If you have a sweet tooth and crave something rich, indulgent, and baked to perfection, this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful dessert combines the buttery crunch of a cake mix crust with a decadent, creamy, and sugary filling that sets just right to give you a heavenly gooey texture with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this dish captures everything wonderful about comfort baking in one glorious pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, each ingredient plays a vital role in building the cake’s incredible flavor, texture, and irresistible gooeyness. Let’s break down what you will need to whip up this classic treat:
- Yellow cake mix: The foundation for a moist and light crust that provides perfect support for the gooey layer.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create that crisp, buttery base and contributes creaminess in the topping.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure to both crust and filling.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient that brings that signature smooth, velvety texture and slight tang to the topping.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the topping, giving it a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one large egg until it forms a cohesive dough. Then press this mixture evenly across the bottom of your baking dish – this layer serves as the crispy, buttery crust that contrasts beautifully with the gooey filling on top.
Step 2: Creating the Creamy Topping
Next, beat the softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually add in two large eggs and the vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to ensure no lumps remain. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar followed by the additional melted butter to form a thick, creamy batter. This luscious topping is what sets this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe apart from ordinary cakes.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is lightly golden but still has a slight jiggle in the center—this is the signature gooey texture you’re aiming for, setting beautifully as it cools.
Step 4: Cooling and Serving
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan to let the filling firm up just enough for clean slicing. Once cooled, cut into squares and get ready to be amazed by the rich, buttery, and gooey layers working harmoniously together.
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar works wonders to enhance the elegant look of this cake. For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for some crunch or add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or fresh fruit preserves for a sweet contrast.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement its richness. A cup of coffee or a hot espresso is the ideal beverage companion, cutting through the sweetness and balancing the decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Gooey Butter Cake Recipe in charming mini ramekins as individual portions for a party or assemble a layered dessert by alternating cake squares with fresh berries and cream in a trifle bowl. You can even sandwich two squares together with cream cheese frosting for an irresistible cake sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keeping it sealed helps preserve the moist, gooey texture and prevents the cake from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze Gooey Butter Cake slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To refresh your slices, warm them briefly in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This will revive that gooey center and melt-in-your-mouth delight all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe?
While yellow cake mix is traditional and provides the perfect base, you can experiment with other flavors like white or spice cake mixes. Just note that the flavor and color of the crust will change accordingly, but it can create delicious variations.
Why is my Gooey Butter Cake too gooey in the center?
If your cake has a very gooey or undercooked center, it might need a few extra minutes in the oven. The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid. Baking times can vary based on your oven, so keep a close eye after 35 minutes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe gluten-free, substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free certified. The texture should remain delightfully similar.
Is it necessary to let the cake cool completely before cutting?
Yes, cooling is crucial. Cutting into a warm Gooey Butter Cake may cause the filling to squish out and lose its shape. Cooling allows the gooey layer to set firm enough for neat slices while maintaining its soft texture.
Can I make smaller portions or cupcakes with this recipe?
Absolutely! You can bake this batter in cupcake tins using liners. Reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes or until the tops set. These mini gooey treats are perfect for parties and grab-and-go desserts.
Final Thoughts
This Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is one of those rare desserts that captures the perfect balance of simplicity, richness, and comfort in every bite. It’s easy enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough to share with guests. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s a beloved classic that fills hearts and kitchens with joy.
Print
Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Gooey Butter Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert featuring a buttery yellow cake crust topped with a creamy, sweet cream cheese layer. It bakes to a golden, slightly jiggly perfection and is perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a decadent treat any time.
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 and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one large egg. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the cake crust.
- Prepare the Topping: Beat the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl until smooth. Add the two large eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Gradually add the powdered sugar followed by the melted butter, continuing to mix until the topping is creamy and well combined.
- Assemble: Spread the creamy topping evenly over the crust layer in the baking dish, smoothing it out to cover completely.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is set, lightly golden, and the center is still slightly jiggly for that classic gooey texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature. Once cool, cut into squares and serve for a deliciously gooey dessert.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth topping.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly for the perfect gooey texture.
- Cool completely before cutting to prevent the cake from falling apart.
- This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For best results, use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the cake.
