If you’ve ever tasted gooey butter cake, you know it’s a wonderfully rich, buttery dessert with a delightfully gooey cream cheese topping. Originating from St. Louis, this cake has become a beloved treat for many thanks to its irresistibly soft, sweet, and slightly dense texture. Wondering how to make gooey butter cake yourself? You’re in the right place! This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through the process step-by-step so you can enjoy this classic dessert at home.
What Is Gooey Butter Cake?
Gooey butter cake is a flat, bar-style cake that combines a buttery cake base with a luscious, gooey cream cheese layer on top. Unlike traditional cakes, it doesn’t have frosting but instead relies on its rich, creamy topping for flavor and texture. The cake is typically baked in a 9×13-inch pan, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet snack with coffee or tea.
Why You’ll Love Making Gooey Butter Cake
– Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples like butter, eggs, sugar, cream cheese, and cake mix.
– Quick to Prepare: You can have the batter ready in under 15 minutes and the cake bakes in about 35-40 minutes.
– Deliciously Rich: The combination of butter and cream cheese creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
– Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, potluck, or just a weekend treat, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
– 3 eggs (divided: 1 for the crust, 2 for the topping)
– 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted (divided: 1 stick for crust, 1 stick for topping)
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Gooey Butter Cake
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cake Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and 1 stick of melted butter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to blend the ingredients until smooth. Don’t worry if the batter seems thick; it will spread out evenly in the pan.
Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will form the buttery cake crust.
3. Prepare the Gooey Cream Cheese Topping
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy. Add the remaining 1 stick of melted butter, 2 eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing continuously until the topping is creamy and lump-free.
4. Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the crust.
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden brown, and the center is set but still slightly gooey. Avoid overbaking to keep that signature gooey texture.
5. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. While still warm, sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar over the top for a pretty finish.
Cut into squares and serve. This cake is perfect on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Perfect Gooey Butter Cake
– Use softened cream cheese: This ensures a smooth topping without lumps.
– Don’t overbake: The center should remain slightly gooey; it will firm up more as it cools.
– Room temperature ingredients: Using eggs and cream cheese at room temperature helps the batter mix more evenly.
– Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Variations to Try
– Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake: Substitute the yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix and add mini chocolate chips to the topping.
– Lemon Gooey Butter Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture for a citrus twist.
– Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake: Mix in 1 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the cream cheese topping for a fall-inspired version.
Gooey butter cake is a delightful dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make and always a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with flavors, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. Enjoy every bite of this buttery, creamy, gooey goodness!