Gooey Butter Pumpkin Cake Paula Deen

The crisp autumn air always brings a flurry of activity to our kitchen. My three little ones, bless their hearts, start asking for pumpkin everything the moment September rolls around. One year, looking for a new fall treat, I stumbled upon a recipe that quickly became a legend in our home: the gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen style.

Oh, my goodness, this isn’t just a cake; it’s a warm hug in dessert form! I remember the first time I made this gooey butter pumpkin cake. The rich aroma filled every corner of our house, drawing curious noses from all directions.

My oldest took one bite of this incredible gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen created and declared it the “best pumpkin cake ever!” That’s high praise from a ten-year-old! This particular gooey butter pumpkin cake recipe is surprisingly simple to whip up, yet it delivers such profound, comforting flavors. It truly embodies my belief that food is love.

If you’re looking for that perfect, decadent, melt-in-your-mouth fall dessert, you absolutely must try the gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen made famous. Itโ€™s a keeper, I promise!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Every mom knows the joy of a dessert that impresses everyone without requiring hours in the kitchen. This gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen created is exactly that! You’ll adore the effortless preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

This isn’t just any pumpkin cake; it’s the signature gooey butter pumpkin cake experience, offering a perfectly sweet, creamy layer atop a tender, cake-like crust. The pumpkin adds such a lovely, moist texture and warm spice. Plus, making the gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen style fills your home with the most inviting fall fragrance. Itโ€™s pure comfort.

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gooey butter pumpkin cake paula deen

gooey butter pumpkin cake paula deen


  • Author: Lauren
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Standard

Description

This gooey butter pumpkin cake, inspired by Paula Deen, is a beloved fall dessert that offers a warm, comforting hug in every bite. It features a tender cake-like crust made with yellow cake mix and pumpkin puree, topped with a rich, creamy, and irresistibly gooey layer of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter. Surprisingly simple to prepare, it's perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings and fills your home with an inviting fall fragrance.


Ingredients

Scale

1 box (15.25 oz) Yellow Cake Mix
1 can (15 oz) Pumpkin Puree
4 large Eggs
1.5 sticks (12 tbsp) Unsalted Butter, melted
8 oz (1 block) Cream Cheese, softened
2 cups Powdered Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC)
  2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, pumpkin puree, 2 large eggs, and 1 stick (8 tbsp) of melted butter. Mix until just combined
  3. Press this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the base of your gooey butter pumpkin cake
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 4 tbsp of melted butter until smooth
  5. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until creamy
  6. Beat in the remaining 2 large eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice (if using) until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the signature gooey layer
  7. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake mix crust and gently spread it to cover
  8. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden brown, but the center still has a slight jiggle. This slight jiggle indicates the perfect gooey texture
  9. Remove the gooey butter pumpkin cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing
  10. Dust with extra powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy your homemade gooey butter pumpkin cake!

Notes

Always make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened for that super smooth, lump-free top layer.

Don't overmix the batter; a gentle hand ensures a tender crumb.

Check for doneness with a gentle jiggle in the center; it should still be a little soft, thatโ€™s the โ€˜gooeyโ€™ part.

Let your gooey butter pumpkin cake cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts, though warm slices are heavenly!

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds brings back that wonderful gooey texture.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 40 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: pumpkin, gooey butter cake, Paula Deen, fall dessert, easy, comfort food, cream cheese, cake mix

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Gathering your ingredients for this amazing gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen shared is simple. Most items are likely already in your pantry! Hereโ€™s what youโ€™ll need to make your very own gooey butter pumpkin cake.

IngredientQuantity
Yellow Cake Mix1 box (15.25 oz)
Pumpkin Puree1 (15 oz) can
Eggs4 large
Unsalted Butter, melted1 ยฝ sticks (12 tbsp)
Cream Cheese, softened8 oz (1 block)
Powdered Sugar2 cups
Vanilla Extract1 tsp
Pumpkin Pie Spice1 tsp (optional)
gooey butter pumpkin cake paula deen

SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS

  • The classic gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen recipe is wonderful as is. However, you can certainly play around! For a gluten-free gooey butter pumpkin cake, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
  • Swap pumpkin pie spice for just cinnamon and nutmeg if you prefer. Add a swirl of cream cheese to the top layer for an extra tangy twist on your gooey butter pumpkin cake. You can also sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for a nice crunch with your gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen created.
  • While the classic gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen recipe is wonderful as is, experimenting with dietary needs can unlock new favorites. If you’re looking for a similar decadent treat without gluten, explore options like a Gluten Free Gooey Butter Cake for all to enjoy.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Making this gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen introduced us to is so straightforward. You’ll be enjoying slices of this incredible treat in no time! Follow these easy steps to bake your perfect gooey butter pumpkin cake.

I do not own the rights to this video. It is embedded here for informational purposes only.

YouTube video

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, pumpkin puree, 2 large eggs, and 1 stick (8 tbsp) of melted butter. Mix until just combined. Press this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. This forms the base of your gooey butter pumpkin cake.
  2. Make the Gooey Topping: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 4 tbsp of melted butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until creamy. Beat in the remaining 2 large eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice (if using) until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the signature gooey layer for your pumpkin gooey butter cake.
  3. Assemble & Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake mix crust. Gently spread it to cover. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden brown, but the center still has a slight jiggle. This slight jiggle indicates the perfect gooey texture of your gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen style.
  4. Cool & Serve: Remove the gooey butter pumpkin cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Dust with extra powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy your homemade gooey butter pumpkin cake!

PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Achieving that perfect, signature gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen is known for is easy with a few simple tricks. Always make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened for that super smooth, lump-free top layer of your gooey butter pumpkin cake. Don’t overmix the batter; a gentle hand ensures a tender crumb.

Check for doneness with a gentle jiggle in the center; it should still be a little soft, thatโ€™s the โ€˜gooeyโ€™ part of the gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen wants! Let your gooey butter pumpkin cake cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts, though warm slices are heavenly!

gooey butter pumpkin cake paula deen

Mastering the ‘gooey’ texture is key to this cake’s charm, ensuring every bite is moist and satisfying. If you love that irresistible gooeyness in desserts, you might also be interested in mastering Gooey Lava Cookies for another level of indulgence.

STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS

If you happen to have any gooey butter pumpkin cake left (a rare occurrence in our house!), proper storage keeps it delicious. Store your gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen style in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds brings back that wonderful gooey texture to your pumpkin gooey butter cake. It’s truly delightful warmed.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE

This decadent gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen shared stands beautifully on its own. However, a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream takes this gooey butter pumpkin cake to another level. A warm cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk also pairs wonderfully.

It’s the ultimate fall dessert for any occasion.

gooey butter pumpkin cake paula deen

This decadent gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen shared stands beautifully on its own, but serving it with delightful accompaniments enhances its already exquisite flavor profile. For another fantastic treat that pairs wonderfully with coffee or milk, consider trying these Gluten Free Gooey Butter Cookies.

FAQS

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree?

While canned pumpkin puree is recommended for consistency in this gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen recipe, you can use fresh. Just ensure it’s very well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your gooey butter pumpkin cake.

How do I know when my gooey butter pumpkin cake is done?

The center of your gooey butter pumpkin cake should still have a slight wobble when gently shaken. The edges will be set and golden. This ensures that signature gooey texture of the gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen is famous for!

The gooey butter cake is a distinctive dessert originating from St. Louis, Missouri, cherished for its unique two-layer structure. Chefs like Paula Deen popularized variations, often incorporating seasonal flavors such as pumpkin, transforming it into a beloved autumn staple.

NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delicious gooey butter pumpkin cake Paula Deen made popular.

NutrientAmount
Calories~450 kcal
Fat~25 g
Saturated Fat~15 g
Carbohydrates~55 g
Sugars~40 g
Protein~5 g

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