Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures even baking and makes cleanup simple.
Prepare the cake base: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Stir until a thick dough forms — it should have a soft, pliable texture similar to cookie dough. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a smooth and compact base for the gooey layer.
Make the pumpkin filling: In another large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Add the pumpkin puree, remaining 3 eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, stirring until fully incorporated and smooth. Finally, blend in the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to infuse the filling with classic pumpkin spice flavor.
Assemble the layers: Pour the pumpkin cream cheese filling over the prepared cake base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The filling should be smooth and level to ensure even baking and a consistent gooey texture throughout.
