Gooey Butter Cake is a beloved dessert that hails from St. Louis, Missouri. Known for its rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this classic treat has been a favorite for generations. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet craving, Gooey Butter Cake is sure to impress with its irresistible combination of a dense, gooey filling and a soft, cake-like base. Perfect for any dessert lover, this recipe is both easy to make and hard to resist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Gooey Butter Cake recipe is everything you want in a dessert: easy to make, incredibly delicious, and full of comforting, rich flavors. With a simple ingredient list and straightforward steps, even beginners can bake this classic treat with ease. The soft, gooey center combined with the buttery base creates the perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something sweet, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
These simple ingredients come together to create a decadent, irresistible cake that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until everything is well combined and a thick dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Make the filling: In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and eggs until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix again. Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt, and continue mixing until everything is well incorporated. The filling should be thick and smooth.
- Assemble the cake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the cake crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should have a golden top and a slightly gooey middle.
- Cool and serve: Allow the Gooey Butter Cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving.
This dessert is best served at room temperature or chilled. Its deliciously gooey texture and rich flavor make it a perfect treat for any occasion! Enjoy!
Tips for Best Results
- Use room temperature ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This will help them blend smoothly and create a creamy filling without lumps.
- Don’t overmix the crust: When making the crust, mix the cake mix, butter, and egg just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense crust, which we want to avoid. A light, soft crust works best.
- Spread the crust evenly: When pressing the dough into the baking dish, make sure it’s evenly spread across the bottom. This ensures that the crust bakes uniformly and holds the filling properly.
- Check the baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. Start checking for doneness at around 40 minutes. The top should be golden, and the center should be set but still slightly gooey. If it’s too jiggly, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cool completely: Let the cake cool completely before cutting into it. This helps the filling set and prevents it from falling apart when you slice it. If you have the time, refrigerating the cake for a few hours will allow the texture to firm up even more.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar: After cooling, lightly dust the top with powdered sugar for a polished, professional touch. This step adds an extra bit of sweetness and gives the cake a beautiful finish.
- Use high-quality cake mix: If possible, opt for a high-quality cake mix for the crust. It makes a big difference in flavor, and it will help your cake taste even better.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve the perfect balance of a gooey, rich filling and a soft, buttery crust.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold ingredients: One of the most common mistakes is using cold cream cheese or eggs straight from the fridge. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy filling and uneven texture. Always allow these ingredients to come to room temperature before mixing for the smoothest, creamiest results.
- Overmixing the crust: When preparing the crust, it’s important to mix the cake mix, butter, and egg just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough crust that doesn’t have the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes Gooey Butter Cake so delicious.
- Not pressing the crust evenly: If the crust isn’t spread evenly in the pan, it can bake unevenly, resulting in parts that are too thick or too thin. Be sure to press the dough down evenly to ensure that the crust bakes uniformly.
- Underbaking or overbaking: Getting the baking time right is crucial. If you underbake the cake, the center will remain too gooey, making it difficult to cut into clean slices. On the other hand, overbaking can make the cake dry and lose its signature gooey texture. Keep a close eye on the cake, and check for doneness around the 40-minute mark.
- Using the wrong pan size: If you use a pan that’s too small, the filling might spill over the edges as it bakes. If the pan is too large, the cake may become too thin. Stick to a 9×13-inch pan for the perfect balance of crust to filling.
- Not cooling completely before slicing: If you cut into the cake before it has cooled completely, the gooey filling might ooze out. Allow the cake to cool fully, and if needed, refrigerate it for a few hours for better slicing results.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be on your way to baking a flawless Gooey Butter Cake every time!
Serving Suggestions
Gooey Butter Cake is a delicious treat on its own, but there are several ways to elevate this dessert for different occasions or to suit various tastes.
- With Fresh Berries: Serve your Gooey Butter Cake with a side of fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tanginess of the fruit contrasts beautifully with the rich, sweet flavor of the cake, creating a balanced and refreshing combination.
- Topped with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and creamy touch that complements the dense and gooey texture of the cake. For a fun twist, you could even add a bit of vanilla or cinnamon to the whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Dusting of Powdered Sugar: After cooling, give your cake a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance its sweetness and give it an elegant touch. This simple addition adds a soft, sugary coating that makes each bite feel even more indulgent.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Gooey Butter Cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or cinnamon ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm, soft cake, offering a delightful texture combination.
- With a Hot Beverage: Pair your cake with a hot beverage such as coffee, tea, or even a rich hot chocolate. The warmth of the drink complements the gooey texture of the cake, making it a perfect dessert for cozy evenings.
- For Special Occasions: To make the cake feel even more festive, add some decorations. Consider topping it with chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of nuts for added texture and flavor. It’s also a great addition to holiday tables or gatherings.
These simple serving ideas can take your Gooey Butter Cake to the next level and make it even more enjoyable for guests!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing Gooey Butter Cake:
To store your leftover Gooey Butter Cake, first allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, it’s best to refrigerate the cake, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. - Freezing Gooey Butter Cake:
Gooey Butter Cake freezes well for longer storage. To freeze, slice the cake into individual portions, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. When properly stored, the cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let the slices sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours or defrost in the refrigerator overnight. - Reheating Gooey Butter Cake:
Reheating your Gooey Butter Cake is simple and can be done in a few different ways depending on your preference.- Microwave: Place a slice of cake on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 15-30 seconds. The center should be warm and gooey. Be careful not to overheat it, as the cake may dry out.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Serving Warm:
Reheating and serving your cake slightly warm is a great way to enhance the gooey texture and flavor. Pair it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a comforting treat.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Gooey Butter Cake for several days or even weeks after baking!
Variations and Substitutions
- Cake Mix Variations:
While the traditional recipe uses yellow cake mix, you can get creative with different flavors. Try using chocolate cake mix for a decadent chocolate version, or opt for a spice cake mix for a warm, cinnamon-scented treat. A vanilla cake mix can be another great option if you want to keep it light and simple. Just ensure the texture of the mix remains similar to the original yellow cake mix to maintain the cake’s soft and gooey consistency. - Flavor Enhancements:
Add some extra flavor to the filling by incorporating a few ingredients:- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a bright, fresh twist.
- Spices: Try a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the richness of the cake.
- Extracts: Swap the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty, aromatic flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cake.
- Substituting Cream Cheese:
For a lighter or dairy-free alternative, replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream. If you’re looking to reduce calories, Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese can offer a creamy texture while lowering the fat content. Make sure whatever substitute you use is smooth and creamy to maintain the cake’s signature gooey consistency. - Gluten-Free Option:
If you need a gluten-free version, swap the regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Many gluten-free mixes come in vanilla or yellow varieties, which work perfectly as a base for this dessert. Be sure to follow the instructions on the box, as the texture might vary slightly depending on the brand. - Topping Ideas:
For added texture and flavor, top your cake with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate ganache. A sprinkle of powdered sugar also adds a touch of elegance.
These variations and substitutions allow you to customize your Gooey Butter Cake to fit different tastes, dietary preferences, or seasonal flavors.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content of Gooey Butter Cake can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes, but here is an approximate breakdown per serving (based on a standard 9×13-inch pan cut into 12 servings):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 3-4 g
- Fat: 18-22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8-10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47-50 g
- Fiber: 1-2 g
- Sugars: 36-40 g
- Cholesterol: 60-80 mg
- Sodium: 180-220 mg
- Potassium: 40-60 mg
- Calcium: 40-50 mg
- Iron: 1-2 mg
Notes on Nutritional Content:
- Calories: Gooey Butter Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert, so it’s high in calories. However, by reducing the portion size, you can control your calorie intake.
- Fat: The cake contains a significant amount of fat, particularly saturated fat, due to the butter and cream cheese. If you want to reduce fat content, consider using lighter cream cheese or a non-dairy alternative.
- Sugar: The cake is quite sweet due to the combination of cake mix, powdered sugar, and the cream cheese filling. If you’re looking to reduce sugar intake, you could experiment with sugar substitutes, although it may affect the cake’s texture and flavor.
- Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates mainly come from the cake mix and sugar, making this dessert not ideal for low-carb or ketogenic diets.
While Gooey Butter Cake is a treat that should be enjoyed in moderation due to its high calorie and sugar content, it can be a satisfying dessert for those who indulge in sweet, rich flavors occasionally. For a lighter option, consider adjusting the ingredients as discussed in the variations and substitutions section.
Related Recipes
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Soft and Chewy – Discuss how brown butter enhances baked goods and could be an optional ingredient in a variation of Gooey Butter Cake.
Funfetti Cupcakes: A Delightful Treat – If adding sprinkles to the Gooey Butter Cake for a festive look, this would be a great internal link.
Best Lemon Cupcakes Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide – For readers looking for a citrus twist, linking to lemon-based desserts could provide inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake mix for Gooey Butter Cake?
Yes! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can use chocolate, spice, or vanilla cake mix for different flavor variations. Just make sure the texture of the cake mix is similar to the yellow cake mix to maintain the right consistency.
Can I make Gooey Butter Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Gooey Butter Cake can be made a day or two in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. For the best results, allow it to cool completely before covering and storing.
Can I freeze Gooey Butter Cake?
Yes, Gooey Butter Cake freezes well. After it has cooled completely, slice it into individual portions, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerate overnight.