There is something absolutely irresistible about a Gooey Butter Cake Recipe that manages to feel both nostalgic and fresh all at once. This classic dessert from the Midwest has won hearts with its wonderfully soft, buttery crust topped with a creamy, almost cheesecake-like layer that melts in your mouth. If you have a sweet tooth and love the idea of a dessert that’s simple to make but delivers on flavor and texture every time, this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe will quickly become your new favorite go-to for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Gooey Butter Cake Recipe relies on a handful of pantry staples that come together in harmony. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s crafting the buttery crust or the luscious filling that makes this cake so iconic.
- Yellow cake mix: The foundation of the crust, providing structure and a tender crumb that’s easy to press into the pan.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter enriches both the crust and the topping, adding depth and a silky texture.
- Large eggs: Eggs help bind and give body to the crust and cream cheese topping, creating that perfect gooey consistency.
- Cream cheese: Softened to silky smoothness, it brings a slight tang and creaminess that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and aromatic complexity.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the topping and ensures it remains smooth and velvety rather than grainy.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and greasing a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake won’t stick and will bake evenly, setting you up perfectly for success with this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe.
Step 2: Make the Crust
Mix together the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg in a bowl until combined. This simple mixture forms the base of your cake. Press it firmly and evenly into the prepared baking dish to create a sturdy yet tender crust that will hold the gooey topping securely.
Step 3: Prepare the Gooey Topping
Beat the softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth—that’s the secret to a perfect texture. Add the remaining eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well before gradually incorporating the powdered sugar and melted butter. This careful blending creates the luscious, sweet, and silky topping that gives this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe its signature gooey perfection.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the crust, making sure to cover every inch without disturbing the layer beneath. Pop the dish into your preheated oven, baking for 35 to 40 minutes. You want the top to be lightly golden and set, but still a little jiggly in the center—that wobble guarantees the signature gooey texture that makes this cake so irresistible.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once baked, it’s important to let your Gooey Butter Cake Recipe cool completely in the pan. This lets the layers set, making it easier to cut into neat squares without losing the delightful creaminess inside. Then slice and serve the magic!
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity, but you can add a little flair with powdered sugar dusted lightly on top for a touch of elegance. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce also complement the cake’s richness without overpowering its classic flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your Gooey Butter Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent contrast in temperature and texture. Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or a tangy fruit compote, offers a refreshing balance to the cake’s buttery richness. A generous cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk rounds out the experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, consider cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and serving on pretty platters with cocktail forks. You could even create mini trifles by layering squares with whipped cream and fruit in individual glasses, turning this beloved Gooey Butter Cake Recipe into a show-stopping dessert presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Gooey Butter Cake, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer keeping, refrigeration is best to maintain freshness, especially in warmer climates, and it can last up to a week this way.
Freezing
If you want to save your Gooey Butter Cake for later, freeze it in airtight containers or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to preserve that delicious gooey texture without drying out the cake.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or briefly in a low oven. This revives the luscious melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes the Gooey Butter Cake Recipe so utterly comforting.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for the crust?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors like butter or white cake mix, but the classic yellow cake mix provides the best balance of flavor and texture for an authentic Gooey Butter Cake Recipe.
Why is my cake not gooey in the center?
If your cake baked too long or at too high a temperature, it may have set too much. Aim for the 35 to 40-minute range and look for a slightly jiggly center when you remove it from the oven for the ideal gooey texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version and ensure any powdered sugar used is free from cross-contamination. Results are great, but texture may vary slightly.
Is cream cheese necessary?
Yes, cream cheese is a key ingredient in this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. It adds the tangy creaminess that compliments the sweet crust perfectly—skipping it will change the fundamental character of the dessert.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan, adjusting the baking time as needed, or make two batches. This Gooey Butter Cake Recipe scales beautifully for celebrations.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved treat. It’s simple, comforting, and downright delicious. Whether for a holiday gathering or a spontaneous baking adventure, this cake will bring smiles and sweet moments around your table. Give it a whirl—you’re going to fall in love!
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Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Gooey Butter Cake is a rich, sweet dessert featuring a buttery cake crust topped with a creamy, sweet cream cheese layer. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture and gooey center make it a crowd-pleaser perfect for parties or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar (about 1 pound)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake won’t stick and will bake evenly.
- Prepare the Crust. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir well and press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Make the Topping. Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the two eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar and melted butter, beating until creamy and smooth.
- Assemble. Pour and spread the creamy topping evenly over the crust layer in the baking dish, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is set and lightly golden. The center should still be slightly jiggly to keep it gooey.
- Cool and Serve. Allow the cake to cool completely in the dish before cutting into 12 squares for serving. Cooling helps the cake set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth topping mixture.
- Do not overbake as the center should remain slightly jiggly for the classic gooey texture.
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut cleaner slices.
- This cake is best served at room temperature but can also be refrigerated and served chilled.
