Original Gooey Butter Cake

| Posted on:

October 27, 2025

Delicious Original Gooey Butter Cake fresh out of the oven, golden and gooey.

Original Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that comes from St. Louis, Missouri. Its rich, sweet flavor and gooey texture make it a favorite for many. This cake is easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of a buttery cake layer with a creamy cheese topping creates a delicious harmony in every bite. People of all ages enjoy this treat, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet treat after dinner. With its delightful taste and easy preparation, you’ll want to bake this cake again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Gooey Butter Cake

Gooey Butter Cake is a fantastic dessert that will surely impress your friends and family. It has a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. The gooey center feels like a soft hug, making every slice enjoyable. Plus, it is simple to make, even for beginners in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious cake that tastes like it came from a bakery. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just want a comforting dessert, this cake is an excellent choice.

How to Make Gooey Butter Cake

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well blended. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix layer in the pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the center is set. Let it cool before cutting into squares and serving.

How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake

You can serve Gooey Butter Cake warm or at room temperature. Slice it into squares and place it on a serving plate. It’s delicious by itself, but you can add whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on top for an extra treat. A sprinkle of powdered sugar can also make it look even more appealing.

How to Store Gooey Butter Cake

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To enjoy it later, you can freeze pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.

Tips for the Best Gooey Butter Cake

Make sure your cream cheese is softened to blend smoothly. Mix the ingredients well to avoid lumps. Do not overbake the cake; it should be soft and gooey in the center. You can also try using different flavored cake mixes for a fun twist.

Recipe Variations

For a chocolate twist, you can use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow. You could also add chocolate chips for extra flavor. For a zestier taste, lemon or orange cake mixes work well too. Feel free to experiment with different toppings to suit your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Gooey Butter Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cake a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese works fine, but it may slightly change the texture.

Can I add other flavors to the cake?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit for different flavor combinations.

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Gooey Butter Cake

A rich and sweet dessert from St. Louis with a buttery cake layer and gooey cheese topping, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Cake Base
  • 1 box yellow cake mix Use any brand you prefer.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted Ensure butter is fully melted.
  • 1 large egg Add to the cake mix.
Cream Cheese Layer
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened Make sure it's at room temperature.
  • 2 large eggs These are added to the cream cheese mixture.
  • 4 cups powdered sugar Sift if necessary for smoothness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For added flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well blended.
  3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
  4. In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix layer in the pan.
Baking
  1. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the center is set.
  2. Let it cool before cutting into squares and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 210mgSugar: 40g

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature. You can top with whipped cream or ice cream and sprinkle powdered sugar for extra appeal. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

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