Gooey Butter Cake

There’s something truly special about baking a classic dessert like Gooey Butter Cake. I remember the first time I tried this delightful treat at a friend’s family gathering. The way it melted in my mouth, with its rich, creamy texture and just the right amount of sweetness, left a lasting impression. This is not just any ordinary cake; it’s a dessert that brings joy with every bite. It’s perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply to indulge in during a cozy evening at home. The layers of buttery goodness paired with the subtle hints of cream cheese make it irresistible. As you whip up this Gooey Butter Cake, you’ll find yourself reminiscing about special moments and creating new ones with friends and family around the table.

Essential Ingredients for Gooey Butter Cake

The ingredients for this Gooey Butter Cake are simple yet effective, coming together to create a dessert that’s both memorable and satisfying. The yellow cake mix serves as the perfect foundation, while the cream cheese adds that signature gooey texture. When combined with butter and powdered sugar, it results in a rich flavor profile that’s hard to resist.

• 1 box yellow cake mix – This is the base of your cake, providing sweetness and structure.
• 4 ounces butter – Adds richness and flavor to the cake.
• 2 eggs – Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture.
• 8 ounces cream cheese – The star of the topping, giving the cake its gooey texture.
• 1 pound powdered sugar – Sweetens the cake and contributes to its creamy topping.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor into the cake.

How to Make Gooey Butter Cake

Making Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful process that’ll fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Let’s walk through these easy steps together, transforming simple ingredients into a luscious dessert. Follow along, and soon you’ll have a cake that’s sure to impress!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This step is crucial, as you want your Gooey Butter Cake to bake evenly. A hot oven will ensure the cake rises properly and forms that lovely golden crust.

2. Spray a jelly roll pan with non-stick spray or grease it with butter. This helps prevent the cake from sticking, making it easier to cut and serve later. You want to make sure every slice comes out perfectly!

3. In a medium mixing bowl, blend the cake mix, butter, and eggs together. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. It should be thick and slightly gooey—just the way we like it!

4. Lightly pat the mixture evenly over the bottom of the jelly roll pan. This will serve as the base layer of your Gooey Butter Cake. Don’t worry if it feels a bit thick; it’s supposed to!

5. In another bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat with a mixer on medium speed until smooth. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes, and the result will be a luscious, creamy mixture that you’ll want to taste!

6. Pour and spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix layer in the pan. Make sure to cover it evenly, reaching all corners. This layer is what gives the cake its gooey, delicious character.

7. Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the top to be a nice golden brown, resembling a perfectly baked cheesecake.

8. Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 1 hour. This cooling time allows the cake to set, making it easier to cut later. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!

9. Cut the cake into neat squares but do not remove them from the pan. This helps retain the gooey texture and keeps them from falling apart.

10. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for a few days before serving. This extra chilling will enhance the flavors and texture, making each bite more enjoyable.

Variations to Try

Once you get the hang of this classic Gooey Butter Cake, there are plenty of fun variations you can experiment with. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Chocolate Twist: Add cocoa powder to the cake mix for a chocolatey version of this delightful dessert.
• Fruit Layer: Layer fresh fruit like raspberries or blueberries between the cake mix and cream cheese layers for a fruity twist.
• Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cream cheese mixture for added texture and flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle: Top the cooled cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch.
• Coconut Flakes: Mix in sweetened coconut flakes into the cream cheese layer for a tropical vibe.

Serving Ideas for Gooey Butter Cake

• Afternoon Delight: Serve slices of Gooey Butter Cake alongside a cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
• Special Occasions: Bring this cake to holiday gatherings, birthdays, or potlucks. It’s sure to be a crowd favorite!
• Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy with a scoop of your favorite ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of fresh cream for an indulgent experience.
• Storage Solutions: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes even better on the second day!
• Festive Serving: Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation.

FAQ

Conclusion

Gooey Butter Cake is a mouthwatering dessert that truly stands out for its rich, creamy layers and simple preparation. With its unforgettable taste, it’s sure to become a family favorite. I encourage you to try making it yourself—you won’t be disappointed! Each slice is a little piece of joy that brings happiness to those who enjoy it.

Gooey Butter Cake

The ultimate comfort food, Gooey Butter Cake is rich, creamy, and easy to make. With its delicious layers and irresistible gooeyness, it’s perfect for any occasion! Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dessert tonight.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Blender
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 ounces butter 1 stick
• 2 eggs eggs slightly beaten
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 pound powdered sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
• Spray a jelly roll pan with non-stick spray or grease it with butter.
• In a medium mixing bowl, blend the cake mix, butter, and eggs together.
• Lightly pat the mixture evenly over the bottom of the jelly roll pan.
• In another bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat with a mixer on medium speed until smooth.
• Pour and spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix layer.
• Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.
• Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 1 hour.
• Cut the cake into neat squares but do not remove them from the pan.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for a few days before serving.

Notes

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes even better on the second day!

Keyword classic American desserts, easy dessert recipes, Gooey Butter Cake, rich creamy cake