Classic Gooey Butter Cake
A St. Louis original and beloved dessert, this cake features a dense, buttery bottom layer topped with a rich, gooey cream cheese filling. It’s irresistibly sweet, soft, and decadent—perfect with coffee or as a treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layer:
· 1 box (15.25 oz / 432g) yellow cake mix
· ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted
· 1 large egg, at room temperature
For the Gooey Filling:
· 8 oz (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
· 2 large eggs, at room temperature
· 1 tsp vanilla extract
· 4 cups (450g) powdered sugar
· ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted
Optional:
· Powdered sugar for dusting before serving
Instructions
- Prep:
· Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
· Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Cake Layer:
· In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
· Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. It will be thin.
- Make the Gooey Filling:
· Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
· Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully combined.
· Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until smooth.
· While mixing on low, slowly pour in the melted butter until the filling is creamy and fully blended.
- Assemble and Bake:
· Pour the filling over the cake layer and spread evenly.
· Bake for 40–50 minutes—the edges should be lightly golden and set, but the center should still be slightly jiggly.
· Important: Do not overbake; the gooey texture comes from a soft, custardy center.
- Cool and Serve:
· Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (at least 2 hours).
· Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, then slice into squares.
· Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Tips for Success
· Use full-fat cream cheese—low-fat versions can alter texture.
· Don’t overmix the filling once butter is added to avoid incorporating too much air.
· The center should jiggle slightly when removing from oven—it will set as it cools.
· For clean slices, chill the cake briefly before cutting, or use a hot, wet knife.
Flavor Variations
· Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake: Use chocolate cake mix and add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the filling.
· Pumpkin Spice: Add ½ cup pumpkin puree and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice to the filling.
· Lemon or Orange: Add 2 tbsp citrus zest and 1 tbsp juice to the filling; use lemon or orange cake mix.
· Nutty: Sprinkle 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers or on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
· Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.
· Pair with strong coffee, milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the sweetness.
· Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or holiday dessert tables.
Rich, gooey, and irresistibly buttery—this cake is a true crowd-pleaser and a slice of Midwest comfort. Enjoy every sweet, sticky bite!