If there’s one dessert that perfectly captures the joy of biting into something rich, tender, and irresistibly sweet, it has to be the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. This delightful treat hails from St. Louis and is beloved for its unique combination of a buttery cake base topped with a luscious, cream cheese-laden filling that stays gloriously gooey in the middle. Every forkful offers a warm hug of velvety sweetness and just the right hint of tang, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a simple family dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is wonderfully simple, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of texture and flavor that makes this cake unforgettable.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides the foundation with a light, fluffy crumb that complements the creamy topping.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich moisture and depth to the cake base.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure while keeping the cake tender.
- Cream cheese, softened: Delivers that signature creamy, slightly tangy filling that stays wonderfully gooey.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a smooth, luscious texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and deepens overall flavor.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Base Layer
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and one large egg. Mix these until you get a thick dough that’s easy to press. Spread and press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This base will give you that classic buttery foundation that’s both soft and slightly crisp on the edges once baked.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth, which ensures the filling won’t be lumpy. Next, add the remaining eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the cream cheese. Beat everything until the mixture is creamy and well-combined, creating that luscious topping that’s the hallmark of the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over your cake base layer, spreading it gently to cover from edge to edge. Place your pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You want to watch for golden edges while keeping the center slightly soft and gooey — that’s the true magic of this cake. Once baked, let the cake cool fully before slicing so the filling can set just enough to hold its shape without losing its signature ooey gooey texture.
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While the cake is perfect on its own, a gentle dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, snowy finish that also enhances the sweetness. For a fancy touch, try a few fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce to complement the buttery richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance its rich sweetness. If you want a warm contrast, serve it alongside a cup of strong coffee or a spiced chai latte—the combination is heavenly and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares for a charming dessert platter at your next gathering. You can also layer small pieces with whipped cream and fresh fruit in a clear glass for an impressive trifle-inspired dessert that showcases all the gooey goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to refrigerate it, where it will last for about a week. This cake only gets better as the flavors meld, though the gooey center might firm up slightly in the fridge.
Freezing
To keep your cake fresh for longer, freeze it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This will preserve the texture and prevent freezer burn for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. This helps revive the soft, gooey center and brings back the comforting warmth that makes this cake so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
While traditional yellow cake mix works best for the classic flavor and texture, you can experiment with white cake mix or even spice cake for a fun twist, but keep in mind it will alter the classic flavor profile.
Is cream cheese necessary for the filling?
Yes, cream cheese is essential to the signature gooey, slightly tangy filling that sets this cake apart from other desserts. It helps achieve that creamy texture and rich flavor that defines the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
Look for golden edges with a center that still jiggles slightly when you shake the pan gently. Overbaking will cause the gooey middle to firm up too much, so it’s important to check it early and often.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free yellow cake mix to accommodate gluten sensitivities, but results may vary slightly in texture. The filling remains the same, keeping the ooey gooey charm intact.
What is the best way to cut the cake for serving?
Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, to get neat squares. Cutting when the cake is fully cooled ensures clean edges without the gooey filling sticking too much to the knife.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, you’ll understand why it has such a devoted following. It’s simple, fun to make, and delivers that perfect balance of buttery, creamy, and sweet that everyone loves. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this comforting, indulgent dessert that never fails to bring smiles to the table.
Print
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a decadent American dessert featuring a buttery cake base topped with a creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy cream cheese layer. This rich, gooey treat offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a beloved classic especially popular in St. Louis. Its luscious filling and soft cake base bake together to form the signature ooey gooey center that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 (18.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and one large egg. Mix until a thick, dough-like consistency forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the cake base.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Then add the remaining two large eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix all ingredients until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the pressed cake base layer in the pan. Spread it out gently to cover the base evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Bake until the edges are golden brown but the center remains slightly soft and gooey to maintain the signature texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Cooling helps the cake set properly, making it easier to slice. Once cooled, cut into 12 equal squares and serve. Optionally, dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese filling.
- Dust the finished cake with powdered sugar for a decorative touch and extra sweetness.
- Do not overbake the cake to preserve its signature gooey center; the center should still be slightly soft when removed from the oven.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
