Lemon Gooey Butter Cake

Name: Lemon Gooey Butter Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; Zest of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

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A tangy twist on a classic, Lemon Gooey Butter Cake combines the richness of a buttery crust with a sweet and tart lemon filling. This dessert is wonderfully soft, creamy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe turns simple ingredients into a luxurious dessert. The contrast between the buttery base and the gooey lemon layer is irresistible. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for lemon lovers who enjoy a touch of indulgence.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

1 box yellow cake mix

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

For the filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups powdered sugar

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Prepare the Crust: Mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a bowl until a soft dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.

Make the Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth in a separate bowl. Add the eggs, vanilla, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and beat until creamy and combined.

Assemble the Cake: Spread the filling evenly over the crust using a spatula.

Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but still gooey.

Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and serve at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 12 slices

Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving

Variations

Lime Gooey Butter Cake: Replace lemon juice and zest with lime for a tropical twist.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix for the crust.

Berry Addition: Add a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries to the filling before baking.

Extra Zest: Increase the amount of lemon zest for an even bolder citrus flavor.

Tart Topping: Add a thin layer of lemon curd on top for extra tang.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating: This dessert is best served at room temperature. If preferred warm, heat a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Related Recipes:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

FAQs

How do I know when the cake is done?

The edges should be golden, and the center should look set but still slightly gooey. It will firm up as it cools.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.

Why is my filling runny?

Overmixing the filling can make it runny. Ensure you beat the ingredients until just combined.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Is this cake similar to a cheesecake?

The gooey filling has a cheesecake-like texture, but it’s much lighter and pairs beautifully with the buttery crust.

Conclusion

Lemon Gooey Butter Cake is a dessert that brings sunshine to any table. Its creamy texture, zesty flavor, and effortless preparation make it a go-to for celebrations or casual gatherings. Slice it up, savor the sweet tanginess, and enjoy the compliments that follow.

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