Prepare to fall in love with each zesty, buttery bite of Lemon Gooey Butter Cake! This cheerful dessert delivers vibrant citrus flavor with every forkful of its soft, tangy filling layered atop a tender cake crust. The magic lies in the incredible combination of sweet, creamy, and tart, all wrapped up in a delightful ooey-gooey texture that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving it at a spring gathering, taking it to a picnic, or just savoring it with your afternoon coffee, Lemon Gooey Butter Cake brings a burst of sunshine to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised at how just a handful of simple ingredients transform into such a bright and show-stopping treat! Each element in this recipe plays a starring role, from the citrusy zing of lemon to that oh-so-creamy filling and easy cake crust.
- Lemon cake mix (15.25 oz): The heart of your crust, this brings sweetness and a powerful burst of lemon flavor without any fuss.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps bind the crust—melted for easy mixing and ultimate crisp yet tender results.
- Large egg (crust, 1): Helps hold the crust together while keeping it light and soft.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the gooey filling; provides silky, tangy creaminess that’s completely irresistible.
- Large eggs (filling, 2): Give structure and richness to the creamy center, so it sets but stays delightfully gooey.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, aromatic note that perfectly balances the bright citrus.
- Lemon zest (1/2 teaspoon): Intensifies the sunny lemon flavor and fills your kitchen with a fresh aroma.
- Lemon juice (1/4 cup, freshly squeezed): Provides zingy tartness, making the entire cake taste bright and refreshing.
- Powdered sugar (3 3/4 cups): Gives the filling its sweetness and that signature glossy, gooey texture.
How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cake
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your Lemon Gooey Butter Cake releases easily and bakes evenly. Taking a moment to prep your pan properly sets the stage for those beautiful, neat squares later on!
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, melted butter, and one large egg. Stir until everything comes together into a soft dough—don’t worry if it’s a bit sticky, that means it will bake up tender. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your pan, making sure it reaches all corners and forms a nice, compact layer.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Switch to a clean bowl and beat your softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and lump-free; a hand mixer makes this super quick. Add in the two large eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix until everything is beautifully blended and luscious. Slowly beat in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, until your filling is thick, creamy, and glossy.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
Pour your delightful lemon-cream cheese mixture over the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula so every bite gets an even layer. Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges should look golden and set, while the center remains just a bit wobbly and gooey—it’s the signature texture of Lemon Gooey Butter Cake!
Step 5: Cool & Slice
Allow your cake to cool completely in the pan—this helps the gooey filling set just enough to slice neatly. For the cleanest edges, pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours. Right before serving, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
How to Serve Lemon Gooey Butter Cake
Garnishes
A blanket of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also dress up your Lemon Gooey Butter Cake with thin curls of fresh lemon zest or a scattering of fresh berries. A dollop of whipped cream is never out of place for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
This luscious cake pairs beautifully with light, fresh accompaniments. Try serving with a fruit salad bursting with berries or citrus segments, or offer a cup of herbal tea or bright coffee to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into dainty squares or bars for parties and bake sales, or go bold and serve generous rectangles for dessert. You can even use circle cutters for playful, modern bites, or layer small squares between sheets of wax paper in a rustic box for a sweet homemade gift.
Lemon Gooey Butter Cake: Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lemon Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The cake actually gets even more flavorful as it chills and the filling sets firmly, making it perfect for planning ahead.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Lemon Gooey Butter Cake! Once cooled and cut, arrange slices in a single layer, separated by parchment or wax paper, in an airtight container. Freeze for up to two months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
If you love that gooey texture warm, pop your slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Watch closely—just a touch of heat will revive that just-baked magic without sacrificing the creamy filling.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While the lemon cake mix truly highlights what makes Lemon Gooey Butter Cake so special, feel free to experiment with vanilla, strawberry, or even orange cake mixes for your own delicious twist.
Can I make Lemon Gooey Butter Cake ahead of time?
Yes, it’s actually ideal for making ahead. The flavors intensify after a night in the fridge, and it slices more cleanly once completely chilled. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Look for golden edges with a center that’s just set but still gently jiggly. It should look slightly underbaked in the very center—that’s the gooey perfection you’re after!
Can I add extra lemon for more zing?
Definitely! For extra tang, feel free to add more fresh lemon zest or even a touch more juice to the filling. Just don’t overdo the juice, or the filling may not set as well.
What’s the best way to slice Lemon Gooey Butter Cake?
For clean, sharp squares, chill the cake thoroughly and use a large, sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. Dust with powdered sugar afterwards for a polished finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s bright, cheerful, and absolutely addictive, you can’t go wrong with Lemon Gooey Butter Cake. Its sweet-tart flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture are pure joy in every square. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite treat to share!
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Lemon Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible richness of Lemon Gooey Butter Cake, a delightful dessert that combines the zesty freshness of lemon with a decadent, creamy texture. This easy-to-make treat will be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the crust: Mix lemon cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Press the dough into the pan.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, add eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice. Mix in powdered sugar until smooth.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 35–40 minutes until set.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Chill for clean slices.
- Enhance with extra lemon zest.
- Store in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
