If you have a sweet tooth and adore rich, decadent desserts, the Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This beloved St. Louis classic blends a buttery cake base with an irresistibly creamy, sweet filling that stays delightfully gooey in the center. Every bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it one of those nostalgic treats that quickly becomes a favorite. Whether served warm or chilled, this dessert is as comforting as it is indulgent, and once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s great about this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is how straightforward and approachable the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in building that signature texture and flavor that’s rich, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Yellow cake mix: Acts as the simple yet sturdy base that holds the gooey filling together perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture, ensuring the cake’s tender crumb and luscious filling.
- Eggs: Bind everything, adding structure to both the crust and the creamy topping.
- Cream cheese: The secret star that makes the filling incredibly smooth, tangy, and irresistibly creamy.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that elevates the whole dessert.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling to the perfect degree and creates that silky, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with melted unsalted butter and one egg. Stir until a soft dough forms. This simple crust is the foundation of your Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, so press it evenly into the bottom of your pan. It creates a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the luscious topping.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Then add two eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is fully combined. Pour in the melted butter and continue beating until everything is uniform. The final touch is gradually adding the powdered sugar, which thickens the creamy mixture and sweetens it perfectly. This rich, dreamy filling is what makes the Gooey Butter Cake Recipe so special.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared crust in your baking dish. Spread it carefully to avoid tearing the base. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll want to watch closely—the edges should turn a lovely golden hue, while the center stays slightly jiggly. That’s the hallmark of a perfectly baked Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. Resist the urge to overbake, as that gooey texture is the dessert’s soul.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. This helps the filling set just enough to hold its shape without losing any of the gooey magic. When ready, slice the cake into squares and serve either at room temperature or chilled. Dust with extra powdered sugar for an elegant finish if you like!
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Though this cake shines on its own, simple garnishes can add a delightful touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar enhances its sweet appeal and looks beautiful. For extra flair, try topping with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also add a creamy contrast that’s downright heavenly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Gooey Butter Cake Recipe with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk to balance its richness. Fresh fruit or a light salad works well if you want to offer a refreshing, palate-cleansing side. This versatile dessert shines equally in casual family settings or at festive holiday gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cake in individual ramekins topped with a spoonful of fruit compote or chopped nuts. You can also cut squares and stack them for a mini dessert tower at parties. Wrapping slices in parchment paper tied with twine makes them adorable edible gifts too—perfect for sharing the love of this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Gooey Butter Cake Recipe stays delicious for several days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen as it rests, making the cake even more luscious. Just bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy that signature soft, gooey texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake for longer storage. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Freezing doesn’t diminish that wonderful gooeyness—it’s surprisingly resilient!
Reheating
To refresh your Gooey Butter Cake Recipe after chilling or freezing, warm slices gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This revives the creamy filling and tender crust without drying it out. Just be careful not to heat too long or you’ll lose that perfect, gooey consistency.
FAQs
What makes Gooey Butter Cake different from regular cake?
The magic lies in the filling. Unlike traditional cakes that have a uniform texture, Gooey Butter Cake features a dense, cakey base topped with a rich, cream cheese-based layer that remains soft and gooey, giving every bite a luscious contrast.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for the base?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, using a white or even spice cake mix can add interesting flavors. Just keep in mind that the original yellow mix complements the creamy topping best in the traditional Gooey Butter Cake Recipe.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or gelatin. However, if you want to make it vegan or dairy-free, substitutions would be needed, especially for the cream cheese and butter.
Why does the center stay gooey after baking?
The combination of cream cheese, eggs, and powdered sugar in the filling creates a custard-like texture that sets on the edges but remains slightly underbaked in the center. That gooeyness is exactly what makes this cake so irresistible.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make the Gooey Butter Cake Recipe gluten-free, swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free alternative. Just ensure it’s a reliable blend suited for baking, so the base holds up properly under the creamy filling.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like biting into a slice of this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe to brighten your day. It’s a timeless dessert that brings warmth and joy with its rich, creamy filling and buttery crust. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because you crave something heartfelt and indulgent, this cake will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure comfort—you won’t regret it!
Print
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, indulgent dessert originating from St. Louis, featuring a dense yellow cake base topped with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling. This easy-to-make treat combines the buttery flavor of cake mix with a luscious gooey topping, perfect for serving at parties or as a comforting everyday dessert.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Make the Base: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir until a soft dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust layer.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the 2 eggs and vanilla extract and mix well. Pour in the melted butter and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly to incorporate it fully.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the base.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. This ensures a gooey texture in the middle. Avoid overbaking.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled as desired.
Notes
- Dust the top with extra powdered sugar before serving for a classic presentation.
- This cake tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for preparing in advance.
