Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe — Decadent Autumn Dessert

This easy Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake recipe uses just 8 simple ingredients to create contrasting textures: a creamy pumpkin-cream cheese layer atop a buttery cake mix crust. Rich and decadent, this fall dessert is a favorite for potlucks, gatherings, and holiday menus.

Two pieces of pumpkin gooey butter cake stacked on a white plate.

Ooey Gooey Pumpkin Butter Cake

Each forkful combines a lusciously smooth pumpkin-cream cheese filling with a tender, buttery cake-mix base. Serve slices with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon for an extra touch.

This recipe is fast to prepare—about 15 minutes of active prep—and delivers the comforting spices and moist texture that make pumpkin desserts feel like fall in every bite.

Bite of pumpkin gooey butter cake on a fork.

Its simple technique and dependable results make it a go-to when you need an impressive dessert with minimal fuss.

Side view of two pieces of  pumpkin gooey butter cake stacked on a white plate.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ooey gooey butter cake ingredients photo.
  • Yellow cake mix – 15.25-ounce box (or use spice cake mix for extra warmth)
  • Butter – 2 sticks (1 cup), divided
  • Pumpkin puree – 15-ounce can
  • Cream cheese – 8-ounce block, softened
  • Eggs – 4 total
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
  • Powdered sugar – 3 1/2 cups
  • Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon (or substitute pumpkin pie spice)
Overhead view of  pumpkin gooey butter cake topped with whip cream and cinnamon.

How To Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

Step-by-step pictures of how to make  pumpkin gooey butter cake.

STEP ONE – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

STEP TWO – Melt one stick (1/2 cup) of butter.

STEP THREE – In a bowl combine the cake mix, the melted stick of butter, and 1 egg. Mix until evenly combined.

STEP FOUR – Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

STEP FIVE – Press the cake mix mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

STEP SIX – In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and pumpkin puree until smooth and lump-free.

STEP SEVEN – Add the remaining 3 eggs, the other stick of melted butter, vanilla, and cinnamon to the pumpkin mixture; beat until fully combined.

Step-by-step pictures of how to make  pumpkin gooey butter cake with finished cake

STEP EIGHT – Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth and well incorporated.

STEP NINE – Pour the pumpkin-cream cheese filling over the prepared crust and spread gently. Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.

STEP TEN – Allow the cake to cool, then dust with additional powdered sugar. Serve slices with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture, or warm briefly if you prefer a softer, gooey center.

Overhead image of ooey gooey butter cake on a white plate.

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake


  • Author: Sandra Flegg
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

A simple, comforting pumpkin dessert with a creamy filling and buttery base. It’s easy to make and ideal for seasonal gatherings.


Ingredients

1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix

2 sticks butter (1 cup), divided

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese, softened

4 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Melt one stick of butter.
  3. Combine cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg; mix well.
  4. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
  5. Press the cake mixture into the bottom of the pan.
  6. Whisk together cream cheese and pumpkin until smooth.
  7. Add 3 eggs, vanilla, the other stick of melted butter, and cinnamon; beat together.
  8. Add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
  9. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust and bake 40–50 minutes, until center is just set but slightly jiggly.
  10. Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar and cool before slicing.

Optional: top each slice with whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon.

Notes

Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven Baked
  • Cuisine: American

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