Gooey Butter Cake Recipe | A Deliciously Simple Dessert

Introduction

The Gooey Butter Cake is a decadent and irresistible dessert that has its roots in St. Louis, Missouri. This rich cake is known for its buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that delights with every bite. While it began as a happy accident in the 1930s, the Gooey Butter Cake has since become a beloved classic, famous both locally and beyond.

This cake is perfect for anyone who craves a dessert that is both easy to make and utterly indulgent. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced cook, this St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. It consists of two luscious layers: a soft cake base and a creamy, gooey top made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter. The combination is rich, sweet, and satisfying—an absolute treat for those with a sweet tooth.

Expect this recipe to be simple and straightforward, requiring just a few basic ingredients and tools. With no complicated techniques involved, this Cream Cheese Cake Recipe is ideal for those who want to bake something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need To Make Gooey Butter Cake

Before diving into this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, you’ll want to gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients. Fortunately, this recipe is as easy to prepare as it is delicious, making it perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying dessert. You don’t need fancy gadgets or complicated tools, just some basic kitchen essentials.

Basic Equipment

To start, you’ll need the following items:

• Mixing bowls – At least two, one for the cake base and one for the cream cheese topping.
• 9×13 baking dish – This size works perfectly for the cake to bake evenly.
• Electric mixer – While a hand whisk is an option, an electric mixer makes the process quicker and ensures a smoother batter.
• Spatula – Useful for spreading the batter evenly in the pan.

Optional Additions

Though not mandatory, these items can make the process a bit easier:

• Parchment paper – This can be used to line your baking dish, making it easier to lift the cake out once it’s done.
• Cooking spray – To ensure the cake doesn’t stick to the pan, use a light coating of spray.

With these basic tools, you’ll be ready to prepare your cake with minimal effort. Simplicity is key in this recipe, allowing the focus to remain on creating a delicious and gooey masterpiece.

Ingredients

This Gooey Butter Cake Recipe features two main layers: a cake base and a gooey cream cheese topping. Both layers are simple to make, requiring common ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Let’s break down the components for each layer to ensure you have everything on hand.

Cake Layer Ingredients

The base of this cake is rich, buttery, and easy to prepare. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 box yellow cake mix – This provides the perfect base for the cake layer.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Melted and slightly cooled. Butter gives the cake its signature richness.
• 1 large egg – To bind the ingredients together.

Cream Cheese Topping Ingredients

The second layer is where the gooey magic happens! Made from cream cheese and sugar, this topping creates the irresistibly rich layer that makes this cake special.

• 8 ounces cream cheese – Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• 2 large eggs – These will help the topping set while keeping it creamy.
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar – Provides the perfect sweetness and smooth texture.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Like the base, this butter should be melted to add a rich, smooth consistency to the cream cheese layer.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) – For a hint of warmth and flavor in the topping.

By keeping the ingredients simple, this cake allows the flavors of butter, sugar, and cream cheese to shine. You can easily find these ingredients at your local grocery store, and together they form the foundation of this luscious St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake.

Instructions

Creating this St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly gooey cake with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The key is to layer the cake correctly and bake it to just the right point, ensuring that the center remains gooey while the edges are golden.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layer

The first layer sets the base for your dessert, offering a rich, buttery foundation for the gooey topping.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your 9×13 baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter (1/2 cup), and 1 large egg. Mix until a thick dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use your fingers or a spatula to smooth it out.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer

The next step is to create the gooey cream cheese topping, which gives this cake its name.

1. In another large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
2. Add the 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional), and beat until well combined.
3. Gradually add the 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, mixing continuously until the topping is smooth and creamy.
4. Finally, pour in the melted butter (1/2 cup) and mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Now it’s time to bake the cake to its signature gooey perfection.

1. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base, spreading it out evenly using a spatula.
2. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown, while the center remains slightly jiggly.
3. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish. The cake will continue to set as it cools, achieving that perfect gooey consistency.

Tip: For the best texture, avoid overbaking. The cake should be gooey in the middle but not runny, and the top will develop a slight sugary crust.

Nutrition Score

While this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is indulgent and rich, it’s always helpful to understand its nutritional profile. Here, we’ll provide an approximate breakdown of the calories and macronutrient content per serving. Keep in mind that this is an estimate and can vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients and portion size.

Calories Per Serving

A typical serving of Gooey Butter Cake (approximately 1/12 of a 9×13-inch pan) contains about:

• Calories: 420 calories per serving.

This cake is undeniably rich, so it’s best served in small portions. The high calorie count comes primarily from the butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar, making it a dessert that’s meant for indulgence.

Macronutrient Breakdown

Here’s a more detailed look at the macronutrients for each serving:

• Total Fat: 21g
  • Of which saturated fat accounts for about 12g due to the butter and cream cheese content.
• Carbohydrates: 55g
  • This includes sugars (about 45g), largely from the powdered sugar in the topping.
• Protein: 4g
  • The eggs and cream cheese contribute a small amount of protein.

Note: These values are based on the ingredients and portion size mentioned earlier and should be used as a rough guideline. The dessert is rich in fats and sugars, making it a perfect occasional treat but not necessarily an everyday indulgence.

Serving & Storage

Once your Gooey Butter Cake has cooled, it’s time to enjoy this delectable dessert. Whether you serve it warm, chilled, or at room temperature, this cake is sure to impress. Here’s how to serve it for the best experience and how to store any leftovers for later enjoyment.

How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake

There are a few ways to serve St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake, depending on personal preference and the occasion:

• Dust with powdered sugar: For a classic touch, lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of the cake before serving. This adds extra sweetness and a lovely visual contrast.
• Serve at room temperature or chilled: Some prefer the cake at room temperature, where it’s soft and extra gooey. Others enjoy it chilled, which gives the cream cheese layer a firmer texture and makes it easier to slice.
• Pair with toppings: Consider serving the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries. The tartness of fruits like raspberries or strawberries balances the cake’s sweetness.

Storing Leftovers

This cake is rich, so you may not finish it all in one sitting. Here’s how to properly store your Gooey Butter Cake to keep it fresh:

• At room temperature: The cake can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• In the refrigerator: To keep it fresh for a longer period, store the cake in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Chilling the cake also makes it firmer, which some prefer.
• Freezing: You can freeze this cake for up to 3 months. To do so, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

For more detailed storage tips, check out this guide on How to Store Gooey Butter Cake Properly.

Variations

One of the best things about the Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is its versatility. While the classic version is rich and buttery, there are plenty of ways to change up the flavors and toppings to suit different tastes or occasions. Below, we’ll explore some creative variations that will add a new twist to this already delicious dessert.

Flavored Gooey Butter Cake

To mix things up, you can easily modify the flavor of your cake base or cream cheese topping. Here are a few popular variations:

• Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake: Swap out the yellow cake mix for a chocolate cake mix to create a rich, chocolatey version of the classic. The gooey cream cheese topping pairs wonderfully with the deeper flavors of chocolate.
• Lemon Gooey Butter Cake: For a zesty, citrus twist, add 2 teaspoons of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. This adds a bright, tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich, buttery base.
• Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake: Perfect for fall, replace part of the cream cheese with 1 cup of canned pumpkin and mix in 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. The result is a seasonal treat that’s warmly spiced and indulgent.

Toppings & Add-ons

To take your Gooey Butter Cake to the next level, consider adding toppings or mix-ins to enhance texture and flavor:

• Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the top of the cake before baking. This adds a pleasant crunch that contrasts with the gooey layers.
• Fruit Fillings: Swirl in fruit preserves (such as raspberry or blueberry) into the cream cheese layer before baking for a fruity twist. The tartness of the fruit balances out the cake’s sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: Serve slices with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for extra indulgence. It adds a light and airy texture that complements the dense cake.
• Macerated Berries: Fresh berries, such as strawberries or blackberries, can be lightly sweetened and served on top of the cake. Their natural tartness pairs well with the rich, buttery flavors.

These variations allow you to customize your Gooey Butter Cake to your preferences, offering endless possibilities for flavor and texture. Whether you choose to make a seasonal version or add a favorite topping, this dessert is versatile enough to suit any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Making Gooey Butter Cake is fairly simple, but a few common questions often arise when preparing this dessert. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions that will help you achieve the perfect cake every time.

Can I substitute other cake mixes?

Answer: Absolutely! While the traditional recipe calls for a yellow cake mix, you can easily substitute it with other varieties. For instance, a white cake mix offers a slightly lighter flavor, while a chocolate cake mix creates a richer, more indulgent dessert. You can also experiment with spice cake mix for a warm, autumnal flavor. The important thing is to choose a mix that pairs well with the gooey cream cheese topping.

How can I tell when the cake is done?

Answer: The key to perfect Gooey Butter Cake is baking it just right so that the center remains gooey without being underbaked. The edges of the cake should be golden brown and set, while the center should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The top of the cake will form a sugary crust, which is another sign that the cake is ready. Don’t worry if the center seems soft—it will firm up as the cake cools but will maintain its signature gooey texture.

How do I cut clean slices in this gooey butter cake?

Answer: Cutting clean slices can be tricky since the gooey layer is so soft. To make it easier, allow the cake to cool completely, and if possible, refrigerate it for an hour or two. This firms up the cream cheese layer, making it easier to slice. For the best results, spray your knife with non-stick cooking spray or run it under hot water before each cut. This prevents the gooey filling from sticking to the blade, giving you smooth, clean slices.

Can I make Gooey Butter Cake ahead of time?

Answer: Yes! Gooey Butter Cake actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld and the texture becomes more cohesive. You can make the cake up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing.

These tips and tricks will ensure you get the best results when making your St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake, whether you’re making it for the first time or trying out a new variation.

Conclusion

The Gooey Butter Cake is a classic dessert that never fails to impress. Originating from St. Louis, it’s beloved for its rich, buttery flavor and irresistibly gooey texture. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet, this dessert is always a hit. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to make, with no need for advanced baking skills or hard-to-find ingredients.

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