There is something truly magical about sinking your fork into a dessert that is perfectly soft, rich, and just a bit sticky in all the right ways. That is exactly what makes the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe a beloved treat for countless dessert lovers. This sweet bar combines an incredible buttery crust with a luscious cream cheese filling, creating an unforgettable experience of flavors and textures that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re making it for a casual family night or a special occasion, this cake always promises that perfect balance of gooey goodness and sweet indulgence that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is surprisingly simple because the ingredients are straightforward and each brings something special to the table. From the buttery base that forms a tender crust to the creamy filling that offers just the right amount of sweetness, these essentials come together beautifully to create magic in your oven.
- Yellow cake mix: The base for the crust, providing structure and a classic cake flavor that’s both familiar and comforting.
- Unsalted butter: Used in both the crust and filling, it adds a rich, luscious texture and deep flavor.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together, giving the cake its tender yet sturdy consistency.
- Cream cheese: Adds that signature creamy, slightly tangy layer that makes this cake irresistibly gooey.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and sweetness to the filling, enhancing all the flavors.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the texture of the filling for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake won’t stick and will bake evenly, setting the stage for perfect results.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until a thick dough forms. This dough will become your buttery crust base, so pressing it evenly into the baking dish is key to a uniform, scrumptious foundation for your cake.
Step 3: Whip Up the Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Then, add two eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mixing until everything is combined helps achieve a luscious filling. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, beating until the mixture is silky and smooth, ready to be poured over the crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the creamy filling over your crust and gently spread it to cover evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges have turned a beautiful golden brown but the center still holds a slight jiggle—this balance keeps that classic “ooey gooey” texture.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Allow your cake to cool completely before slicing into squares. This waiting period is essential as it helps the filling set just enough without losing its soft, creamy charm. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar to add extra sweetness and a pretty finish.
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, consider sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can also add a refreshing or decadent twist that complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs incredibly well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool creaminess contrasts perfectly with the warm, buttery cake, creating a delightful balance of temperatures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, try serving your cake in mini jars or clear cups layered with fruit or custard. Another great idea is to pair bars with coffee or tea for a cozy tea-time treat that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 4 to 5 days, allowing you to enjoy this luscious dessert even days after baking.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen bars overnight in the fridge and warm them slightly in the microwave or oven. This will revive the gooey texture and highlight the buttery goodness that makes this cake special.
FAQs
What makes Ooey Gooey Butter Cake so unique?
The magic lies in its creamy, tangy cream cheese filling combined with a soft, buttery crust, creating a rich, gooey texture that’s unlike traditional cakes.
Can I use a different cake mix for the crust?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, experimenting with chocolate or lemon cake mix can offer exciting flavor variations and keep the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe fresh and fun.
Why does the cake need to be slightly soft in the center?
The slight softness ensures the signature gooey texture that defines this dessert. Overbaking can lead to a firmer, less indulgent bar, so keeping that gentle jiggle is key.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content, ensuring the cake doesn’t become too salty and that the flavors stay perfectly balanced.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
While traditional ingredients include cream cheese and butter, there are dairy-free alternatives available; however, texture and taste might vary slightly from the original Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe has genuinely been a joy because it’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward, forgiving, and always delivers a show-stopping treat that will light up any gathering or quiet evening at home. Give it a try and discover your new favorite indulgence!
Print
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a rich, decadent dessert featuring a buttery cake crust topped with a luscious cream cheese filling that’s sweet, smooth, and irresistibly gooey. This classic American treat is perfect for gatherings or a delightful everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with the melted butter and one egg. Mix thoroughly until a thick dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust layer.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the two eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to mix until the filling is smooth and luscious.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish. Spread with a spatula to create an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center remains slightly soft and gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan so it sets properly. Once cooled, slice into 16 bars. Serve plain or dust with additional powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Do not overbake—the center should still jiggle slightly when removed from the oven to maintain its gooey texture.
- For variety, experiment with different cake mix flavors such as lemon or chocolate for a delicious twist.
- This cake tastes best after cooling completely but can be enjoyed slightly warm if preferred.
