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
Scale
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.
