Introduction

If fall had a flavor, it would be this pumpkin spice gooey cake. It’s everything we love about the season—warm spices, cozy kitchens, and a hint of “oh my goodness” in every bite. Picture this: a buttery spice cake base hugging a luscious layer of sweet, cinnamon-kissed cream cheese filling. It’s like your favorite gooey butter cake met a pumpkin pie and decided to throw a harvest party in your oven.

I first made this cake on a blustery October evening, when the kids were painting pumpkins and I was craving something… unapologetically autumn. One whiff of cinnamon and nutmeg later, and I knew I’d struck gold. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just need a treat to pair with your latte, this pumpkin spice gooey cake will make you the hero of fall baking season.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake

This cake doesn’t just whisper “fall”—it sings it. Here’s why it’s worth preheating your oven:

Texture perfection: The bottom layer is tender and spongy, while the top is creamy, gooey, and slightly caramelized around the edges.
Flavor explosion: Every bite brings that classic pumpkin spice combo—cinnamon, nutmeg, and all things cozy.
Simple to make: No fancy mixers, no complicated steps. Just pantry staples and a whisk.
Crowd-pleaser: Great for potlucks, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or a random Tuesday when you just need some fall magic.

If you love cozy fall treats, you might also adore my Maple Pecan Bread or Apple Cider Donut Cake. Both are swoon-worthy companions for crisp sweater weather.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layer:

1 box spice cake mix
1 cup pumpkin puree
½ cup melted butter
1 egg

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Cinnamon Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup butter, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat and prep:
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan and set aside.
Make the cake layer:
In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and egg. Stir until smooth. Spread this thick, luscious batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Mix the filling:
Beat together the cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla until silky. Slowly add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until fully combined—expect a dreamy, pourable consistency.
Pour and swirl:
Gently pour the filling over the cake layer. Don’t mix—just let it spread naturally.
Bake:
Bake for about 45 minutes. The edges should be golden, and the center still slightly jiggles (that’s the gooey magic!).
Cool and frost:
Once cooled, beat together frosting ingredients until creamy. Spread over the top or pipe a drizzle if you’re feeling fancy.

Melania’s Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake

Don’t overbake it! The center should wobble a little when you take it out—it firms up as it cools.
Use room-temp cream cheese. Cold cream cheese = lumpy filling.
Try a hint of bourbon or maple syrup in the frosting for grown-up flavor vibes.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cloves or ginger if you’re chasing that pumpkin pie intensity.

Bake It With the Littles

This recipe is wonderfully kid-friendly. Let your little helpers:

Dump the cake mix and pumpkin puree into the bowl (kids love that gloopy texture!).
Whisk or stir—it’s nearly impossible to mess up.
Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking for sparkle points.

And bonus: your house will smell like a pumpkin candle factory exploded—in the best way possible.

Meal-Prep Magic

You can make this pumpkin spice gooey cake ahead of time and keep your sanity intact during the holiday rush:

Make ahead: Bake up to 2 days before serving. Store covered in the fridge.
Freezing: Slice and wrap individual portions tightly. Freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat: Pop a slice in the microwave for 20–25 seconds for that warm, gooey texture again.

Pro tip: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving leftovers—instant encore performance!

Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

You can lighten things up just a smidge without compromising on the cozy factor:

Swap half the butter for unsweetened applesauce.
Use light cream cheese for the filling and frosting.
Reduce powdered sugar by ½ cup if you prefer a less-sweet treat.
Try a gluten-free spice cake mix if needed—this recipe adapts beautifully!

For inspiration, check out Bon Appétit’s guide to healthier baking for clever swaps that still deliver delicious results.

Leftover Remix

Too much cake (if there’s such a thing)? Try these ideas:

Pumpkin parfaits: Layer cubes of cake with whipped cream or yogurt.
French toast bake: Use leftover pieces for a decadent brunch casserole.
Cake truffles: Crumble and mix with frosting, then roll into bite-sized balls and chill.

These make excellent ways to repurpose dessert without a hint of guilt.

Gift It Like a Pro

Wrap individual squares in parchment paper and tie them with twine for a rustic fall vibe. Pop them into a small gift box or tin, and boom—you’ve just made someone’s day. These are perfect hostess gifts or teacher appreciation treats.

For a polished touch, attach a handwritten tag that says: “Made with pumpkin, spice, and everything nice.”

FAQs

Can I use yellow cake mix instead of spice cake mix?
Yes! Just add 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice to capture that fall flavor.

How do I know when it’s done baking?
The edges will look set, but the center should still jiggle slightly. That gooey center is key!

Can I skip the frosting?
Absolutely. The cake is sweet enough on its own, but a little frosting never hurt anyone.

Can I make it in advance for Thanksgiving?
Definitely. Bake the day before, refrigerate, and frost before serving for the freshest texture.

Final Though

There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of pumpkin spice gooey cake on a crisp fall evening. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of pumpkin spice, or maybe it’s the way that gooey center just melts into every bite. Either way, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a hug—from the inside out.

Bake it, share it, and savor the season—because cozy is a flavor, and it’s spelled pumpkin spice.