Description

Gooey Butter Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert originating from St. Louis, featuring a dense, buttery crust topped with a creamy, sweet cream cheese layer. This easy-to-make cake combines a simple yellow cake base with a luscious vanilla and cream cheese topping, baked to perfection with a slightly gooey interior. Perfect for gatherings or as a comforting treat, it offers a delightful balance of buttery and sugary flavors with a moist, soft texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 box yellow cake mix
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

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

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until well combined, then press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a solid crust layer.
Prepare the Topping: Beat the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the two eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
Add Sweetness: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and the ¼ cup of melted butter into the cream cheese mixture. Continue beating until the topping is fully combined, smooth, and creamy.
Assemble the Cake: Spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the crust layer in the baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula to create an even layer.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when the top is set, lightly golden, and the center still has a slight jiggle for gooey texture.
Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your rich, gooey butter cake!

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth topping consistency.
Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly to maintain the gooey texture.
Use freshly powdered sugar for best mixing results.
Letting the cake cool completely is essential for clean slicing and the best texture.
This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American