When the leaves start to change color and the crisp chill of autumn arrives, nothing warms the heart quite like the flavors of pumpkin spice. From lattes to pies, pumpkin has become the ultimate symbol of fall baking. But if you want something different from traditional pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread, this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is the perfect choice.
This dessert is soft, creamy, spiced, and gooey in the best way possible. With a buttery cake base, a luscious pumpkin cream cheese topping, and a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s a treat that blends the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie with the indulgence of gooey butter cake.
It’s also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, attending a potluck, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Servings: 12–16 squares
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz / 432 g)
1 large egg
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Pumpkin Gooey Filling:
1 (8 oz / 225 g) package cream cheese, softened
1 (15 oz / 425 g) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
3 large eggs
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cloves (or use 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice instead)
16 oz (450 g) powdered sugar
Garnish (Optional):
Whipped cream
Extra powdered sugar
Caramel drizzle
Toasted pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg.
Mix until a thick dough forms.
Press evenly into the bottom of the baking pan.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Mix until well combined and creamy.
Add spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves or pumpkin pie spice).
Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour pumpkin mixture over the prepared cake base.
Spread evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 45–50 minutes.
The center should still be a little “gooey” but set around the edges.
Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Step 4: Serve
Dust with powdered sugar, slice into squares, and serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel.
