Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake Recipe – A Fall Favorite

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz / 432 g) (for the base of the cake)
• 1 large egg (for binding the cake batter)
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted (for richness and texture)
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (for the pumpkin flavor and moisture)
• 2 large eggs (for the pumpkin filling to set)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (to enhance the flavor)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for that warm, cozy spice flavor)
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (for a hint of holiday spice)
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened (for the gooey filling)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for sweetness and a creamy consistency)
• ½ teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the cake base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and forms a thick dough-like consistency. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust layer.
2. Make the pumpkin filling: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth and fully combined. The filling should be thick, creamy, and well-mixed. Pour this pumpkin filling over the cake base, spreading it out evenly.
3. Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. The top should be slightly firm but still soft and gooey in the middle. If the edges are browning too quickly, you can cover the cake with aluminum foil and continue baking until the center is cooked through.
4. Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the gooey center to set. This will make it easier to cut into neat squares and enhance the creamy texture.
5. Serve and enjoy: Once chilled, slice the cake into squares and serve. It’s best served cold or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce if you’d like to add a little extra indulgence!
   

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