If you’ve never experienced the joy of biting into a true Gooey Butter Cake, you’re in for an unforgettable treat! This decadent dessert is everything its name promises: a soft, slightly crisp base topped with a melt-in-your-mouth, sweet, creamy layer that oozes buttery goodness with each bite. While this cake traces its origins to St. Louis, it’s beloved well beyond the Midwest for its shockingly simple prep and irresistibly rich flavor. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just for yourself, Gooey Butter Cake brings a taste of nostalgia (and maybe a little mischief) to your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Delightfully simple and readily available, these ingredients are the backbone of Gooey Butter Cake. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, lush texture, and that signature gooeyness everyone craves!
- Yellow Cake Mix: The base layer comes together effortlessly with a classic boxed mix, giving you a buttery, tender crust without the fuss.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted): Melted butter infuses both flavor and moisture, ensuring every square is rich and soft.
- Large Eggs (3, divided): Eggs bind the crust and create a lush, creamy topping — be sure to separate them for each layer as directed.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): This is the secret to the cake’s famously gooey, tangy top, so make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla deepens the dessert’s sweet, homey notes.
- Powdered Sugar (4 cups): Powdered sugar adds structure and that irresistible fudgy texture, plus an optional final dusting for a flawless finish.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Before you start mixing, get your oven nice and hot by setting it to 350°F (175°C). Give a 9×13-inch baking pan a light greasing, making sure to reach all corners — this helps the cake release perfectly after baking so you don’t miss a crumb.
Step 2: Blend the Crust Layer
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, ½ cup melted butter, and 1 large egg. Use a spatula or an electric mixer on low until everything comes together and forms a soft dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan — try to get a smooth, even layer so the gooey topping has a perfect foundation.
Step 3: Make the Gooey Butter Cake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and lump-free. Add the remaining 2 eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar, allowing it to blend in slowly so the filling doesn’t get too runny or gritty. Beat until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and satiny.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pressed crust and smooth it gently with a spatula, making sure it reaches the edges. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye out: you want the edges golden and a little puffed, but the center should remain irresistible and slightly gooey. Don’t overbake, or you’ll miss out on that signature ooze!
Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Serve
Remove the pan and allow the Gooey Butter Cake to cool completely. Once cooled, cut it into generous squares. For a touch of extra magic, give the top a snowy dusting of additional powdered sugar just before serving.
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake
Garnishes
The classic finish for Gooey Butter Cake is a light dusting of powdered sugar, but don’t be afraid to get creative! A dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries for a pop of tartness, or a sprinkle of lemon zest all take this treat to new heights. Feeling festive? A drizzle of chocolate or sauce is always welcome.
Side Dishes
This sweet delight pairs beautifully with coffee, hot chocolate, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a balanced dessert plate, try serving alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Gooey Butter Cake even stars at brunch with crisp bacon or savory quiche for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Gooey Butter Cake into bite-sized cubes and arrange them on a tiered platter for parties, or use cookie cutters for fun and festive shapes. You can even layer slices in a trifle dish with cream and fruit for a show-stopping dessert parfait!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors mellow and meld beautifully, making the leftovers just as dreamy (if not more so) on day two or three!
Freezing
Want to make your Gooey Butter Cake ahead of a big event? Freeze whole or sliced, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to preserve freshness. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer enjoying your slice a little warm, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You can also reheat several pieces at once in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes—just keep a close eye to preserve the gooey center.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic for Gooey Butter Cake, swapping in white or even butter pecan cake mix offers a delicious twist. Just make sure to keep the rest of the ingredients and measurements the same.
What makes Gooey Butter Cake “gooey”?
The magic layer of sweetened cream cheese, eggs, and powdered sugar bakes up soft, shiny, and nearly custard-like in the center, giving the cake its irresistible gooey texture. It’s the delightful contrast to the buttery base!
Why use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter lets you control the overall saltiness of your Gooey Butter Cake, highlighting the sweetness and mellow tang of the cream cheese without overpowering it.
Can I make Gooey Butter Cake gluten-free?
You can! Simply swap the yellow cake mix for your favorite gluten-free boxed mix. All other ingredients remain the same, so it’s an easy adaptation for gluten-sensitive dessert lovers.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Check the edges—they should be golden and set, while the center will jiggle just slightly when gently shaken. Overbaking loses the signature goo, so it’s okay if it looks underdone in the middle; it’ll firm up as it cools.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t yet brought the irresistible charm of Gooey Butter Cake into your home, don’t wait another day! This recipe is pure comfort, bringing smiles to anyone lucky enough to snag a piece. Whip it up and get ready for a new family favorite—just be prepared for requests for seconds!
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Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent goodness of Gooey Butter Cake, a classic American dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With a buttery cake base and a creamy, sweet filling, every bite is a taste of nostalgia and bliss.
Ingredients
Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Cake Base: Combine cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Press into pan.
- Prepare Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and powdered sugar.
- Layer and Bake: Pour filling over crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are golden and center is gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Cool cake completely before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Try adding lemon zest or fruit preserves for flavor variations.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
