Gooey Butter Cake

Introduction

Gooey Butter Cake is a dessert that everyone falls in love with after just one taste. This delightful treat combines a soft buttery base with a rich and creamy topping, creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Originally a favorite in Missouri, this cake has become a staple in home kitchens across the country. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a holiday, or just treating yourself, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Here’s how to prepare this sweet and delicious dessert.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

For the Cake Base:

yellow cake mix – A classic base layer for the perfect texture
unsalted butter, melted – Adds a rich, creamy flavor
large egg – Helps to bind the cake base

For the Gooey Topping:

cream cheese, softened – Makes the topping smooth and decadent
large eggs – Provide structure to the topping
vanilla extract – Adds a warm and sweet aroma
unsalted butter, melted – Enhances the gooey texture of the topping
powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the topping

Prep Time

Preparing Gooey Butter Cake requires minimal effort. The prep time is around 15 minutes, during which you’ll mix the ingredients, layer the base and topping, and get ready for baking.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time for this recipe is approximately 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly and the gooey topping to set just right. The total time you’ll spend from start to finish is about 1 hour. This recipe typically yields 12 to 16 servings, making it ideal for sharing with friends or family.

There’s nothing more satisfying than serving a dessert that everyone can enjoy, and Gooey Butter Cake is guaranteed to impress. Its unique combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout recipe that’s both easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a household favorite.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a properly heated oven which is critical for the baking process.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Base

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 2 large eggs. Mix until fully incorporated and a dough forms.

Step 4: Press the Dough into the Pan

Press the prepared dough evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating a leveled cake base.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

In another medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in 2 large eggs and mix well. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, continuing to mix as you go, until fully combined.

Step 6: Pour the Filling Over the Cake Base

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the top of the cake base, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should be slightly golden, and the edges will be set. The center will remain a bit gooey, which is the desired texture.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Remove the cake from the oven and set it on a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Once cooled, cut the cake into squares or rectangles for serving. Enjoy as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.

Notes

Baking Time

The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the cake after 40 minutes to avoid over-baking.

Storage

Store leftover gooey butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.

Serving Options

This cake pairs perfectly with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added treat.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out the yellow cake mix for a butter or white cake mix if you prefer. Ensure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best consistency in the filling.

Cutting Tip

Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices and wipe the blade between cuts to keep the edges neat.
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Cook techniques

Prepare the cake mix base

To start, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a mixing bowl. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. This mixture will act as the crust for the gooey butter cake.

Create the creamy filling

In another bowl, beat together cream cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar using an electric mixer. Ensure the mixture becomes smooth and free of lumps to create the gooey layer of the cake.

Layer the cake

Press the cake base mixture into the bottom of a prepared baking dish evenly. Then pour the cream cheese filling over the base and spread it evenly using a spatula.

Bake to perfection

Bake the layered cake at 325°F (163°C) for about 40 to 50 minutes. The edges of the cake should be golden brown while the center should remain slightly gooey. Avoid overbaking to maintain the desirable texture.

Cool and serve

Allow the cake to cool completely to set before slicing. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve as desired.

FAQ

Why is my gooey butter cake too runny?

If your cake is runny, you may not have baked it long enough. Be sure the edges are golden while the center remains gooey but not overly liquid.

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, you can try using different cake mix flavors, such as vanilla, white, or even chocolate, to customize the taste of your gooey butter cake.

How do I store leftover gooey butter cake?

You can store leftover gooey butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Can I freeze gooey butter cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Should gooey butter cake be refrigerated?

While it’s not necessary to refrigerate the cake if storing for just a couple of days, refrigerating it can help extend its shelf life and maintain its texture.

What tools do I need to make gooey butter cake?

Basic tools such as a mixing bowl, electric mixer, spatula, and a baking dish are needed. Non-stick spray or parchment paper for preparing the pan is also helpful.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the cake?

This recipe is naturally sweet, but you can slightly reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the filling if you prefer less sweetness.
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Conclusion

This Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful treat that’s both rich and satisfying. Its luscious, creamy texture and buttery flavor make it an absolute favorite for dessert lovers. Whether you serve it at family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply as an indulgent snack, it is sure to impress with its simplicity and irresistible taste. Give this classic recipe a try and experience the magic of this timeless creation!

More recipes suggestions and combination

Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

Switch up the classic recipe by adding cocoa powder to the batter or using a chocolate cake mix for a chocolaty twist on this indulgent dessert.

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

Incorporate pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to create a seasonal version perfect for autumn gatherings.

Lemon Gooey Butter Cake

Brighten up the flavors by adding lemon zest, lemon juice, or even a lemon cake mix to give the cake a tangy citrus flavor.

Pineapple Coconut Gooey Butter Cake

Add crushed pineapple and shredded coconut for a tropical version of this delicious treat that will transport you to a sunny beach paradise.

Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cake

Use a red velvet cake mix for a colorful and festive dessert that’s perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Cake

Drizzle salted caramel over the top or mix it into the batter for a sweet and salty combination that elevates this dessert to the next level.