Gooey Butter Cake is the superstar of Midwest dessert tables, and there’s a good reason why! This irresistible treat layers a chewy, buttery yellow cake crust with a lusciously rich, cream cheese filling that’s delightfully sweet and, as the name promises, gooey in all the right ways. Whether you’re serving it up for a festive gathering or sneaking an extra slice for a midnight snack, Gooey Butter Cake brings a decadent touch of nostalgia and comfort. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s been a beloved classic for generations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Gooey Butter Cake is proof that a handful of pantry basics can create magic in your oven. Each ingredient brings a special something to the party, from rich butter to sweet powdered sugar—every element matters to achieve that perfect gooey texture and golden finish.
- Yellow Cake Mix: The foundation for our crust, bringing a soft, buttery flavor and easy-to-work-with texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and ensures both layers turn out moist and flavorful—don’t skimp here!
- Large Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the crust and creamy filling together for that signature bite.
- Cream Cheese: The heart of the gooey layer, lending tang and a luscious, creamy texture you can’t miss.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the sweet, decadent flavors and adds warmth to the filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the top layer while contributing to that crackly, irresistible finish.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cake
Step 1: Get Your Pan Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step makes sure the Gooey Butter Cake releases effortlessly after baking (and you get those picture-perfect squares).
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Then, press the dough evenly into your prepared pan—take your time to get it right into the corners for an even base.
Step 3: Whip Up the Gooey Filling
Grab a large bowl and beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and silky. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully blended. Pour in the melted butter and continue to mix, then gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the filling is luxuriously thick and creamy.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust, gently smoothing it into an even layer. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes—watch for golden edges and a center that’s just set but still gently wobbly. That slight jiggle guarantees a gooey texture!
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let your Gooey Butter Cake cool completely in the pan. This helps the filling set so you’ll get neat, enticing squares when you slice. Serve at room temperature or chilled, depending on your mood!
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake
Garnishes
A simple shower of powdered sugar is the classic finish for Gooey Butter Cake, adding a hint of sweetness and a snowy look that’s pure nostalgia. If you want to get fancy, top each piece with a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries for a pretty pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
While Gooey Butter Cake can truly stand alone, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream takes this dessert to dreamier heights. For a lighter touch, offer it alongside a fresh fruit salad or tangy lemon sorbet to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Gooey Butter Cake into bite-sized cubes and spear them with cocktail picks for dessert trays, or layer squares into parfait glasses with whipped cream and berries. You can even use it as a decadent base for a trifle—get creative and make it your own signature treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Gooey Butter Cake tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator. The flavor actually deepens as it sits, making day-two slices even more dreamy than the first.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange individual squares on a baking sheet until firm, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Gooey Butter Cake can be frozen for up to three months—just remember to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, microwave a slice of Gooey Butter Cake for a few seconds or pop your pan in a low oven briefly. This brings back the soft, melty middle and makes each bite as irresistible as the day it was baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for the base?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix delivers that classic flavor, experimenting with white, butter, or even spice cake mixes can offer fun new twists. Each will lend its own personality to your Gooey Butter Cake.
Does Gooey Butter Cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the rich cream cheese filling, it’s best to keep any leftovers refrigerated. Chilled slices are just as delectable!
How do I know when my Gooey Butter Cake is done?
Look for set, lightly golden edges while the center should remain slightly jiggly—it will firm up as it cools. Don’t overbake, or you’ll lose that signature gooeyness!
Can I make Gooey Butter Cake gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix for the base and follow the rest of the recipe as written. You’ll still get all the gooey magic and crowd-pleasing flavor.
Is Gooey Butter Cake the same as Chess Squares?
They’re very similar, but Gooey Butter Cake is a distinctly St. Louis tradition with its own identity. Chess Squares typically use a similar cream cheese topping but may have small ingredient variations.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that never disappoints, Gooey Butter Cake is a treat that always delivers creamy, decadent comfort in every delicious bite. Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to share (or not share!) something truly special with the people you love.
Print
Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Gooey Butter Cake with its rich, creamy filling atop a buttery cake base. This St. Louis classic is an easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
For the Base:
For the Filling:
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the cake mix, melted butter, and egg to form the crust. Press into the pan.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, melted butter, then powdered sugar. Pour over crust.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until edges are golden and center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool before slicing into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving for a classic touch.
- This cake improves with time, making it great for preparing a day ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 46 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
