Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth that craves something delightfully rich, buttery, and just the right amount of soft, I have the perfect treat for you: the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. This cake is a beloved St. Louis classic known for its irresistibly moist texture and that signature sweet, creamy topping that lives up to its name. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this dessert combines simple ingredients into a show-stopping, melt-in-your-mouth confection that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is a breeze because all the ingredients are straightforward and familiar, yet they come together to create something truly magical. Each item plays a crucial role, from the richness of the butter to the luscious cream cheese that makes the cake wonderfully gooey and tender.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides the perfect fluffy and buttery base without extra fuss.
- Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds moistness and richness, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Eggs (3 total): Bind the ingredients together and give structure to the cake layers.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Generates the signature creamy, gooey topping that sets this cake apart.
- Powdered sugar (3 3/4 cups): Sweetens and balances the tangy cream cheese, creating that luscious finish.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Base Layer
Start by greasing and flouring a 13 x 9-inch baking pan; this step ensures your cake comes out cleanly without sticking. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready when your batter is prepared. Then, mix the dry yellow cake mix with the melted butter and just one egg—remember, skip any other instructions or liquids that might appear on the box. This mixture forms the sturdy yet buttery base of the cake that you will press evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 2: Make the Gooey Topping
In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, the remaining two eggs, and the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what gives the cake its famous ooey gooey texture and irresistible sweetness. Pour this mixture evenly over the pressed cake base, spreading it carefully to the edges.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You want the top to set and turn lightly golden, but still maintain that soft, gooey center. Keep an eye on it as ovens vary. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely—it’s worth the wait for that perfect gooey bite!
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is a classic way to finish this cake, adding a touch of elegance and extra sweetness. If you want to elevate it further, try caramel drizzle or a few fresh berries for a pop of color and contrast to the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serving it alongside coffee or a warm cup of tea makes for a comforting treat any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cake in individual ramekins topped with a bright raspberry coulis or chopped nuts for crunch. You can also cut it into bite-sized bars and arrange them on a decorative platter for parties—guests will love the ease and decadence packed into every square.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep it covered in the refrigerator where it will stay moist and delicious for up to a week.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When properly stored, the cake keeps well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes. The gooey center will soften perfectly and the cake will taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
While the traditional Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe calls for yellow cake mix to achieve the classic flavor and texture, you can experiment with white or butter cake mixes for a slightly different taste. Just avoid mixes with added pudding or other ingredients that could alter the consistency.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, softening the cream cheese ensures it blends smoothly with the sugar and eggs, avoiding lumps and creating that signature creamy topping that makes this cake so delightful.
Why do we only use one egg in the cake mix, not the whole package instructions?
Using just one egg keeps the base layer firm enough to hold the gooey topping without becoming cakey or heavy, ensuring the right balance of textures in the finished cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
If you choose a gluten-free yellow cake mix and verify that all other ingredients are also gluten-free, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of this cake. Just be sure your substitutions are tested for baking success.
What is the best way to cut and serve this cake?
A sharp knife warmed with hot water and wiped dry makes clean cuts without sticking. Because the cake is soft and gooey, letting it cool completely before slicing helps maintain nice, neat squares perfect for serving.
Final Thoughts
This Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a comforting, luscious slice of happiness that’s easy to make and even easier to fall in love with. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or to brighten an ordinary day, once you try it, this cake will become one of your absolute favorites. So grab those simple ingredients and get baking—you’re about to treat yourself to pure deliciousness!
Print
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
Description
This Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a rich and decadent dessert featuring a buttery yellow cake base topped with a creamy, sweet cream cheese mixture. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, delivering a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
Ingredients
Cake Layer
- 1 package yellow cake mix (dry mix only, no additional ingredients)
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, melted)
- 1 egg
Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 eggs
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Grease and flour a 13 x 9 inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking.
- Make Cake Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix (only the dry mix, not the ingredients listed on the back), the melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until fully blended.
- Press Cake Layer: Evenly press the cake batter into the prepared pan to create the base layer of the cake.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 2 eggs, and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake layer in the pan.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, until the topping is set and the edges are lightly golden.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the topping.
- Do not add eggs, oil, or water to the cake mix beyond what is specified in the recipe; this keeps the texture dense and gooey.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting to help it set properly and prevent crumbling.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the cake into squares for clean cuts.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar on top after baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
