan: Ideal for easy release of the cake while maintaining its gooey texture without damaging it.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal 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
• 4 large eggs (1 egg and 3 eggs separately)
• 8 ounces unsalted butter (2 sticks separated and melted)

For the Pumpkin Filling

• 1 1/2 cup 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 to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

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

Step 3: Make the Cake Base

In an electric mixer bowl:
1. Combine the boxed cake mix, 1 stick melted butter (1/2 cup), and 1 egg.
2. Mix well until fully incorporated.
3. Pour into the prepared pan, pressing down to form an even thin layer on the bottom.

Step 4: Create the Pumpkin Filling

In another bowl of your 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 speed until everything is mixed well. Remember to scrape down the sides to ensure even blending.

Step 5: Combine Layers

Pour the pumpkin filling over the prepared cake base in your pan.

Step 6: Bake

Place in your preheated oven:
– Bake for about 40 to 50 minutes until the top turns golden brown.
– The center should remain slightly gooey—this is what makes it a gooey butter cake!

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Let your cake rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. Enjoy your delicious creation!

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

This delightful Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is perfect for sharing at gatherings. Its rich, creamy texture and warm spices make it an ideal fall dessert that pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Light, fluffy whipped cream adds a lovely contrast to the rich cake. Consider sweetening it lightly with powdered sugar and a dash of vanilla for extra flavor.

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or beside the warm cake creates a delicious temperature contrast. The ice cream melts slightly into the gooey center for an indulgent treat.

Add a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce

• Drizzling caramel sauce over each slice enhances the sweetness and adds another layer of flavor. It’s especially delightful if you enjoy a bit of extra richness.

Offer Fresh Fruit

• Slices of fresh apples or pears add a refreshing element that balances the sweetness of the cake. Consider serving them alongside for a light, crisp contrast.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

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

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps with mixing and ensures a smoother batter.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to avoid a dense texture. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake instead of the desired gooeyness.

• Check for doneness carefully: The cake should be golden brown on top, but the center should remain gooey. Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out slightly sticky, it’s ready!

• Let it cool before slicing: Allowing the cake to rest for about 10 minutes after baking helps set its texture and makes slicing easier without losing its gooey quality.

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 excellent options:

1. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider complements the pumpkin flavors beautifully, making it a cozy beverage choice for fall gatherings.

2. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: A salad featuring roasted butternut squash, greens, and cranberries offers a fresh balance to the rich dessert.

3. Cinnamon Sugar Pecans: These crunchy nuts add texture and flavor while echoing the spices in the cake. They make for a great snack during dessert time.

4. Maple Glazed Carrots: Honey-roasted or maple-glazed carrots provide sweet and savory notes that pair well with pumpkin desserts.

5. Ginger Snap Cookies: For those who love spice cookies, serving ginger snaps alongside will enhance that warm autumnal feel.

6. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A side of creamy mashed potatoes can add an unexpected savory touch, balancing out your meal perfectly before dessert.

7. Fall Vegetable Medley: A medley of seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes can round out your meal nicely while keeping it festive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients – Cold cream cheese or eggs can lead to lumpy batter. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth mixture.

• Skipping the mixing step – Failing to mix thoroughly can cause uneven texture. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl while mixing.

• Not checking doneness – Overbaking will ruin the gooey texture. Keep an eye on your cake in the oven; it should be slightly gooey in the center even when golden brown on top.

• Using the wrong pan size – A pan that’s too small will overflow, while one that’s too large will dry out the cake. Use a 9” or 10” round cake pan as specified.

• Rushing cooling time – Cutting into the cake too soon can make it fall apart. Allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh 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 container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat a slice on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious dessert.

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it is well-cooked and blended until smooth for best results.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is done?

The cake is done when the top is golden brown but still has a slight jiggle in the center. This indicates it’s perfectly gooey!

Can I customize this recipe with different spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like allspice or cloves, depending on your flavor preference.

What should I serve with Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake?

This cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to enhance its rich flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is not only perfect for fall but also offers delightful versatility. Whether served at Thanksgiving or as an everyday dessert, it’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite spices or toppings!