This recipe is a dream for butter lovers. It’s incredibly easy to put together with minimal ingredients and delivers a bakery-quality dessert with every slice. The combination of a dense, cake-like base and a gooey, custard-like topping creates a contrast that’s absolutely addictive. It’s perfect for make-ahead desserts and travels well for potlucks or picnics.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Yellow cake mix
Eggs
Butter, melted
Cream cheese, softened
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Mix until a thick dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add the remaining eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar to the cream cheese. Beat until well combined and smooth.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake crust and spread evenly.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Do not overbake—it should be gooey!
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 12–15 servings. Prep time: 15 minutes Bake time: 40–45 minutes Total time: About 1 hour
Variations
Use a chocolate, spice, or lemon cake mix for a different flavor profile.
Add a swirl of fruit preserves or jam over the top before baking for a fruity twist.
Mix crushed nuts (like pecans) into the crust for extra texture.
Swap vanilla extract with almond or maple extract for a unique flavor.
Make individual servings using a muffin tin and paper liners.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds until slightly warm. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
FAQs
What is Gooey Butter Cake?
It’s a two-layer dessert with a cake mix crust and a gooey cream cheese topping. It originated in St. Louis and has become popular across the U.S.
Can I make this without cake mix?
Yes, you can make a homemade yellow cake base, but using cake mix keeps it simple and quick.
Why is the center still jiggly after baking?
That’s normal! The center should be slightly jiggly when it comes out—it sets as it cools and keeps that gooey texture.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely. Chocolate, red velvet, or lemon cake mix all make great variations.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set but not firm. A slight jiggle in the middle is perfect.
Should I refrigerate Gooey Butter Cake?
It can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days, but for longer storage or during warm weather, refrigeration is best.
Can I freeze Gooey Butter Cake?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat briefly if desired.
Is it supposed to be super sweet?
Yes, it’s a very sweet and rich dessert. You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly if you prefer, but the sweetness is part of its charm.
Can I add toppings?
Yes, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel sauce, or serve with whipped cream or fresh berries.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. It keeps well for several days and can even be frozen. Make it a day in advance for best results.
Conclusion
Gooey Butter Cake is a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s incredibly easy to make and always a crowd favorite. With its rich, buttery layers and creamy filling, it’s the perfect treat to bring to gatherings or enjoy at home. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this classic cake has become a beloved favorite across generations.
Gooey Butter Cake is a classic St. Louis dessert with a dense, buttery crust and a rich, gooey cream cheese topping. It’s sweet, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make using cake mix and a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
3 large eggs, divided
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, mix together yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter until a thick dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Add remaining 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Beat until well combined and creamy.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set but slightly jiggly.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
Do not overbake; the center should be slightly jiggly for that gooey texture.Use different cake mix flavors like chocolate or lemon for variety.Add a swirl of jam or fruit preserves before baking for a fruity touch.Refrigerate for firmer texture or serve room temperature for gooeyness.Can be frozen up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge before serving.
