Pumpkin Butter Cake Made with Philadelphia Cream Cheese: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cake Base

In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, melted butter, egg, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until just combined — the mixture will be thick, more like cookie dough than cake batter.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the Philadelphia Cream Cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then beat again until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until smooth. Finally, blend in the pumpkin puree and cinnamon.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin cake base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Be careful not to overbake — the gooey texture is what makes this cake so irresistible!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool completely before slicing. For a neater presentation, refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares or bars.

Serve chilled or at room temperature, and top with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Butter Cake

• Use real Philadelphia Cream Cheese for the creamiest texture and authentic flavor.

• Don’t substitute pumpkin pie filling — it’s pre-sweetened and spiced, which can throw off the balance.

• For extra indulgence, drizzle each slice with caramel sauce or maple glaze.

• Want more spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cake batter.

A Fall Favorite You’ll Make Again and Again

This Pumpkin Butter Cake with Philadelphia Cream Cheese is the kind of dessert that disappears fast — the perfect blend of soft cake, creamy filling, and cozy pumpkin spice. It’s easy to make, rich enough to impress, and festive enough for any fall celebration.

So the next time you’re craving something sweet and seasonal, skip the pie and bake this pumpkin masterpiece instead. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s become a fall baking favorite everywhere.