Gooey Butter Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that has earned its place as a favorite treat for gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. With its buttery crust and luscious, custard-like topping, this cake is easy to make yet irresistible in taste. Read on for the ultimate Gooey Butter Cake recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 box yellow cake mix
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
For the 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 the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Crust:
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix well, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish to form the crust.
Make the Topping:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then stir in the melted butter until the topping is smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Cake:
Pour the topping over the crust, spreading it evenly to cover the base.
Bake:
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. The center should remain slightly jiggly for that signature gooey texture.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Serving Tips:
Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool fully in the pan before cutting to maintain its structure and gooey texture.
Use a Sharp Knife: To create clean edges, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Optional Toppings: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for an elegant finish or serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving Temperature: Gooey Butter Cake is delicious at room temperature but can also be served slightly warmed. Heat individual squares in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for extra indulgence.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps preserve its gooey texture.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Note that refrigeration may firm up the texture slightly.
Freezing: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a freshly baked taste.
Related Recipes:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake
- Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
- Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
FAQs:
What makes Gooey Butter Cake “gooey”?
The “gooey” texture comes from the custard-like topping made with cream cheese, eggs, and powdered sugar. When baked, the center remains slightly underdone, giving the cake its signature gooey consistency.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for the crust?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or even spice cake mix to add a unique twist to the recipe.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The edges should be golden brown and set, while the center remains slightly jiggly. This ensures the topping retains its gooey texture once cooled.
Conclusion:
Gooey Butter Cake is a dessert that promises to be a hit every time. With its simple preparation and irresistible flavor, it’s the perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or satisfying a personal craving, this cake delivers indulgence in every bite.
📖 Recipe:
PrintGooey Butter Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Gooey Butter Cake is a decadent dessert featuring a soft, buttery crust topped with a gooey, custard-like layer. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make treat combines rich flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 box yellow cake mix
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
For the 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 to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a bowl. Press evenly into the dish to form the crust.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and melted butter to create a creamy topping.
- Spread the topping over the crust evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is set and lightly golden, with a slightly jiggly center.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
Let the cake cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
Sprinkle powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream for added elegance.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 squares
- Calories: 320 kcal