Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake includes a spiced cake base (made with a box mix) and it's topped with a custardy pumpkin pie–inspired layer. Easy, festive, and perfect for fall.

And seriously so good. One recipe tester said she'd rather eat this cake than pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving.

Gild the lily with whipped cream or a shower of powdered sugar.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Cake
• Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Ingredients
• Make Ahead + Freezing Directions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Best Pumpkin Recipes to Try
• PIN FOR LATER
• Watch How to Make Pumpkin Butter Cake
• Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
• Recipe
• Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
• Comments

Why You'll Love This Cake

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is a 9x13 dessert that's a great alternative to the pumpkin pie you make every Thanksgiving.

This one serves a crowd.

If you have a larger family, I understand that's a subjective description, but if you usually have to bake two pumpkin pies, you can probably get away with just making one of these St. Louis style pumpkin butter cakes.

Gooey Butter Cakes are my speciality you might say, being a St. Louis native. I have recipes for making Gooey Butter Cake from Scratch, St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake with Cake Mix and Philadelphia German Butter Cake--similar but different.

Then there are Gooey Butter Cake Cookies for Christmas.

Want more? See my gooey butter cake recipe roundup.

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Ingredients

• 1 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix (can use a white or spice)
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• 4 large eggs (one for crust, 3 for filling)
• 2 sticks melted unsalted butter (divided)
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (8 oz) softened cream cheese
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided 
• 1 (16 oz) bag powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (divided) (make homemade pumpkin pie spice)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (add a pinch to crust and to filling)

And so it starts, one innocent powdered sugar dusted square at a time, until the pan is empty.

1. Mix cake mix, one egg, and butter for the crust. Press into a greased 9x13 pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth.
3. Add pumpkin, eggs, spices and beat until combined.
4. Pour in powdered sugar and mix until no white remains.
5. Spread filling over the crust.
6. Bake until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly soft. Internal temperature should be between 175F° and 185F°. Remember it will continue to bake for a few minutes after being removed from oven.
7. Cool completely on countertop or table before cutting into squares.

Make Ahead + Freezing Directions

• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
• This cake freezes really well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or resealable bags and then tuck into a freezer safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
• See my special page devoted to freezer desserts and how to do it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pumpkin gooey butter cake ahead of time?
Yes you can bake it the day before you plan to serve it. Just be sure to cover it well and refrigerate. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How Can I Tell if Pumpkin Butter Cake is Done?

The top of the cake will be darker and the sides will start to pull away from the pan. The center will still be moist. If you bake it until it no longer looks moist in the middle, the cake will be overcooked.

Internal temperature should be between 175F° and 185F°. Remember it will continue to bake for a few minutes after being removed from oven.

A digital thermometer is the best way to determine doneness. I use and love this thermometer. (affiliate link)

It's okay if the cake has a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven like pumpkin pie. But remember the old saying, if it wobbles like a wave, it's not done yet.

Does gooey butter cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, gooey butter cake is basically a custard dessert because of the cream cheese and eggs so it should be refrigerated. Let the cake cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

Best Pumpkin Recipes to Try

If you'd like more pumpkin desserts you are in the right place. Try my most popular pumpkin pie made with sweetened condensed milk or Classic Pumpkin Pie, made with evaporated milk. But there's also a pumpkin pie made with cream cheese.

Out of pumpkin pie spice? Try one of these five pumpkin spice substitutes.

Or, if you'd rather make a pumpkin dessert that isn't pie, try Pumpkin Pecan Bars or regular Pumpkin Bars.

But if you're here because you're in Thanksgiving dessert mode or looking for Christmas desserts, think about making a pecan pie, so easy for beginners. Or mini pecan tarts or the most popular recipe on kitchenserf: Pecan Pie Bark.

PIN FOR LATER

Watch How to Make Pumpkin Butter Cake

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe