Gooey Butter Cake
Introduction
Gooey Butter Cake is a deliciously rich dessert that originated in St. Louis, Missouri, and has since become a beloved treat across the country. With its soft, buttery base and irresistibly sweet, gooey topping, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a birthday, or just indulging in a sweet craving, this classic dessert will surely win over your taste buds.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Cake Base:
• Yellow cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
For the Gooey Topping:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 16 oz powdered sugar
Prep Time
The preparation for this Gooey Butter Cake is easy and quick, making it an excellent dessert for even the busiest of schedules. Begin by prepping all of your ingredients and preheating your oven.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The baking time generally ranges from 40 to 45 minutes, giving the cake just enough time to develop its signature gooey texture. From start to finish, this recipe takes about one hour to complete. The end result? A decadent cake that yields 12 servings, perfect for sharing—or not!
Enjoy serving this luscious Gooey Butter Cake on its own or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Cake Mix Base Layer
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Mix until well blended. The texture should resemble a thick dough.
Press the Base Layer into the Pan
Take the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Make sure the layer is spread out smoothly.
Make the Gooey Butter Layer
Using another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well combined and creamy.
Pour and Spread the Gooey Mixture
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix base layer in the pan. Spread it out evenly across the top.
Bake
Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The edges should be slightly golden, and the center should remain gooey.
Cool Completely
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely before cutting.
Cut and Serve
Once cooled, cut the cake into squares or bars. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Choosing the Baking Pan
For best results, use a 9×13-inch glass or metal baking dish. Make sure it is greased before adding the cake mix base.
Storage
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Alternatively, refrigerate it for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar on top or alongside whipped cream for an extra treat.
Gooey Center Note
The center of the cake is meant to remain gooey, so do not overbake. The cake will firm up slightly as it cools.
Substitution Options
You can use a gluten-free cake mix as a substitute for the yellow cake mix if needed.
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Cook Techniques
Using Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure that your cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth, creamy mixture without lumps.
Properly Mixing Layers
Mix the cake base and the cream cheese mixture separately to ensure even textures for both layers. Combine each set of ingredients thoroughly before assembly.
Creating a Uniform Base
Press the cake base evenly into your pan to ensure a consistent thickness throughout the dessert. Use a spatula or your hands for best results.
Baking for Best Results
Bake the gooey butter cake just until the edges are slightly golden and the center is set but still jiggles slightly when shaken. Overbaking may result in a less gooey texture.
Cooling Completely Before Serving
Let the gooey butter cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set properly and makes for cleaner cuts.
FAQ
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can experiment with other flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or spice, to create different variations of the recipe.
How do I store gooey butter cake?
Store your gooey butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For extended freshness, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze gooey butter cake?
Yes, you can freeze gooey butter cake. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why is my gooey butter cake not moist?
If your gooey butter cake is not as moist as expected, it might have been overbaked. Remove the cake from the oven once the edges are slightly golden, and the center still jiggles slightly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, gooey butter cake can be prepared a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Gooey Butter Cake is an irresistible dessert that is as easy to make as it is delicious. Its soft, buttery layers combined with a sweet, gooey center make it a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a weeknight dessert, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try it out and savor the rich flavors of this decadent recipe.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Classic Cheesecake Bars
For another indulgent treat, try making creamy and rich cheesecake bars. They pair wonderfully with the gooey butter cake for a dessert platter.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Complement your Gooey Butter Cake with a batch of soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies. A classic pairing of sweet treats.
Lemon Bars
If you’re looking for something tangy to balance the sweetness, lemon bars would make a refreshing addition.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Pair a slice of warm Gooey Butter Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast in textures and temperatures.
Brownies
Add a batch of fudgy brownies to your dessert menu for a chocolatey counterpart to the butter cake.
Cinnamon Rolls
The sweet and spiced flavors of cinnamon rolls are a great addition to complement the buttery flavors of this cake.
