Pumpkin Butter Cake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert You Need to Try

If you’re searching for the perfect fall dessert that captures the warmth of autumn in every bite, look no further than pumpkin butter cake. This decadent treat blends creamy pumpkin butter with a moist cake base to create a rich, velvety delight that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering, a holiday feast, or just treating yourself, pumpkin butter cake is a must-try seasonal indulgence.

What is Pumpkin Butter Cake?

Pumpkin butter cake is a luscious dessert made by layering a spiced cake base with a sweet and creamy pumpkin butter filling. Inspired by the famous Gooey Butter Cake from St. Louis, this fall version adds the earthy, warm flavor of pumpkin, making it an irresistible option for anyone who loves pumpkin desserts.

The Two Layers of Deliciousness

Bottom Layer (Cake Base): A simple yellow cake mix enriched with butter and eggs forms a dense, buttery foundation.
Top Layer (Pumpkin Butter Filling): A silky blend of pumpkin puree, cream cheese, eggs, powdered sugar, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

Pumpkin butter cake isn’t just any fall dessert. It’s:

Easy to make — just basic pantry ingredients and minimal prep time.
Deeply flavorful — packed with aromatic spices and real pumpkin.
Perfectly gooey — the top layer stays creamy even after baking.
Great for gatherings — sliceable, portable, and universally loved.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake Base:

1 box yellow cake mix
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
1 egg

For the Pumpkin Butter Filling:

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
Pinch of ground cloves (optional)

How to Make Pumpkin Butter Cake

Creating pumpkin butter cake is simple and straightforward. Here’s how you can make it at home:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13″ baking pan.
Prepare the cake base: In a medium bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Make the pumpkin butter layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add in pumpkin puree and mix until fully combined. Beat in eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir in spices and then gently fold in powdered sugar until smooth.
Assemble: Pour the pumpkin butter mixture over the cake layer and spread evenly.
Bake for 45–50 minutes. The center should be slightly gooey — not fully set. Cool completely before slicing.

Pro Baking Tips

Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
Don’t overbake — the moist top layer should jiggle slightly in the center.
Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Serving Suggestions

This pumpkin dessert is incredibly versatile. Here are a few popular ways to serve it:

Warm with whipped cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream makes it extra indulgent.
Chilled with coffee: Serve cold from the fridge with a strong coffee or pumpkin spice latte.
With a drizzle of caramel sauce: Add contrast with sweet, sticky caramel.

Storing & Freezing Pumpkin Butter Cake

Have leftovers? No problem!

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Nutrition Quick Look (Per Serving)

Calories: ~385
Fat: 20g
Carbs: 46g
Sugar: 35g
Protein: 5g

Note: These are approximate values; actual nutrition may vary based on specific brands and portion size.

Internal Linking Suggestions

Anchor Text: Easy Fall Desserts — link to a blog post featuring seasonal favorites.
Anchor Text: How to Make Pumpkin Puree from Scratch — link to a guide/tutorial.
Anchor Text: Gooey Butter Cake Recipe — link to original or vanilla variation.

External Linking Suggestions

Libby’s – Trusted brand for pumpkin puree.
King Arthur Baking – High-quality baking tips and ingredients.
Food Network – Great source for dessert inspiration and variations.

FAQs

Conclusion: Bake the Perfect Pumpkin Butter Cake Today!

Pumpkin butter cake offers all the cozy flavors of autumn in one luxurious, gooey dessert. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday spread or as a weekend treat, this cake is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, impossible to forget, and the perfect addition to your fall baking list.

Ready to make your kitchen smell like fall? Gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step instructions, and surprise everyone with a slice of heaven. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more seasonal recipes, baking tips, and exclusive kitchen hacks!