Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that is both sweet and creamy. It’s a specialty from St. Louis that has gained popularity across the country. With its rich layers and gooey texture, this cake is perfect for any occasion. It features a dense bottom layer and a creamy topping that brings a wonderful balance of flavors. Making Gooey Butter Cake is easy and requires simple ingredients that you likely have at home. Whether you want to impress your guests or treat yourself, this cake will surely please everyone.

This cake is not just delicious; it’s also fun to make. The mixing process is straightforward and quick. You don’t need any special skills or tools to whip it up. Gooey Butter Cake is a warm and comforting dessert that feels like a hug on a plate. Serve it at parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoy a slice at home.

Why You’ll Love This Gooey Butter Cake

You’ll love Gooey Butter Cake for its rich flavor and light texture. The buttery base pairs perfectly with the creamy topping. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it hard to resist. It’s also easy to make, using just a few common ingredients. This recipe is a great way to share a homemade treat with loved ones. The best part? You can enjoy it warm or cold, straight from the fridge. Gooey Butter Cake is simply a classic that everyone will remember fondly.

How to Make Gooey Butter Cake

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar together until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until creamy.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter and spread it gently.
Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your gooey butter cake!

How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake

Gooey Butter Cake is best served warm or at room temperature. You can cut it into squares or rectangles and place them on a dessert plate. Top it with a dusting of powdered sugar for a nice touch. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

How to Store Gooey Butter Cake

To store your Gooey Butter Cake, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.

Tips for the Best Gooey Butter Cake

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined. For a richer taste, you can use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract. Always keep an eye on the baking time, as every oven is slightly different.

Recipe Variations

You can add chocolate chips or nuts to the cream cheese layer for a different flavor. Some people like to mix in a little lemon zest to brighten up the dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can, but it might alter the sweetness of the cake slightly. If you use salted butter, consider reducing the added salt in the recipe.

How do I know when my gooey butter cake is done?
The top should be golden brown and the center should be set, but still slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, except for small bits on the ends.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! Gooey Butter Cake stores well in the fridge. You can make it a day or two in advance for a party or gathering. Just reheat it slightly before serving.

Gooey Butter Cake

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A delightful St. Louis specialty with rich layers and a gooey texture, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar together until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until creamy.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter and spread it gently.
Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your gooey butter cake!