Gooey Butter Cake

Rich, buttery, and perfectly gooey—this St. Louis classic is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert with a soft cake base and a sweet cream cheese topping.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 430 kcal

Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer and a large bowl
9x13 baking dish

Ingredients

For the cake layer:

1 18.25 oz box yellow cake mix
1 large egg
8 tablespoons melted butter

For the gooey layer:

1 8 oz package softened cream cheese
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 tablespoons melted butter
1 16 oz box powdered sugar (otherwise known as confectioners' sugar)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking dish.
In the bowl of an 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 center should remain slightly gooey.
Let cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Gooey Butter Cake for Two (Make One Now, Freeze One for Later)

Instead of making one 9x13 cake, consider dividing the full recipe between two 8x8 disposable aluminum pans. Follow instructions above, but adjust the cooking time to 35-45 minutes.

This approach gives you one cake to enjoy immediately and another to save for future cravings or unexpected guests.

Freezing Instructions:

For the cake you plan to freeze, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with aluminum foil while still in the disposable pan. For extra protection against freezer burn, place the wrapped cake inside a gallon-sized freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing.

Your frozen gooey butter cake will maintain its delicious flavor and texture for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

Calorie Disclaimer:

The nutritional information provided is intended for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the actual nutritional content of recipes may vary depending on various factors, including the specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods.

Keyword Forks in the Road, Gooey Butter Cake, Missouri