Gooey Butter Cake

why make this recipe

Gooey Butter Cake is rich, sweet, and easy to make. It uses simple pantry items. You can bake it for a party or a late night treat. The cake shows up moist and soft with a creamy top. If you like simple sweets, this is worth a try.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened, 2 cups sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, 1 pound powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and mix well. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter in the baking dish. Top with the remaining batter. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is set and golden. Allow to cool before serving.

how to make Gooey Butter Cake

1. Soften butter and cream it with sugar until light.
2. Add eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to wet mix slowly.
4. Press half the batter into the pan.
5. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar. Spread over the first layer.
6. Dollop or spread the remaining batter on top. Bake 40–45 minutes. Let cool so the top firms a bit.

how to serve Gooey Butter Cake

Cut into squares and serve at room temperature. Many like it with a dusting of extra powdered sugar or a spoon of whipped cream. It pairs well with coffee or milk. You can also warm a piece slightly and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert. For another sweet idea to serve at the same table, try Blackberry Velvet Gothic Cake for contrast.

how to store Gooey Butter Cake

Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze cut pieces in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

tips to make Gooey Butter Cake

• Use room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese. They mix easier.
• Don’t overmix the flour. Mix until just combined.
• Bake until the top is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm as it cools.
• Let it cool before cutting to get cleaner slices.
• If you like extra sweetness, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

variation (if any)

• Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese layer for a bright note.
• Fold in 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter.
• Use brown sugar in place of some white sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Swap vanilla for almond extract for a slightly different taste.

introduction

Gooey Butter Cake comes from the Midwest and is now loved everywhere. The cake has a buttery base and a soft, sweet top layer. It looks fancy but is easy to make. If you want a different treat to try later, check a simple no-bake sweet like No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls.

FAQs

Q: Why is it called gooey butter cake?
A: The top is soft and slightly gooey while the bottom bakes like a regular cake. That contrast gives the name.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, but full-fat cream cheese gives a richer flavor and better texture.

Q: Do I need a 9×13 pan?
A: A 9×13 pan works best. A smaller pan will make the cake thicker and may change bake time.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. You can bake it a day ahead and store it covered at room temp or in the fridge.

Q: How do I know when it is done?
A: The top should be golden and mostly set. The center may be slightly jiggly but not liquid.

Conclusion

If you want the original recipe and more notes, see this classic Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. For a regional take and extra tips, try the Authentic St. Louis Ooey Gooey Butter Cake – Grandbaby Cakes.

Gooey Butter Cake

Gooey Butter Cake is rich and sweet, featuring a buttery base with a creamy top layer. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for parties or as a late-night treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the cake base

• 1 cup butter, softened Make sure the butter is at room temperature.
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs Room temperature works best.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour Don’t overmix.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the cream cheese layer

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Room temperature is best for mixing.
• 1 pound powdered sugar

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
5. Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Cream Cheese Layer

1. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and mix well.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter in the baking dish.
4. Dollop or spread the remaining batter on top.

Baking

1. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is set and golden.
2. Allow to cool before serving.

Notes

For serving, cut into squares and serve at room temperature. It can be paired with coffee or milk and is great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.