Indulgent, rich, and perfectly gooey—this buttery cake is a must-try dessert for holidays, potlucks, or any sweet craving. Easy and crowd-pleasing!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this Gooey Butter Cake’s magic lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role—whether it’s building the soft, golden foundation or lending the creamy, flowing texture on top. Gather these pantry staples, and you’re halfway to dessert bliss.
- Yellow cake mix: The quickest path to a perfectly soft and flavorful base—no measuring out flour or sugar here!
- Unsalted butter: Richness in every layer; use melted for the base and filling to achieve that signature “gooey” factor.
- Large eggs: Essential for both the structure of the crust and the silkiness of the topping.
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat and make sure it’s well-softened—this is the secret to that tangy, luxurious filling.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens the flavors and adds warm, inviting notes.
- Powdered sugar: The backbone of the creamy filling, creating sweetness and that velvety melt-in-your-mouth finish.
How to Make Gooey Butter Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives your Gooey Butter Cake that signature plush texture and golden crust. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or nonstick spray, reaching into every corner. This not only prevents sticking but helps the edges crisp up just right.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Base
In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 large egg. Don’t worry about over-mixing—just stir until everything’s blended and no dry patches remain. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. You can use your fingers or the back of a spoon; just make sure to build a level foundation for the filling to rest on.
Step 3: Beat the Cream Cheese Mixture
Place the softened cream cheese in a large bowl and beat it on medium speed until smooth and completely free of lumps. This step makes all the difference; don’t rush it! Add the remaining 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and mix again until the batter is silky and unified.
Step 4: Add the Butter and Sugar
Pour in the last 1/2 cup of melted butter and blend until incorporated. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until your filling is perfectly smooth and creamy. Take your time here—the texture should be thick, glossy, and absolutely luscious.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling over your cake base, using a spatula to coax it into each corner of the pan. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for set edges and a center that’s just a bit wobbly—remember, part of the gooey magic happens as it cools.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Remove the Gooey Butter Cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This step lets the filling finish setting but keeps that memorable, gooey bite. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars—and don’t be shy about sneaking the raggedy edges!
How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving gives Gooey Butter Cake that bakery-style flair. For an extra touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a few fresh berries—the warm-cold contrast is out-of-this-world and balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since Gooey Butter Cake is unapologetically sweet and rich, it shines alongside unsweetened beverages like black coffee or hot tea. For a celebratory spread, pair it with fresh fruit salad or tangy lemon sorbet—the burst of acidity complements that luxurious filling.
Creative Ways to Present
You can cut Gooey Butter Cake into bite-sized cubes for a party platter, or layer the squares in a trifle dish with whipped cream and berries for a stunning dessert centerpiece. Mini Gooey Butter Cake cupcakes made in muffin tins are a fun, portable way to share everyone’s favorite treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Gooey Butter Cake, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days—the texture holds up beautifully, and the flavors meld even more.
Freezing
If you want to keep Gooey Butter Cake on hand for sudden cravings or special guests, just wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Serve Gooey Butter Cake at room temperature, or if you crave that just-baked warmth, zap a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The filling softens up deliciously—just keep an eye out, since overheating can melt the gooey center a bit too much.
FAQs
Can I make Gooey Butter Cake without a boxed cake mix?
Absolutely! You can whip up your own base with all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and a little salt, but using a cake mix is the classic shortcut that brings authentic flavor and texture with minimal effort.
Why is my Gooey Butter Cake runny in the middle?
A slightly jiggly center is just right, but if it’s truly runny, it probably needed a few extra minutes in the oven. Remember, it will set further as it cools. Resist the urge to slice it too soon!
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is recommended because it delivers the best richness and truly “gooey” texture. If you must use low-fat, expect a slightly lighter (and less decadent) outcome.
What variations can I try with Gooey Butter Cake?
This is a great base for experimenting! Swirl in a bit of chocolate or raspberry jam before baking, or use a flavored cake mix for fun seasonal twists. Just keep the basic ratios the same.
Do I need to refrigerate Gooey Butter Cake?
If you plan to keep it for more than two days, absolutely—refrigeration keeps it fresh and safe to enjoy. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for that signature creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something joyful about sharing Gooey Butter Cake—a dish that always brings people together, whether it’s a holiday, a potluck, or just a treat-yourself Saturday. Don’t let the simplicity fool you; every bite is pure delight. Go on, give it a try, and watch it earn a spot in your family’s list of favorites!
Print
Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulgent, rich, and perfectly gooey—this buttery cake is a must-try dessert for holidays, potlucks, or any sweet craving. Easy and crowd-pleasing!
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cake Base: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a thick dough forms. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Add Butter and Powdered Sugar: Pour in the melted butter and blend again. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed after each addition to avoid creating a cloud of sugar, until the filling is completely smooth.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base. Spread evenly with a spatula to cover the base completely.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden but the center is still slightly jiggly when shaken—the filling will firm up as it cools.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, slice into 16 squares. Optionally, dust with a little extra powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For easiest removal, line the baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- The center should be slightly jiggly when finished baking—it sets as it cools.
- Chill before slicing for neater pieces, though it’s delicious at room temperature too!
- You can add a pinch of salt to the filling for balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/16 recipe)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 78mg