Easy Homemade Gooey Butter Cake Recipe That Melts Hearts

Craving a decadent homemade gooey butter cake that melts in your mouth?

Sweet secrets from st.

louis kitchens inspire this classic dessert, promising pure comfort with every bite.

Cream cheese and butter combine to create an irresistibly rich texture that defies ordinary expectations.

Soft, pillowy layers whisper promises of indulgence waiting to unfold.

Simple ingredients dance together, turning an afternoon into a celebration of pure deliciousness.

Local bakeries might keep their techniques hidden, but our recipe breaks those barriers wide open.

Grab a fork and prepare to experience pure bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What You’ll Need for Gooey Butter Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides structure and sweetness to the cake.
• Egg: Helps bind the cake base ingredients together.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture to the cake base.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, rich, and tangy filling for the cake.
• Eggs: Help stabilize and set the cream cheese mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the signature gooey texture.

• Powdered Sugar: Adds a delicate sweet coating and decorative touch to the top of the cake.

Gooey Butter Cake Baking Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a layer of butter or cooking spray, making sure every corner gets some love.

Step 2: Create the Delectable Base

• Yellow cake mix
• Egg
• Melted butter

Blend these ingredients until they transform into a luscious dough.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared dish, creating a solid foundation for your cake.

Step 3: Whip Up the Dreamy Cream Cheese Topping

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s silky smooth.

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Melted butter

Blend these ingredients thoroughly.

Gradually fold in powdered sugar, starting slow to prevent a sugar explosion, then whip until the mixture becomes gloriously smooth.

Step 4: Layer the Magic

Lavishly pour the cream cheese mixture over the base, using a spatula to spread it evenly.

Give the dish a gentle tap to banish any sneaky air bubbles.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown top with crispy edges, while the center remains delightfully gooey.

The cake should jiggle slightly when done.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

Dust the top with a snow-like layer of powdered sugar.

Slice into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled for maximum enjoyment.

Good-to-Know Details for Gooey Butter Cake

• Choose a high-quality yellow cake mix for the best base texture and flavor that ensures a perfect foundation for your gooey butter cake.
• Gently combine ingredients to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make the base layer tough and less tender.
• Watch the cake closely during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to achieve that signature gooey center without overcooking the edges.
• Let cream cheese and eggs sit out for 30 minutes before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent cream cheese layer that blends perfectly.
• Refrigerate the cake for 1 hour before serving to help it set and make slicing cleaner and more precise.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Gooey Butter Cake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual slices or whole cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Preheat oven to 275F. Place cake slice on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Check temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Heat individual slice for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Stop halfway to prevent overheating. Let sit for 30 seconds before serving to distribute warmth evenly.

What to Pair with Gooey Butter Cake

• Savor Sweet Beverage Companions
• Pair this decadent gooey butter cake with rich, complementary drinks that enhance its creamy sweetness.
• Serve Classic Coffee Contrast: A bold espresso or dark roast coffee cuts through the cake's richness, balancing its intense sweetness with robust coffee notes.
• Match Creamy Milk Indulgence: Cold whole milk or a smooth vanilla milkshake provides a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the cake's warm, dense texture.
• Elevate Dessert Wine Experience: A sweet late-harvest Riesling or moscato creates a luxurious pairing, matching the cake's sugary profile while adding elegant wine complexity.

Gooey Butter Cake Flavor Options

• Gluten-Free Gooey Butter Cake: Replace yellow cake mix with gluten-free cake mix or almond flour blend for celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Chocolate Lover's Version: Swap yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix and add cocoa powder to cream cheese layer for intense chocolate flavor.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use sugar-free cake mix, replace powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly option.
• Fruit-Infused Variation: Add fresh blueberries or raspberries to cream cheese layer for natural sweetness and vibrant color, creating a fruity gooey butter cake experience.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the gooey top layer unique?

The cream cheese, powdered sugar, and eggs create a rich, sweet, and creamy texture that gives the cake its signature gooey consistency. The combination ensures a smooth, decadent topping that contrasts perfectly with the cake base.

• Is this cake considered a traditional dessert?

Gooey butter cake originated in St. Louis, Missouri, and has been a beloved Midwestern dessert since the 1930s. It started as a happy accident when a baker reportedly mixed ingredients incorrectly, resulting in this deliciously rich cake.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to make the entire recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown top with slightly crisp edges, while the center remains soft and gooey. The cake should still have a slight jiggle in the middle when you gently shake the pan, which indicates the signature texture of a gooey butter cake.

Sweet Reasons to Love Gooey Butter Cake

• With simple ingredients and basic mixing steps, even beginner bakers can create a showstopping treat that looks professionally made.
• Whether hosting a potluck, family gathering, or weekend treat, this cake adapts beautifully to any occasion and always earns rave reviews.
• The incredible contrast between the crisp golden edges and the luxuriously soft, melt-in-your-mouth center makes every bite an absolute delight.

Homemade Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Midwestern magic shines through this classic homemade gooey butter cake, blending rich cream cheese and sweet vanilla into a delightful dessert. Silky smooth layers promise pure comfort with each delectable bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Eggs:

• 1 large egg
• 2 large eggs

Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by positioning the oven rack in the center and heating to 350F (175C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Create the foundational layer by blending yellow cake mix with one egg and melted butter. Use a wooden spoon or electric mixer to combine ingredients until a cohesive dough forms. Press this mixture firmly and uniformly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a compact base.
3. For the decadent topping, use an electric mixer to whip cream cheese until silky and free of lumps. Incorporate remaining eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, mixing until the texture becomes smooth and integrated. Gradually fold in powdered sugar, starting at a low speed to prevent sugar clouds, then increasing to achieve a luxurious, glossy consistency.
4. Carefully cascade the cream cheese mixture over the cake base, using a rubber spatula to distribute evenly. Gently tap the dish against the counter to eliminate potential air pockets and ensure a uniform surface.
5. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The surface should transform to a golden-brown hue with crisp edges, while maintaining a soft, almost liquid center. The cake will continue setting as it cools.
6. Allow the cake to rest at room temperature for complete cooling. Before serving, dust the surface with a delicate layer of powdered sugar. Cut into squares and enjoy either at ambient temperature or slightly chilled for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Enhance cake stability by using room temperature ingredients, ensuring smoother mixing and more consistent texture.
• Swap cake mix for gluten-free alternative to create a celiac-friendly dessert without compromising rich, decadent flavor.
• Check doneness by gently shaking pan – center should jiggle slightly but not be completely liquid, indicating perfect gooey consistency.
• Prevent soggy bottom by pressing base layer firmly and evenly, creating solid foundation that supports creamy top layer.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg