Classic St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake with Brown Butter
why make this recipe
Classic St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake with Brown Butter is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and comfort. It has a rich, buttery flavor with a creamy, gooey center that melts in your mouth. This cake is perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or a simple treat after dinner. The addition of brown butter gives it a nutty flavor that takes this classic recipe to the next level. Everyone will love this sweet treat!
how to make Classic St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake with Brown Butter
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, whisking until well blended.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together, then gradually add it to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the powdered sugar until creamy.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and pour in half of the cake batter.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over it evenly, then top with the remaining cake batter.
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes until the top is set and slightly golden.
- Let it cool before serving.
how to serve Classic St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake with Brown Butter
Serve this cake warm or at room temperature. Cut it into squares and enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A dusting of powdered sugar on top makes for a lovely presentation.
how to store Classic St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake with Brown Butter
To store the cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer freshness, up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil.
tips to make Classic St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake with Brown Butter
- Make sure your butter is melted but not hot when mixing with sugar to prevent cooking the eggs.
- For a richer flavor, let your butter brown a little before mixing it in.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the cream cheese mixture.
variation
Try adding chocolate chips or lemon zest to the batter for a different flavor. You can also replace the cream cheese with mascarpone for a lighter texture.
FAQs
-
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but using butter will give you the best flavor and texture. -
What should I do if my cake is too gooey?
Make sure you bake it long enough. The top should be set and slightly golden. -
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it up slightly before serving for the best taste.

Gooey Butter Cake with Brown Butter
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, whisking until well blended.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together, then gradually add it to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the powdered sugar until creamy.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and pour in half of the cake batter.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over it evenly, then top with the remaining cake batter.
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes until the top is set and slightly golden.
- Let it cool before serving.
