Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

I just want to take a moment to say: thank you for being here. Really. Whether you’re someone who’s been baking along with me for years or someone new who stumbled upon this recipe in search of the perfect fall dessert, I’m so glad you’re here. This recipe? It’s extra special. It’s cozy, indulgent, sweet — and oh, that gooey center!! I couldn’t wait to share this one with you.

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Meet Your New Favorite Fall Dessert

This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake is everything autumn dreams are made of. It starts with a soft yellow cake base swirled with pumpkin and vanilla, followed by a warm-spiced cream cheese filling that’s so gooey and rich, it melts in your mouth.

But then… we frost it with a Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting that’s light, fluffy, and just sweet enough to balance the spices. Every bite is a mix of soft cake, gooey filling, and creamy topping. This isn’t just a dessert — it’s a hug in cake form.

Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe

Super simple — thanks to a cake mix base with elevated flavor
Gooey, rich filling full of pumpkin spice magic
Brown sugar frosting that adds depth and creaminess
Perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays, potlucks, or cozy nights in
A total crowd-pleaser — trust me, people will ask for this recipe!

What Does It Taste Like?

Like pumpkin pie and cake had a warm, cozy baby!
The base is soft, buttery, and lightly sweet with hints of pumpkin. The filling is gooey — almost custard-like — and packed with warming fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The brown sugar in the frosting brings a caramel-like depth that ties it all together.

The result? An ultra-moist, melt-in-your-mouth cake that tastes like fall in every bite.

Benefits of This Gooey Pumpkin Cake

Quick prep using pantry staples
Make-ahead friendly – tastes even better the next day
One pan wonder – bake, frost, and serve in the same dish
No fancy equipment needed — just bowls and beaters

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake Base:

1 box yellow cake mix
1 large egg
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Pumpkin Spice Gooey Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup pumpkin puree
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
4 cups powdered sugar

For the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls (at least 2)
Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
Spatula for spreading
Cooling rack (optional but helpful!)

Ingredient Tips & Swaps

Use spice cake mix instead of yellow for extra autumn vibes
Want it extra gooey? Take it out at 40 minutes — center should jiggle slightly
Swap brown butter for melted butter to deepen the flavor
Sprinkle with chopped pecans or toffee bits for crunch
Add a dash of maple extract to the frosting for a seasonal twist

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cake Base

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, egg, melted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla.
Mix until smooth and slightly thick.
Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.

2. Prepare the Gooey Pumpkin Filling

In a second bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Add eggs, vanilla, pumpkin puree, and melted butter. Mix well.
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Slowly beat in powdered sugar until creamy and smooth.
Pour over the cake base and gently spread into an even layer.

3. Bake the Cake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until edges are set and golden, but the center is still slightly soft and gooey.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

4. Make the Frosting

Beat cream cheese, butter, and brown sugar until fluffy.
Slowly add powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
Mix in vanilla extract.

5. Frost & Serve

Spread the frosting over the completely cooled cake.
Slice into squares and serve — preferably with a fork and a cozy blanket.

What to Serve With It

Hot coffee or a pumpkin spice latte
A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
Whipped cream with a sprinkle of nutmeg
Caramel drizzle if you’re feeling indulgent (and you should be)

Tips for the Best Gooey Cake

Don’t overbake — the center should jiggle slightly and set as it cools
For clean slices, chill the cake before cutting
Let the cake cool completely before adding frosting
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for best results
Want to freeze it? Bake and cool fully first, then wrap tightly

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw, then frost
Best served chilled or at room temperature

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes! Just make sure it’s thick and not watery. Drain extra moisture if needed.

Can I make this the day before?

Absolutely — it tastes even better after sitting overnight in the fridge.

Do I have to frost it?

Nope! It’s delicious even without frosting. But that brown sugar cream cheese topping? So worth it.

Can I use spice cake mix?

Yes! It’s a great shortcut if you want to boost the warm flavors.

In Conclusion

This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is hands-down one of the most comforting, cozy, and downright delicious desserts you can make this season. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, holiday tables, or simply enjoying on a quiet evening with a cup of tea.

Seriously, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. I’m still dreaming about that gooey center…

More Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love

Share Your Bake!

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it!
📸 Tag your cake on Pinterest or leave a review below — your creations always brighten my day.

Nutrition Info (Estimated per serving, based on 12 slices)

Calories: ~450
Fat: 24g
Carbs: 55g
Sugar: 44g
Protein: 4g

Note: Nutrition may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Thanks for baking with me! Until next time — keep cozy, keep cooking, and don’t forget to save yourself the corner piece. 🍂💛🍰