Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake

This is my new favorite way to enjoy pumpkin… in a Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake! Layers of sweet cake and pumpkin filling combine for the most amazing dessert! This delightful cake is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as an indulgent treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of a moist cake base topped with a luscious pumpkin filling makes it irresistibly good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Flavorful Layers: The blend of pumpkin and spices creates a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for autumn.
• Versatile Dessert: Great for potlucks, family dinners, or cozy nights in; it suits any occasion.
• Decadent Texture: Enjoy the unique gooeyness that melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This cake is sure to impress friends and family alike!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when blending ingredients smoothly.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect size for ensuring even baking and easy serving.

Ingredients

This Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake features a blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients that highlight the essence of fall.

For the Cake Base

• 1 package (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter (melted)

For the Pumpkin Filling

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 can (15 ounces) pure pumpkin
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice extract
• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

How to Make Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Base

In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, room temperature egg, and melted butter.
* Mix until well combined and smooth.
* Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of your greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Filling

In another bowl, whip together the softened cream cheese until creamy.
* Add in pure pumpkin, room temperature eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice extract, melted butter, pumpkin spice, and confectioners’ sugar.
* Mix until fully blended and smooth.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the pumpkin filling over the cake base in the baking dish.
* Bake in your preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until set.

Let it cool slightly before serving. Your Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake is now ready to delight everyone’s taste buds! Enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake

Serving Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, these suggestions will elevate your dessert moment.

With Whipped Cream

• Fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that balances the richness of the cake.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• The creamy vanilla ice cream melts slightly on warm cake, creating a delicious contrast of temperatures.

Drizzled Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds an extra layer of flavor to each bite.

Chopped Nuts

• Toasted pecans or walnuts provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the soft cake.

Sprinkled Cinnamon

• A dusting of cinnamon on top not only looks beautiful but also brings out the pumpkin spice flavor.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for an exceptional dessert experience.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures better mixing and helps achieve a smooth batter and filling.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined for a tender texture. Overmixing can lead to dense cake.
• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• Let it cool: Allow the cake to cool before serving to let flavors meld and make slicing easier.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to five days.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake can create a well-rounded dessert table. Consider these delicious options:

1. Chai Tea
   A warm cup of chai tea complements the spices in the cake beautifully.
2. Coffee
   A strong cup of coffee balances the sweetness and enhances flavors in the dessert.
3. Apple Slices with Cinnamon Sugar
   Fresh apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon sugar add a refreshing crunch alongside the cake.
4. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses, such as brie or sharp cheddar, offers a savory contrast to sweet flavors.
5. Pecan Pie Bars
   These bars bring in more nutty sweetness, perfect for those who love desserts with textures.
6. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad provides freshness and balances the richness of the ooey gooey cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can help you achieve the perfect Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can result in a lumpy batter that won’t mix well.
• Overmixing the batter: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy texture.
• Skipping the pumpkin spice: Pumpkin spice adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip it; use the recommended amount to enhance the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
• Not greasing the pan properly: Make sure to grease your baking dish thoroughly. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your delicious cake.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Check for doneness slightly before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Make sure the cake is completely cooled before sealing it to prevent condensation.

Freezing Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat slices for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual pieces on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake:

Can I substitute ingredients in Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake?

Yes! You can replace yellow cake mix with gluten-free options or use dairy-free cream cheese if needed.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake is done?

The cake should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.

What can I serve with Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake?

Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce complement this dessert beautifully!

Can I make this Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until serving time.

Final Thoughts

The Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Cake is a delightful way to savor fall flavors. Its rich layers of cake and pumpkin filling create a comforting dessert that everyone will love. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture or sweetness. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and share this delicious treat with family and friends!