Oh, let me tell you about this mouthwateringly delicious Gooey Butter Cake recipe! It’s a delectable treat that’s a perfect blend of rich, sweet, and gooey goodness. Imagine a moist and buttery cake base with a creamy, gooey center that just melts in your mouth with every bite.

The combination of a slightly crispy crust and a soft, gooey filling is simply irresistible. This dessert is super easy to make and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re a fan of traditional cakes or just looking for something new to try, this Gooey Butter Cake will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth cravings!

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

For the Cake Base:

1 package (18.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
1 egg
1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

For the Gooey Topping:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar

Instructions for Making Gooey Butter Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.

Prepare the Cake Base: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 egg, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Mix well until the dough comes together. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.
Make the Gooey Topping: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla and melted butter. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base in the pan, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still be a bit gooey.

Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting into squares. The cake is very rich, so small servings are recommended. Optionally, dust the top with additional powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Quality Ingredients Matter: Start with high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the cream cheese and butter. Full-fat cream cheese ensures the gooey layer is rich and creamy, while real butter gives the cake its signature buttery flavor.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and butter are at room temperature before starting. This facilitates a smoother blend of ingredients, preventing lumps in the gooey layer and ensuring a uniform texture throughout the cake.

Do Not Overmix: When preparing both the base and the topping, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air into the batter, affecting the dense and gooey texture characteristic of the cake.

Check for Doneness Carefully: The key to the perfect Gooey Butter Cake lies in its slightly underbaked center. Use a toothpick or cake tester around the edges to ensure they’re set, but the center should wobble slightly if the pan is gently shaken. Remember, the cake will continue to set as it cools.

Let It Cool Completely: Patience is crucial. Letting the cake cool completely allows the gooey center to set properly, creating the perfect texture contrast between the soft, gooey middle and the firmer, cakey base.

Serving Suggestions

Dusting with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant touch and enhance the cake’s sweetness. Use a fine mesh sieve for an even, delicate sprinkle.

Accompaniments: Balance the rich, buttery flavor of the cake with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The coolness and lightness of these accompaniments contrast beautifully with the dense cake.

Serve at Room Temperature: Gooey Butter Cake is best enjoyed at room temperature. If you’ve refrigerated the cake, let it sit out for a bit before serving to ensure the texture is just right.

Beverage Pairings: A cup of coffee or tea complements the cake’s sweetness, making for a delightful breakfast or brunch option. For an evening treat, a glass of dessert wine or a sweet sparkling wine can elevate the overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Yes, while traditional Gooey Butter Cake starts with a yellow cake mix, feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate, lemon, or spice cake mix for a twist on the classic.

What if my cake isn’t gooey in the center? If your cake turns out more cake-like than gooey, it may have been overbaked. Next time, reduce the baking time and check for doneness earlier. Remember, the center should not be fully set when you take the cake out of the oven.

Can Gooey Butter Cake be made in advance? Absolutely. This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer it chilled.

How long does Gooey Butter Cake last? Properly stored, Gooey Butter Cake can last for up to 4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I make Gooey Butter Cake without a cake mix? Yes, you can make a homemade cake base from scratch. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, butter, and eggs to create a simple batter that can substitute the cake mix layer. This gives you more control over the ingredients and allows for customization according to dietary needs or preferences.

Gooey Butter Cake

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Gooey Butter Cake is an iconic dessert from the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, cherished for its luxuriously rich taste and distinctive, dense yet gooey consistency.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base:

1 package 18.25 ounces yellow cake mix
1 egg
1/2 cup 113 grams unsalted butter, melted

For the Gooey Topping:

1 package 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup 113 grams unsalted butter, melted
4 cups 480 grams powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Prepare the Cake Base: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 egg, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Mix well until the dough comes together. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.
Make the Gooey Topping: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla and melted butter. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base in the pan, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still be a bit gooey.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting into squares. The cake is very rich, so small servings are recommended. Optionally, dust the top with additional powdered sugar before serving.