Ooey Goey Autumn Spice Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that wraps you in the cozy, warm flavors of fall with every bite, then you absolutely must try this Ooey Goey Autumn Spice Cake. This delightful treat perfectly blends the rich, dense texture of a classic gooey butter cake with the heartwarming spices of autumn – think cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves all dancing through a sumptuous cream cheese filling atop a spiced cake crust. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or simply indulging in a sweet moment to yourself, the Ooey Goey Autumn Spice Cake hits all the right notes for comfort and joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple while using ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and that irresistible ooey goey texture. From the fragrant spice cake mix that forms a flavorful foundation to the luscious cream cheese filling that creates the signature gooey magic, every component is essential.

• Spice cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): Provides a perfectly seasoned base bursting with autumn spices like cinnamon and clove.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup total, divided): Melted butter adds richness to both crust and filling while ensuring a tender crumb and silky texture.
• Eggs (3 total, divided): Eggs bind the crust and filling together and help achieve that delicate balance between fudgy and cake-like.
• Cream cheese (1 block, 8 ounces, softened): This is the secret behind the luscious, creamy filling that truly makes the cake ooey and gooey.
• Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweeter than regular sugar, it dissolves smoothly into the filling for a silky finish without any graininess.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the rich flavors and adds a subtle aromatic depth to the cake.

How to Make Ooey Goey Autumn Spice Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your cake won’t stick and gives you easy cleanup later, so your perfect autumn treat lifts out without a hitch.

Step 2: Make and Press the Spiced Crust

In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, ½ cup of melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir until everything comes together into a thick batter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking dish to create the cozy spice base that will hold all that wonderful gooey filling. Press firmly but gently – we want a solid foundation, but still tender enough to melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer until completely smooth and creamy – no lumps allowed! Add the remaining 2 eggs and continue mixing until well combined. Then pour in the remaining ½ cup of melted butter, mixing again to combine. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until silky smooth. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely finishing touch that brings all the flavors together.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the luscious cream cheese mixture evenly over the pressed crust in your baking dish. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The edges will set and become firm while the center remains jiggly – this is exactly what you want for that famously ooey gooey texture. Once baked, let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing, allowing the cake to set up just right.

How to Serve Ooey Goey Autumn Spice Cake

Garnishes

To elevate your Ooey Goey Autumn Spice Cake, try dusting the top lightly with cinnamon or a sprinkle of nutmeg to intensify the autumn vibe. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side turns this cake into a true indulgence. For a festive touch, cinnamon sticks or candied pecans can add a bit of flair and crunch.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with warm beverages like chai tea, spiced apple cider, or a latte – perfect for cozy afternoons. If you want a little contrast, fresh seasonal fruit such as sliced pears or crisp apples adds a refreshing bite alongside the richness. A simple salad of baby greens with toasted nuts and dried cranberries can balance out the sweetness when serving at gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties and potlucks, consider serving the cake in individual ramekins or small mason jars topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a cinnamon stick for stirring. You can even layer small pieces of the Ooey Goey Autumn Spice Cake with whipped cream and chopped nuts in clear glasses to create a stunning trifle. No matter how you present it, this cake’s beauty and deliciousness will shine through.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your Ooey Goey Autumn Spice Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps wonderfully at room temperature for about a day or two, but for the best texture and freshness, refrigeration is ideal. Chilling strengthens the cake’s structure, making it easier to slice and enjoy over several days.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When properly stored, it can last up to 2 months in the freezer. This makes it a great make-ahead dessert to satisfy those autumn cravings anytime you want.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen or refrigerated cake, bring it to room temperature or warm single slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. If you prefer a slightly warm dessert, popping it in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes gives that just-baked feel, reviving the ooey gooey magic perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix instead of spice cake for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the spice cake mix really brings out those warm fall flavors unique to the Ooey Goey Autumn Spice Cake, you can experiment with yellow or butter cake mixes for a slightly different but equally delicious outcome.

Do I have to use cream cheese in the filling?

Cream cheese is key in achieving that luscious, gooey texture, so it’s highly recommended. It adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Why does the middle of the cake stay jiggly after baking?

The center looks jiggly because of the creamy filling, and that’s how you know you’ve nailed that classic ooey gooey texture. As it cools, it will firm up slightly but remain beautifully soft.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

If you have a gluten intolerance, seek out a gluten-free spice cake mix and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free certified. The recipe itself can work just as well with those substitutions.

Is this cake best served warm or cold?

This cake is amazing either way – warm if you want that melty, gooey perfection, or chilled for firmer slices. It really depends on your personal preference, but no matter how you serve it, it’s pure autumn comfort.

Final Thoughts

This Ooey Goey Autumn Spice Cake is a must-have recipe in your fall baking arsenal. Its perfect balance of moist spiced cake and irresistibly creamy, gooey filling captures everything we love about autumn desserts. I promise, once you try it, it will become a beloved favorite you reach for season after season. So don’t wait – bake a batch, gather your loved ones, and savor every delicious, cozy bite!

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