Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake: A Fall Favorite

Introduction

There’s something magical about fall—the crisp air, the vibrant leaves, and, of course, the return of pumpkin-flavored everything! One of my family’s favorite seasonal treats is this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake. It’s a rich, decadent dessert that’s incredibly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. The buttery crust complements the gooey pumpkin filling perfectly, making it a delightful choice for any autumn occasion. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a cozy weekend at home, this cake brings warmth and happiness to our table.

Ingredients

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 to ensure easy removal of the cake.

Make the Crust:

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread to create a solid base for the gooey filling.

Prepare the Pumpkin Filling:

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and pumpkin puree until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, mixing until everything is well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, stirring until smooth. Then, add the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves (if using), and salt. Mix until fully combined and smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.

Assemble and Bake:

Pour the pumpkin filling over the crust, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes. The center should still be slightly gooey, which is what makes this cake so delightful!

Cool and Serve:

Allow the cake to cool before slicing. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 piece (based on 12 servings)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 36g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling time)

How to Serve

• Garnish with whipped cream for added richness.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.
• Serve warm for a cozy, comforting experience.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
• Enjoy with a cup of coffee or cider to enhance the flavors.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Pumpkin: If you have time, try roasting and pureeing fresh pumpkin for a richer flavor.
2. Check Doneness: The center should be slightly jiggly; it will firm up as it cools.
3. Let It Cool Completely: This helps the filling set properly, making it easier to slice.
4. Store in the Fridge: To keep it fresh, cover and refrigerate leftovers.
5. Add More Spice: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking for a stronger pumpkin pie flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free blend.
• Chocolate Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake: Add chocolate chips to the pumpkin filling for a decadent twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added texture.
• Maple Drizzle: Drizzle with maple syrup before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a cream cheese swirl by dropping spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture into the filling before baking and gently swirling it with a knife.

Serving Suggestions

• Thanksgiving Dessert: This cake is perfect for holiday gatherings, complementing traditional pies.
• Potluck Treat: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at potlucks.
• Weekend Brunch: Serve as a delightful addition to brunch spreads alongside coffee and pastries.
• Bake Sale Goodie: Wrap slices in decorative packaging for a charming bake sale item.
• Gift to Neighbors: Share the love by giving a homemade dessert to neighbors during the holidays.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Thawing: To enjoy frozen cake, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

• Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin puree can enhance the flavor.

1. What can I substitute for cream cheese?

• You can use mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

1. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

• Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate until serving.

1. What if I don’t have yellow cake mix?

• You can make a homemade cake mix or use another flavor that complements pumpkin.

1. Can I add nuts to the crust?

• Yes, chopped nuts can be mixed into the crust for added texture.

1. How do I know when the cake is done?

• The center should be slightly gooey, and a toothpick inserted should come out with some filling on it.

1. Can I double the recipe?

• Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a larger dish.

1. What can I serve with it?

• Whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce all pair wonderfully.

1. Is it gluten-free?
   • No, but you can substitute gluten-free cake mix to make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is a celebration of fall flavors, rich and comforting with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s easy to make, impressive to serve, and sure to become a staple in your autumn baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed at a festive gathering or as a cozy treat at home, this cake is bound to bring joy and warmth to your table. So, gather your ingredients and let the delightful aroma of pumpkin and spices fill your kitchen—your family will thank you!

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