If you have a sweet tooth and love that delightful combination of buttery crust and rich, creamy filling, then this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Originating from St. Louis, this dessert is the perfect balance of a soft, cakey base topped with a luscious, gooey layer that melts in your mouth, making every bite an indulgent experience. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this cake never fails to impress with its irresistible texture and classic flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by its decadence—this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Each component plays a vital role in creating that iconic rich flavor and gooey texture that defines this dessert.
- Yellow cake mix: forms the delicious base with just the right crumb and color.
- Unsalted butter (melted): adds richness and moisture to both crust and filling.
- Large eggs: bind ingredients together and provide structure.
- Cream cheese (softened): delivers that signature tang and creamy texture.
- Vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
- Powdered sugar: sweetens the filling perfectly while adding smoothness.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Mix until a soft dough forms, which will be your buttery, flavorful base. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure it reaches all the corners for an even crust.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and free of lumps—this is key for that luxe filling. Add the remaining two eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended. Pour in the melted butter and beat the mixture again until silky smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, incorporating it fully to form a thick, creamy batter that will become your gooey topping.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the luscious cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Watch closely—the edges should turn a beautiful golden brown while the center remains slightly jiggly to retain its famous gooey texture. Avoid overbaking, as the magic of this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe lies in that creamy center.
Step 4: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let your cake cool completely to room temperature—it helps the filling set without losing that delightful softness. After cooling, slice into squares and get ready to savor this incredible treat. You can serve it at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of classic elegance to your Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, making each square look as good as it tastes. For an extra twist, try sprinkling finely chopped nuts or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent finish that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream, balancing the sweetness with a hint of freshness. For coffee lovers, a rich cup of espresso or creamy latte complements the buttery layers perfectly, turning dessert time into a cozy ritual.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving your Gooey Butter Cake Recipe in mini muffin tins to make individual portions, perfect for parties or gifts. You can also layer it with fresh fruit in parfait glasses, showcasing the stunning contrast between the cake’s colors and textures in an eye-catching way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You’ll be happy to know that this cake actually gets better after resting, so store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen slices can be kept for up to 3 months and make a quick indulgent snack whenever you’re craving something sweet.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked feeling, let the cake thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the cream cheese layer, restoring the gooey goodness you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, while the original uses a yellow cake mix for its classic flavor, you can experiment with white or butter cake mixes for a slightly different taste and texture without compromising the gooey filling.
Is it necessary to keep the center slightly jiggly?
Absolutely! The slightly jiggly center is crucial for the authentic Gooey Butter Cake Recipe texture. Overbaking will result in a dry cake, so timing is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the yellow cake mix with a certified gluten-free cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a delightful dessert everyone can enjoy.
How long does this cake keep well after baking?
This cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days refrigerated. For optimal texture, bring it to room temperature before serving, which will revive its gooey, rich character.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan, just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly and watch the cake closely to maintain the perfect gooey center.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Gooey Butter Cake Recipe that makes it impossible not to fall in love at first bite. Its simple ingredients come together to create a rich, buttery, and irresistibly soft dessert that feels like a big, warm hug from the inside. Trust me, once you try making this luscious treat, you’ll be coming back for seconds and sharing it with all your favorite people. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and dive into this deliciously gooey experience today!
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Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Gooey Butter Cake is a rich and decadent dessert originating from St. Louis, featuring a buttery cake base topped with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling that remains delightfully gooey in the center. This easy-to-make treat combines a boxed yellow cake mix with a luscious cream cheese layer, baked to perfection for a classic indulgence perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms, then press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust layer.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Pour in the melted butter and beat again until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly to achieve a consistent filling.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly to maintain gooeyness.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Serve at room temperature or chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving for a classic touch.
- This cake improves in flavor and texture if made a day ahead.
- Do not overbake; the center should stay slightly gooey for the perfect consistency.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best rich flavor.
