Gooey Butter Cake

If you’re craving a dessert that wraps you up in warm, cozy flavors and melts in your mouth with every bite, this Gooey Butter Cake is the answer. Bursting with rich pumpkin, spices, and that unmistakably luscious, custardy center, this cake blends the best parts of a traditional butter cake with a delightful ooey-gooey texture that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a festive gathering or a sweet treat to brighten your day, this Gooey Butter Cake will quickly become your new favorite indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Gooey Butter Cake lies in its straightforward, well-balanced ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the buttery cake base to the creamy, pumpkin-spiced filling that gives this cake its signature gooey texture and warm flavor.

• Yellow cake mix: Provides a light, tender cake base with a familiar comforting flavor and perfect structure.
• Eggs (4 large): One egg joins the cake mix for binding, while three eggs enrich the creamy pumpkin filling.
• Unsalted butter (8 ounces, 2 sticks, melted): Adds lusciousness and moist texture, split between the crust and filling for balance.
• Pumpkin puree (1½ cups): Infuses the cake with autumnal flavor and natural moisture, keeping it satisfying and rich.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, super soft): Delivers incredible creaminess and tang, key to the gooey center.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances all the flavors with sweet warmth and depth.
• Dark brown sugar (1 cup): Intensifies sweetness with a molasses undertone that complements the spices.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Provides classic autumn spice warmth.
• Ground nutmeg (1 teaspoon): Adds a nutty, aromatic touch that’s subtle but essential.
• Ground ginger (¼ teaspoon): Offers mild spice and zing to round out the spice blend perfectly.

How to Make Gooey Butter Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the oven is perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake. Line a 9 or 10-inch round cake pan, or a springform pan, with parchment paper and coat it with cooking spray. This prep step guarantees the cake comes out cleanly and keeps that gooey center intact.

Step 2: Make the Cake Base

Whisk together the yellow cake mix, one stick of melted butter, and a single egg in the bowl of your electric mixer. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly creates a simple but sturdy cake layer that will act as the base for your gooey goodness. Once mixed, press the batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, forming a thin layer that bakes into a golden crust.

Step 3: Whip Up the Pumpkin Filling

In the same mixer bowl (no need to dirty another one!), blend together pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, three eggs, dark brown sugar, the remaining melted butter, vanilla extract, and all the spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Beat on low speed until everything is well combined and smooth, scraping the bowl’s sides and bottom to make sure no lumps remain. This rich, silky filling is where the signature gooey texture comes from!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Gently pour your beautiful pumpkin filling over the cake base in the pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top with a center that’s still slightly soft and gooey – just the right balance for the true Gooey Butter Cake experience.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let the cake rest at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. This waiting time helps the cakey crust and the luscious filling firm up just a bit, making slicing easier without losing that signature gooeyness. Then, dive in and savor every melt-in-your-mouth bite!

How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake

Garnishes

To elevate your Gooey Butter Cake, consider a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness and an inviting look. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast, while a dollop of lightly whipped cream can balance the richness with airy lightness.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, where cold creaminess meets warm gooey pumpkin. For a cozy drink, a cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee offers the perfect complement to the cake’s autumnal spices and buttery richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Gooey Butter Cake in rustic squares on a wooden board for a charming fall dessert table. Alternatively, cut it into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter with seasonal fruit like sliced pears or spiced apple slices for an inviting, shareable treat that’s perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your Gooey Butter Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate it to keep the cream cheese filling fresh; just allow the cake to soften a bit at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover cake by wrapping it securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to preserve its luscious texture without becoming soggy or dry.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (300 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 10 minutes. This reheating brings back the gooey indulgence and smells that cozy autumn mood, ready to impress again.

FAQs

Is Gooey Butter Cake difficult to make?

Not at all! Using a boxed cake mix and simple pantry staples keeps the process straightforward, while the mixing and layering take just minutes. This recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Can I use canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin puree?

Both work wonderfully! Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and consistent, but if you have fresh pumpkin pureed and strained well, it will add a lovely fresh flavor to your Gooey Butter Cake.

What if I want a less sweet version?

You can reduce the brown sugar slightly in the filling or use a cake mix with less sugar to tone down sweetness while maintaining that gooey texture.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The top should be golden brown, and the edges set, but the center should still jiggle slightly when you gently shake the pan. This ensures that perfect gooey consistency Gooey Butter Cake is known for.

Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?

Cream cheese is key to the authentic texture and flavor, so it’s best not to substitute. However, full-fat mascarpone can be an interesting alternative if you want a different twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a freshly baked Gooey Butter Cake that feels like a warm hug made sweets. Its rich, spiced pumpkin filling paired with that golden buttery crust will have you coming back for second (and third) helpings. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the cozy, gooey magic for yourself—happy baking!

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