Original Gooey Butter Cake

By:

Clara Thompson

| Published on:

October 26, 2025

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Original Gooey Butter Cake is a delicious dessert that is loved by many. This cake has a unique texture and an amazing flavor that keeps people coming back for more. It is rich and creamy, making it a perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or just want to enjoy a piece of cake, this recipe is easy to follow and will give you great results. The combination of cake mix and cream cheese creates a gooey layer that makes every bite delightful. It’s a classic dessert from St. Louis, and once you try it, you will understand why it’s so popular.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Original Gooey Butter Cake is a great choice for several reasons. First, the ingredients are simple and easy to find in any grocery store. Second, the preparation is quick, allowing you to make this dessert in no time. Third, it is a crowd-pleaser, so you can impress your family and friends with your baking skills. Finally, the taste is out of this world! The gooey, sweet layer on top of the buttery base is a combination that you will love.

How to Make Original Gooey Butter Cake

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well blended.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix layer in the pan.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the center is set.
Let it cool before cutting into squares and serving.

How to Serve Original Gooey Butter Cake

Serve Original Gooey Butter Cake warm or at room temperature. You can dust it with powdered sugar for an added touch. It pairs well with coffee, milk, or ice cream. Sharing it with friends and family will make the experience even better.

How to Store Original Gooey Butter Cake

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Original Gooey Butter Cake

For the best results, make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. This will help create a smooth filling. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding almond extract or lemon zest for a fun twist. Always check for doneness by looking for a lightly browned top.

Variations

You can customize Original Gooey Butter Cake by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the cream cheese layer. Another option is to use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a rich chocolate version.

FAQs

What is Gooey Butter Cake?
Gooey Butter Cake is a dessert made with a buttery cake base topped with a creamy, gooey filling.

Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, you can use other flavors of cake mix, like chocolate or lemon, to create variations.

Does it need to be refrigerated?
It’s best to refrigerate it if you have leftovers, but you can also keep it at room temperature for a short time.

How do I know when it’s done baking?
It is done when the top is lightly browned and the center is set. You can also test with a toothpick.

Can I freeze Gooey Butter Cake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just wrap it well and store it in the freezer for up to three months.

Original Gooey Butter Cake

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A delicious, rich, and creamy cake from St. Louis that features a gooey layer over a buttery base, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well blended.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix layer in the pan.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the center is set.
Let it cool before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

For best results, use softened cream cheese and check for doneness by ensuring the top is lightly browned and center is set. You can add almond extract or lemon zest for a twist.