Gooey Butter Cake

| Posted on:

October 24, 2025

Delicious slice of Gooey Butter Cake with a gooey center and golden crust

Gooey Butter Cake is a delicious dessert that originated in St. Louis, Missouri. This cake has a rich, creamy top layer that contrasts with a soft, buttery bottom. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among many. Gooey Butter Cake is great for parties, family gatherings, or just a treat for yourself. The gooey and sweet filling is irresistible, and it’s easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this delightful cake ready in no time. Once you try it, you’ll understand why everyone loves Gooey Butter Cake.

Why You’ll Love This Gooey Butter Cake

This cake is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Its unique texture and rich flavor make it stand out from other desserts. It has a sweet, gooey layer on top that is simply delicious. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires basic ingredients. You can enjoy it warm or chilled, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion. Whether you are serving it at a gathering or enjoying a slice at home, Gooey Butter Cake will impress everyone.

How to Make Gooey Butter Cake

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar together until well combined.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until creamy.
  7. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter and spread it gently.
  8. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
  9. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your gooey butter cake!

How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake

Serve Gooey Butter Cake warm or at room temperature. It’s great on its own, but you can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra goodness. Slice it into squares for easy serving and enjoy the delicious layers.

How to Store Gooey Butter Cake

To store Gooey Butter Cake, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to five days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil.

Tips for the Best Gooey Butter Cake

  • Make sure your butter is fully melted but not too hot when mixing with sugar.
  • Beat the cream cheese well to prevent lumps in the filling.
  • Check the cake for doneness by looking for a golden top and set center.

Recipe Variations

Try adding flavors like chocolate or lemon to the cream cheese layer for a twist on the classic recipe. You can also mix in nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour, but the texture may be slightly different.

How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when the top is golden brown and the center is not jiggly.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it slightly before serving for the best taste.

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Gooey Butter Cake

A delicious dessert with a rich, creamy top layer and a soft, buttery bottom, perfect for gatherings or a treat at home.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted Make sure it is fully melted but not too hot
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs Add one at a time
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups cake flour Can substitute with all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Topping
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened Beat well to prevent lumps
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar together until well combined.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Topping Preparation
  1. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until creamy.
  2. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter and spread it gently.
Baking
  1. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
  2. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30g

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature. Great with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze for longer storage.

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