Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert – this gooey butter cake recipe! I still remember the first time I tasted it at my aunt’s house years ago. That perfect contrast between the crisp golden edges and the rich, molten center had me hooked instantly. Turns out this St. Louis classic has been making people swoon since the 1930s when a baker accidentally mixed up the proportions for a coffee cake.
Now here’s the beautiful part – despite its fancy bakery-shop taste, this gooey butter cake is shockingly simple to make at home. Just a handful of pantry staples transform into pure magic in under an hour. The secret? That dreamy cream cheese filling poured over a buttery crust creates pure alchemy in your oven. Trust me, once you pull this golden beauty out of the oven and cut into that irresistible gooey center, you’ll understand why it’s been my go-to dessert for every potluck and family gathering for years.
Why You’ll Love This Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Listen, this isn’t just any dessert—it’s the kind of treat that makes people sneak back for seconds when they think no one’s looking. Here’s why it’s a total game-changer:
- Effortless magic: Boxed cake mix? Check. A few pantry staples? Check. The result tastes like you spent hours baking when really, it comes together in minutes.
- That perfect texture: Crisp edges give way to a center so gloriously gooey, it practically oozes onto your plate (in the best way possible).
- Instant crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s book club or a bake sale, this cake disappears faster than you can say “just one more piece!”
Ingredients for Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Okay, let’s gather the good stuff! The magic happens with just a few simple ingredients, but quality matters here. Trust me – this isn’t the time to skimp. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 1 box yellow cake mix – I always grab the classic kind, nothing fancy
- 1 egg (for the crust) – room temperature blends better
- 1/2 cup butter, melted – real butter only, please!
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – leave it out for 30 minutes first
- 2 eggs (for the filling) – see above about room temp
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – the good stuff makes a difference
- 4 cups powdered sugar – packed and leveled, no guessing!
See? Nothing weird or complicated – just pantry staples ready to transform into something magical. Now let’s get mixing!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this one! Just grab:
- A trusty 9×13-inch baking pan (glass or metal works)
- Your hand mixer or stand mixer for that creamy filling
- Measuring cups and spoons—no eyeballing that powdered sugar!
- A rubber spatula to scrape every last bit of batter
That’s it! Now let’s get to the fun part—making that dreamy gooey center.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into the good stuff! I’ve made this recipe so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step to make sure your cake turns out just as perfect as mine always does. Don’t worry – it’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a big bowl and mix together the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and that glorious melted butter. I like to use a wooden spoon for this part – it gives me better control and lets me feel when the dough comes together just right. You’re looking for a thick, slightly sticky dough that holds together when pressed. Now, press this evenly into your greased 9×13 pan. I find wetting my fingers slightly helps spread it without sticking. Get it nice and even – this buttery base is what makes every bite so good!
Step 2: Make the Gooey Filling
Ohhh now comes the magic part! In a clean bowl, beat that softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy – about 1 minute should do it. Add in the 2 eggs and vanilla extract, beating until everything’s fully combined. Here’s my trick: add the powdered sugar gradually, about 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. This prevents that dreaded powdered sugar cloud (we’ve all been there!). The filling should be thick but pourable – like a really indulgent pancake batter. Pour this dreamy mixture over your crust, spreading it gently to cover every inch.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop that beauty in the oven and set your timer for 40 minutes. Now, here’s the key – resist the urge to open the oven door! We want that steady heat to work its magic. When the timer goes off, check for golden edges and a center that still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. If the edges aren’t golden yet, give it another 5 minutes. But remember – we want gooey, not cakey! The center should look set but still soft – it’ll firm up as it cools. Let it cool completely before cutting (I know, the waiting is torture!) to get those perfect squares.
Tips for the Best Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Listen, I’ve made every mistake with this cake so you don’t have to! Here are my hard-earned secrets:
- Room temp ingredients are non-negotiable – cold cream cheese will give you lumps, and nobody wants that!
- Set a timer for 40 minutes – the edges should be golden, but the center MUST still jiggle slightly.
- Let it cool completely – I know it’s tempting, but cutting too soon turns gooey into messy.
- Dust with powdered sugar right before serving – it makes it look fancy and adds just the right sweetness.
Trust me, these little things make all the difference between good and “oh-my-gosh-I-need-the-recipe” amazing!
Variations for Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Now here’s the fun part – making this recipe your own! While the classic version is perfection, I love playing with these simple twists:
- Chocolate lover’s dream: Stir 1 cup chocolate chips into the filling before baking
- Zesty lemon: Add 2 tbsp lemon zest to the filling for bright freshness
- Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking
- Berry burst: Swirl in 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam before baking
The possibilities are endless – just don’t stray too far from that magical gooey center! If you are interested in other easy dessert toppings, check out this guide on simple vanilla frosting recipe.
Serving and Storing Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Here’s the best way to enjoy your masterpiece! Serve this gooey butter cake at room temperature – that’s when the texture is absolute perfection. Just dust with powdered sugar right before plating for that bakery-worthy finish. Leftovers? Simply cover tightly with foil and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days (if it lasts that long!). The crust stays surprisingly crisp while the center remains dreamily soft. Pro tip: a quick 10-second microwave zap brings back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth if you’re craving it warm! For making things ahead, learning about homemade simple syrup might inspire future uses.
Nutritional Information
Just keeping it real – this is definitely an indulgent treat! Each generous slice (about 1/12th of the cake) contains approximately:
- 380 calories
- 45g sugar
- 18g fat (10g saturated)
Remember, these are estimates – actual values may vary slightly based on specific ingredients used. But hey, some things are worth every delicious calorie! For those looking for lighter options, you might want to research the general recommended daily caloric intake guidelines.
FAQs About Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed?
Absolutely! While the boxed mix gives consistent results, you can substitute with 3 cups homemade yellow cake mix (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt). Just keep the same ratios – 1 egg + 1/2 cup melted butter to bind it. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious!
Help! I overbaked my cake – can I save it?
Don’t panic! If your center isn’t gooey anymore, try this trick: drizzle each slice with warm caramel sauce or sweetened condensed milk right before serving. The extra moisture brings back that luscious texture we love.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
You bet! Bake it the day before, let it cool completely, then cover tightly. The texture actually improves overnight as the flavors meld. Just bring to room temperature before serving – no one will guess it wasn’t fresh from the oven!
Irresistible Gooey Butter Cake Recipe in Just 40 Minutes
A classic Gooey Butter Cake recipe with a rich, buttery crust and a creamy, gooey filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter to form a dough.
- Press dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Beat cream cheese, 2 eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix well.
- Pour filling over the crust.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Do not overbake—the center should remain gooey.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
