If you’re looking for the kind of dessert that steals the show and has everyone begging for seconds, let me introduce you to my beloved Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. This treat marries the rich, buttery flavors of classic gooey butter cake with the warm, spiced embrace of pumpkin. The result is a two-layer masterpiece: a sweet and tender cake base topped with a cloud of pumpkin creaminess that’s soft, luscious, and (true to its name!) gloriously gooey in the middle. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, a fall potluck, or just because, this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is the ultimate way to celebrate all things cozy.

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe calls for simple pantry staples that together create magic. Each ingredient has a purpose, whether it’s providing structure, melting into creamy decadence, or bringing in those unmistakable autumn aromas.

Yellow cake mix: The fuss-free shortcut base, offering a soft, sweet canvas with barely any effort.
Large eggs: Separate one for the crust and three for the filling — they add richness and help everything set just right.
Unsalted butter (2 sticks): Melted and divided; this is what gives the cake its irresistibly buttery texture.
Pumpkin puree: The star of the show, adding moisture, flavor, and that signature orange glow.
Cream cheese (super soft): Blends seamlessly into the filling for a tangy, luxurious mouthfeel.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the warmth and enhances both base and filling with a dreamy aroma.
Dark brown sugar: Rich and molasses-forward, this deepens the flavor and makes the filling almost caramel-like.
Ground cinnamon: Fragrant and cozy, it screams fall in the very best way.
Ground nutmeg: For an extra layer of holiday spice that emphasizes the pumpkin.
Ground ginger: A whisper of zing for added depth and brightness.

How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees, so it’s piping hot and ready for baking magic. Next, line your springform pan or round cake pan with parchment and a spritz of cooking spray. This step ensures your gooey creation will pop right out of the pan with zero fuss, keeping those gorgeous layers perfectly intact.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In the bowl of your trusty electric mixer, combine the yellow cake mix, one stick (½ cup) of melted butter, and one egg. Blend until everything is incorporated and you’ve got a dough that holds together — like a soft sugar cookie. Press this evenly in the bottom of your prepared pan; don’t worry if it seems thin. This base will bake up tender and carry the entire Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe.

Step 3: Whip Up the Pumpkin Filling

Wipe out your mixer bowl, then add the pumpkin puree, cream cheese (make sure it’s really soft so your filling stays smooth!), three eggs, dark brown sugar, the other melted stick of butter, vanilla, and all the spices. Start mixing on low so the powdered spices stay put, and beat until you have a lovely, unified orange filling. Make sure to scrape the bowl down well, so every bit of cream cheese joins the party.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour that velvety spiced pumpkin filling right over your cake base, smoothing it gently to every edge. Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You want a golden top and a center that still has a gentle jiggle — that’s the telltale sign you’ve nailed the gooey magic of the Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe!

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Resist the urge to cut right in! Let your cake cool for at least 10 minutes. This isn’t just about letting your cake firm up — it also gives those flavors a moment to meld, making every slice delightful.

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For maximum “wow” factor, top each slice with a big dollop of freshly whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. A few toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar make it look just as magical as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This cake is heavenly with a big mug of hot coffee or chai. If you want to balance the sweetness, serve it with fresh fruit slices or a tangy cranberry compote alongside. It turns a humble dessert into a festive fall tableau.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter for a finger-food dessert buffet, or bake the Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe in individual ramekins for adorable single-servings that make everyone feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It can happily chill out in your fridge for up to four days, and honestly, it tastes even better after a day when the flavors deepen and the filling firms up a tad.

Freezing

To freeze, cut the cake into slices and wrap each one individually before sealing in a zip-top bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and your Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe will taste just as dreamy as ever.

Reheating

If you like a touch of warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds (just until barely heated through). The gooey center wakes right up, and the aroma fills your kitchen all over again.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead for a party?

Absolutely! This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe actually benefits from a bit of resting time, so feel free to make it a day in advance. Just store tightly covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Homemade pumpkin puree works beautifully. Make sure it’s well-drained, as too much liquid can affect the gooey texture we all love.

Do I need a springform pan?

While a springform pan makes for easy unmolding, a well-greased 9- or 10-inch round cake pan lined with parchment also does the job perfectly. Just be gentle when removing slices.

What if I don’t have dark brown sugar?

No worries — light brown sugar will work in a pinch, though the flavor will be a touch milder. To deepen the flavor, you can add a teaspoon of molasses if you have it on hand.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or a small handful of chocolate chips folded into the pumpkin layer are delicious twists on the classic Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes as fabulous as it looks, don’t wait to bake up this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. Every bite is a little celebration of fall, and I promise it’ll earn you rave reviews from everyone lucky enough to share a slice. Happy baking!