If you’ve never tasted it, imagine the happiest meeting of creamy cheesecake and soft yellow cake—now dial up the butter, the sweetness, and that glorious melting bite. That, my friend, is Gooey Butter Cake: a St. Louis classic that feels like home with every bite. Rich but not heavy, simple but absolutely unforgettable, this dessert is the ultimate bake-and-share treat for gatherings or an indulgent weekend snack. Trust me, if you’ve got a sweet tooth (and a soft spot for recipes that come together with pantry basics), you’ll fall in love at first forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of Gooey Butter Cake is how a few easy ingredients are coaxed into something so irresistible. Every element—cake mix, cream cheese, sweet butter—plays a starring role in creating that signature gooey-custardy layer and tender, golden base. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:
- Yellow cake mix: This is your shortcut to a soft, buttery crust with a delicate crumb that stays sturdy under that luscious filling.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Melted butter brings moisture and that irresistible richness both to the crust and the creamy top layer.
- Large eggs: Egg acts as a binder, giving each layer structure and contributing to that soft, fluffy texture.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the gooey layer; it melts into a silky base that’s the heart of every bite.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash adds dimension and warmth, making the cake’s sweetness shine.
- Powdered sugar: Whipped into the filling, it melts into the signature crackly, glossy top and brings the perfect amount of sweetness.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat
Before you dive in, preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep ensures easy cake removal later and sets you up for gooey, not stuck, perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Crust
In a large bowl, stir together your yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and one large egg. You’ll get a thick, almost cookie-like dough—don’t worry, that’s exactly right! Press this mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan, creating a smooth, solid crust layer that will form the foundation for all that gorgeous goo.
Step 3: Make the Gooey Layer
Now, in a second bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and fluffy. Add in the two eggs and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, blending everything until silky. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of melted butter, which gives the filling its lush, custardy magic. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until your batter is smooth, creamy, and utterly tempting.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese filling gently over the crust, spreading all the way to the edges with a spatula. Bake in the center of your preheated oven for 40–45 minutes. The secret to real Gooey Butter Cake? Don’t overbake! The edges should be puffed and golden, but the very center should still jiggle—it’ll set as it cools.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Patience pays off here. Let the cake cool completely in the pan; this resting time gives the gooey layer the chance to firm up, making for cleaner, envy-inducing slices. Once cooled, give the cake a generous dusting of powdered sugar, then slice into squares and dive in!
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake
Garnishes
A classic Gooey Butter Cake square gets even better with a final snowfall of powdered sugar—simple, pretty, and perfectly sweet. For a pop of color or extra flair, try adding a few fresh berries on top or a dollop of whipped cream. Each bite will feel like a bakery treat made just for you.
Side Dishes
Pairing your cake with a cup of coffee or espresso makes for an afternoon pick-me-up that feels truly special. For dessert time, offering a side of tart berries or a scoop of tangy vanilla frozen yogurt helps to balance the cake’s buttery richness and completes the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the Gooey Butter Cake into petite bite-sized squares and spear them with festive toothpicks—instantly snackable and conversation-worthy. Or try stacking smaller cubes with layers of whipped cream for your very own gooey butter trifle. You can even cut shapes with cookie cutters for holidays and special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Gooey Butter Cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It holds up beautifully at room temperature for a day or two, but if your kitchen is warm, store in the refrigerator to preserve its dreamy texture.
Freezing
Love to plan ahead? Gooey Butter Cake freezes like a charm. Slice into portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. When your sweet tooth strikes, simply thaw pieces overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake a touch warm (truly irresistible), gently microwave a square on low heat for 10–15 seconds. Don’t overdo it—you want just enough warmth to loosen up that gooey center without melting the top.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake is classic for Gooey Butter Cake, you can try white, lemon, or even spice cake mix for fun twists. Just keep the rest of the recipe exactly the same.
Why does my cake look jiggly in the center?
That’s the magic! The center should be slightly jiggly when you take it out of the oven—the gooey part sets as it cools, giving you that perfect contrast between crust and creamy filling.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix for the base. The gooey layer is already gluten-free, so you’ll barely miss a beat in taste or texture.
Do I need to chill Gooey Butter Cake before serving?
For the ultimate slice, yes—letting the cake cool and chill helps the gooey layer firm up, making it easier to cut and serve. That said, I won’t blame you if you sneak a warm corner piece!
How long will leftovers keep?
Properly stored, leftovers will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator. Remember to keep them covered or stored airtight to maintain that signature gooeyness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s as easy as it is crowd-pleasing, you can’t go wrong with Gooey Butter Cake. It’s one of those recipes that turns simple ingredients into something magical. So roll up your sleeves, invite a few friends over, and prepare to create some buttery, gooey memories—one delicious square at a time!
PrintGooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent goodness of Gooey Butter Cake with this easy-to-follow recipe. A buttery cake mix crust is topped with a creamy, sweet filling for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 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 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 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 crust: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg to form a thick dough. Press into the pan to form the crust.
- Make filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and powdered sugar. Mix until creamy.
- Assemble: Pour filling over the crust and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until edges are set and golden but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool: Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Do not overbake—the center should be gooey.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving if desired.
- This cake is even better the next day once fully chilled.
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