This Cheesy Corn Casserole (AKA cheesy corn bake) is a signature side dish of Kansas City’s barbecue scene. Combining sweet corn, cheddar, and cream cheese for a rich, creamy bite. It’s a dish that perfectly balances the bold flavors of smoked meats, making it a …
If you’re a fan of gooey butter cake and lemon desserts, you’re going to love this sunny twist on the St. Louis classic. I took my original recipe and swapped out the yellow cake mix for lemon and added a generous spread of homemade lemon …
There’s something irresistible about gooey butter cake that keeps people coming back for more. This simple dessert features a tender bottom layer topped with a sweet, buttery filling that, true to its name, stays wonderfully gooey in the center.
Unlike its more formal dessert cousins, gooey butter cake makes no apologies for its simple appearance. It strikes the perfect balance between cake and custard, with its signature golden-amber color and that unmistakable buttery aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes.
This is part of my Forks in the Road: Recipes From Across America series, where week by week, I’ll explore the foods and flavors of America and recreate the most popular recipes from all 50 states.
This St. Louis classic has been around since the 1930s, originally created by accident when a baker got the butter-to-flour ratio wrong in a cake recipe. Instead of tossing it out, he baked it anyway, and the result was a rich, buttery, gooey cake that quickly became a local favorite.
Imagine sinking your fork into a dessert with a crisp, buttery crust and a lusciously gooey center that practically melts in your mouth. This Gooey Butter Cake is rich, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect balance of chewy and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Whether you’re serving it at a gathering for a special occasion or treating yourself to a slice with a cup of coffee, this easy dessert will be a hit.
Over the years, the recipe has evolved, and today, there are two main versions: the traditional yeast-based cake and a shortcut version that uses a boxed cake mix and a cream cheese filling. When I was testing this recipe, I tried both.
While I appreciate the history behind the traditional cake, my family preferred the easier version, and I have to admit—it’s hard to argue with a dessert that’s this simple and delicious.
If you’ve never had it before, think of it as a cross between a chewy cookie bar and a dense coffee cake.
It has a soft, slightly crisp crust on the bottom and a sweet, creamy, almost custard-like layer on top. It’s rich, buttery, and just the right amount of gooey.
It is also super versatile. Use the base recipe and change the flavor of this butter cake by using a different cake mix or adding different ingredients like Heath Almond Toffee Bits, a cup of chocolate chips, or nuts.
You could also use a lemon cake mix and slather the top with my Homemade Lemon Curd for a version that just screams springtime!
Organizing all of your ingredients ahead of time not only streamlines the cooking process but also ensures you have everything required to complete the dish successfully. You can find the exact amounts in the recipe card below.
Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
In the bowl of your electric mixer or a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, 1 egg, and 8 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix well with an electric mixer, then pat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
In the same bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, vanilla, and the remaining 8 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until well combined.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix layer, spreading evenly.
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, being careful not to overbake—the edges should be brown, but the center should remain slightly gooey.
Let the cake cool before dusting the top with more powdered sugar.
Slice into bars and enjoy!
Absolutely! While the original recipe calls for yellow cake mix, many people enjoy using lemon, white, or even chocolate cake mix as the base. Each variation will give your gooey butter cake a different flavor profile while maintaining that signature gooey texture.
The cake is done when the edges are set and golden brown, but the center still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. If you insert a toothpick about 2 inches from the edge, it should come out mostly clean. Remember, the center is supposed to remain gooey!
Yes, because of the cream cheese in the filling, leftover gooey butter cake should be refrigerated. Store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Yes! Gooey butter cake freezes well. Cut it into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Some sinking is normal for gooey butter cake since the center is meant to be soft and gooey. However, excessive sinking could be caused by opening the oven door too early in the baking process or not mixing the ingredients thoroughly enough.
While an electric mixer makes the process easier, especially for creaming the cream cheese, you can make this by hand with a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease. Just make sure the cream cheese is very soft before starting.
For years, I was used to cooking for a full table—two growing boys with big appetites, plus my husband and me. Now that we’re empty nesters, I’ve had to rethink the way I cook.
Scaling down recipes isn’t always as simple as cutting everything in half, and when we’re traveling, our RV fridge just isn’t big enough to hold a bunch of leftovers. At the same time, I don’t want to give up the meals we’ve always loved.
That’s why I write my recipes both ways—one for a family-sized portion and one designed just for two. Whether you’re still cooking for a crowd or figuring out how to make your favorite dishes work in a smaller household, I want my recipes to be flexible and practical for wherever you are in life.
You will find the scaled-down version in the notes section beneath the recipe card below.
If you are enjoying my Forks in the Road series, check out more of the classic recipes I have adapted from around the United States.
I know this isn’t the authentic, old-school version, but sometimes, easy and delicious wins. My family couldn’t get enough of this cake, and it disappeared fast! Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert to bring to a gathering or just want to treat yourself, this one’s a keeper. If you give it a try, let me know what you think!
I’d love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by leaving a review below. Or snap a picture and tag me on Facebook.
Every time you share one of my posts, it helps me grow the blog. I truly appreciate your support.
As always, I will be back next week with more delicious recipes from my RV kitchen to yours!
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy.
Learn how to get Amazon deliveries straight to your RV.
If you’ve ever been to St. Louis, chances are you’ve heard of (or better yet, tasted) toasted ravioli. These crispy, golden pockets of deliciousness are a beloved Midwestern classic, and for good reason. Lightly breaded, deep-fried, and served with a side of marinara, they make …
Father’s Day calls for good food—nothing too fancy, just solid, satisfying dishes that Dad (and everyone else) will actually be excited to eat. Whether he’s into smoked meats, comfort food, or something with a little spice, this list of 11 Father’s Day Recipes That Dad …
Homemade Caesar dressing is a versatile condiment that can add flavor to a variety of dishes beyond just salads. It’s rich, tangy taste comes from a creamy blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
While most well-known as a salad topping, my homemade Caesar dressing can take your cooking to the next level in all kinds of creative ways. In this post, I will share 5 mouthwatering ways to use this simple Caesar dressing at home.
This Homemade Creamy Caesar dressing can be made in less than 5 minutes with one jar and just a few simple ingredients.
Romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and a quick creamy dressing. This Simple Caesar salad is sure to please.
Elevate your soups and salads with these buttery homemade croutons made in your air fryer.
With some help from the air fryer and a few tricks, these Caesar Roasted Brussels sprouts become beautifully charred on the outside and perfectly tender inside.
Creamy dressing, chicken, romaine lettuce, avocado, bacon, and cheese. These Caesar chicken wraps make a quick and healthy weekday meal.
I’d love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by leaving a review below. Or snap a picture and tag me on Facebook.
Every time you share one of my posts, it helps me grow the blog. I truly appreciate your support.
As always, I will be back next week with more delicious recipes from my RV kitchen to yours!
Missouri is famous for its smoked St. Louis-style ribs. Known for their rich marbling, deep smoky flavor, and perfect balance of tender meat and satisfying chew. These ribs are generously coated in a flavorful dry rub, then slow-smoked with real hardwood until the fat renders …
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful twist on classic barbecue sauce, this apricot BBQ sauce is a game-changer! Made with apricot preserves, soy sauce, and smoky spices, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory. Whether you’re brushing it on smoked …
I originally came up with this easy baked ravioli lasagna casserole as a way to use up my leftover crockpot Bolognese Sauce, but it quickly became a go-to dinner because it’s just so versatile! You can make it with ground beef, Italian sausage, or even chicken.
Use a classic red sauce, or switch things up with a white béchamel or Alfredo sauce. Want a vegetarian option? Just skip the meat altogether!
Whether you’re cooking in a full-size kitchen or a tiny RV, this dish comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
I always give instructions with step-by-step photos in my posts, just in case some readers have questions. But if you are just here for the recipe, click the JUMP TO RECIPE tab under the title, and it will take you straight there. You can also print the recipe card with full instructions, or you can click one of the SHARE BUTTONS and save it for later!
Instead of layering traditional lasagna noodles, I use fresh or frozen ravioli to create a “lazy lasagna” that’s super easy to throw together. There’s no need to boil noodles or mix up a Ricotta Filling (unless you want to)—just layer the frozen pasta, sauce, and cheese and let the oven do its work!
It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a comforting, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, freeze it for later, or bake half now and save the rest for another day—because who doesn’t love a meal that makes life easier!
Organizing all of your ingredients ahead of time not only streamlines the cooking process but also ensures you have everything required to complete the dish successfully. You can find the exact amounts in the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
Sauté the aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Cook the meat – Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add the sauce – Stir in the marinara sauce (or if using leftover crockpot bolognese sauce just move on to the next step). Simmer for 5 minutes, then season with salt, and black pepper.
Assemble the lasagna – Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the pan. Add a single layer of ravioli, followed by more meat sauce and shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
Bake – Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Rest & Serve – Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil, and enjoy!
This easy meal pairs perfectly with:
This ravioli lasagna is completely customizable! Here are some fun ways to switch it up:
Can I make this ravioli lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven and add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting from cold.
Can I freeze ravioli lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the whole dish before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, slice into portions, and store in an airtight container.
What type of ravioli works best?
This recipe is super flexible! Beef ravioli pairs well with a meat sauce, while spinach or mushroom ravioli is great for a vegetarian version. You can also switch things up with cheese ravioli, chicken ravioli, or even butternut squash ravioli for a fun twist. Both fresh and frozen pasta work—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if using frozen.
Do I have to cook the ravioli first?
Nope! That’s the beauty of this lazy lasagna—the ravioli cooks right in the sauce while it bakes. Just layer everything in the baking dish and let the oven do the work!
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make crockpot ravioli lasagna, layer everything in a greased slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the ravioli is tender and the cheese is melted.
How do I reheat leftover ravioli lasagna?
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with aluminum foil, until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until heated.
This “lazy lasagna” is the perfect easy meal for dinner time, whether you’re making a cozy family dinner at home or a quick meal on the road. Try it out and let me know how you customize it!
I’d love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by leaving a review below. Or snap a picture and tag me on Facebook.
Every time you share one of my posts, it helps me grow the blog. I truly appreciate your support.
As always, I will be back next week with more delicious recipes from my RV kitchen to yours!
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy.
Learn how to get Amazon deliveries straight to your RV.
If you own a KitchenAid Mixer and want to venture into the world of homemade pasta, you are going to love this recipe! Making fresh pasta from scratch may sound intimidating, but thanks to the KitchenAid Stand Mixer and Pasta Attachments, the process is simple, …