Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that hails from St. Louis, Missouri, and is beloved for its rich, creamy texture and buttery flavor. This indulgent treat features a soft, cake-like bottom layer topped with a gooey, custard-like filling that practically melts in your mouth. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, this gooey butter cake recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will adore this gooey butter cake recipe for its incredible flavor and simplicity. The cake is perfectly sweet without being overwhelming, thanks to the blend of cream cheese and powdered sugar in the filling. With only a handful of ingredients, it’s easy and quick to prepare, making it a fantastic option for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs. It fits well into a variety of lifestyles, as it’s a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, and its rich taste can satisfy any sweet tooth without requiring a lengthy prep time.
Tips and Tricks
To make the most out of your gooey butter cake, here are some handy tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients, especially the cream cheese and eggs, for a smoother batter.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the filling.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- If you want to speed up the cooling process, place the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes after baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making gooey butter cake, it’s crucial to avoid a few common pitfalls:
- Don’t overmix the batter; this can lead to a dense texture. Mix until just combined.
- Be cautious not to confuse cake flour with all-purpose flour; cake flour will give you the light, tender base you need.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it to prevent it from falling apart.
Make Ahead Tips
Gooey butter cake can be a wonderful make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the cake base and filling a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply pour the filling over the cake base and follow the baking instructions. The cake stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your gooey butter cake by trying these variations:
- Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake: Replace half of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
- Pumpkin Spice Gooey Butter Cake: Add pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to the filling for a fall-inspired treat.
- Nutty Gooey Butter Cake: Stir in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve the gooey butter cake warm or at room temperature, dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a lovely presentation. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness of the cake. For a touch of elegance, garnish with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your gooey butter cake with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For a more indulgent experience, serve it alongside a rich dessert wine or a creamy dessert cocktail. Complementary side dishes could include fresh fruit or a light salad to offset the sweetness.
How to Store
To store leftovers, keep the gooey butter cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for about a week. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you will need:
- A 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- A hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional, but recommended for easier removal)
Dietary Adaptations
To make a dairy-free version of gooey butter cake, use dairy-free cream cheese and substitute regular butter with a plant-based alternative. For a gluten-free option, swap out regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use egg substitutes, like flaxseed meal or applesauce, for a vegan version.
Seasonal Adaptations
Embrace seasonal flavors by modifying your gooey butter cake. In spring, add lemon zest and fresh blueberries for a bright, fresh take. In winter, incorporate spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even peppermint extract for a festive holiday treat.
Cost Breakdown
The estimated cost for making this gooey butter cake is around $10, making it a budget-friendly dessert option. You can save even more by using store-brand ingredients or buying in bulk. The cost per serving is approximately $1.25, a steal for such a delicious treat!
Kitchen Hacks
To make your baking process smoother:
- Use a non-stick spray on your measuring cups when measuring sticky ingredients like corn syrup or honey; they will slide right out.
- If you don’t have a mixer, you can use a whisk to mix the filling by hand — just be sure to incorporate air for a light texture.
- For easy cleanup, line your baking pan with foil, allowing some overhang to lift the cake out once baked.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use regular flour instead of cake flour?
A: Yes, but the texture may not be as light and tender. If you have it, cake flour is recommended.
Q: How can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
A: Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips will enhance the flavor and make it even more decadent.
Gooey Butter Cake
Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that hails from St. Louis, Missouri, and is beloved for its rich, creamy texture and buttery flavor. This indulgent treat features a soft, cake-like bottom layer topped with a gooey, custard-like filling that practically melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until combined and then press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form the crust.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the 3 eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden, and the center is set but still gooey.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 505Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 101mgSodium 412mgCarbohydrates 84gFiber 1gSugar 67gProtein 5g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This gooey butter cake recipe is a delightful addition to any dessert table and is sure to impress your family and friends. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s a treat that you’ll want to make over and over again. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your go-to dessert for every occasion! Happy baking!