Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

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🎃 Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

🍽️ Servings: 12–16 slices

⏱️ Total Time: ~1 hour (includes cooling time)

🧁 Level: Easy to Intermediate

✅ Ingredients

🟠 For the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake:

  • 1 box spice cake mix (about 15.25 oz)

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 large egg

For the filling:

  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

  • 1 (16 oz) box powdered sugar (about 3½ cups)

  • Pinch of salt

🍯 For the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

  • ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1–1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted

  • Pinch of salt

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line with parchment.

  3. In a medium bowl, mix together:

    • Spice cake mix

    • Melted butter

    • 1 egg

  4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan (it will be thick like cookie dough).

Step 2: Make the Gooey Pumpkin Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together:

    • Cream cheese

    • Pumpkin puree
      Until smooth and creamy.

  2. Add in eggs, one at a time, then mix in:

    • Vanilla

    • Pumpkin pie spice

    • Salt

  3. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.

  4. Pour pumpkin mixture over the cake base and spread evenly.

Step 3: Bake

  • Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly (it will firm up as it cools).

  • Let cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat together:

    • Cream cheese

    • Butter

    • Brown sugar
      Until creamy and smooth.

  2. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt.

  3. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar to reach desired sweetness and consistency.

    • Beat until fluffy.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

  • Spread frosting over cooled cake.

  • Optionally, sprinkle with:

    • Cinnamon sugar

    • Chopped pecans

    • Caramel drizzle

  • Slice and serve!

❓ Q&A: Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

❓Can I make this ahead?

Yes! You can make and frost the cake up to 2 days in advance. Store covered in the fridge.

❓Can I use a homemade spice cake mix?

Absolutely. Combine:

  • 2 cups flour

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg

  • ½ teaspoon cloves

  • ½ teaspoon ginger

Mix and use as you would the boxed mix.

❓Can I make this in a smaller pan?

Yes — for an 8×8 pan, halve the recipe. Bake for 35–40 minutes.

❓How do I store leftovers?

  • Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

  • Bring to room temp before serving for the best texture.

❓Can I freeze it?

Yes! Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

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