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
Scale
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