Achieving this level of deliciousness is surprisingly simple, with minimal steps and a straightforward preparation that makes it perfect for bakers of all levels. The rich flavors create a truly crowd-pleasing appeal, making it ideal for any gathering or a special self-indulgence. Try this ooey gooey butter cake recipe tonight—you won’t believe how simple it is to create such an impressive dessert!

Ingredients

To create your own slice of heaven with this ooey gooey butter cake recipe, you’ll need two sets of ingredients: one for the delightful cake base and another for that signature gooey topping. Using quality ingredients will elevate the final taste, so I always recommend going for the best you can. Following this ooey gooey butter cake recipe precisely with quality ingredients will ensure success.

For the Cake Base:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our cake. Universal Tip: Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a straight edge; scooping directly can pack it in and lead to a denser cake.
Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and to help create a tender crumb.
Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, giving the base a little lift.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Melted (1/2 cup or 1 stick). This adds richness and moisture to the base. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content.
Egg: One large egg, to bind the ingredients and add richness.
Milk: 2 tablespoons of whole milk is preferred for its fat content, contributing to a tenderer crumb.

The cake base is simple, but crucial. The right balance of flour and liquid ensures it’s sturdy enough to hold the gooey topping without being tough. Using melted butter, as opposed to softened, contributes to a slightly denser, chewier texture, which contrasts beautifully with the topping.

For the Ooey Gooey Topping:

Cream Cheese: One 8-ounce package, full-fat, softened to room temperature. This is key for the creamy texture and tangy counterpoint to the sweetness. User Tip: For extra richness, ensure your cream cheese is thoroughly softened; this allows it to blend smoothly without lumps.
Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature (1/2 cup or 1 stick). More butter for that unmistakable buttery flavor and gooey texture!
Large Eggs: Two of them, to set the topping just enough while keeping it gooey.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of good quality pure vanilla extract enhances all the sweet flavors.
Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): 3 to 4 cups. This dissolves beautifully into the topping, creating a smooth, intensely sweet, and gooey layer. The amount can be adjusted slightly based on your preferred sweetness.
Optional addition for even more richness based on user tip: If you have it, you can also incorporate about 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or even a small dollop (around 2 oz) of extra cream cheese into the topping mixture for an ultra-decadent result.

The topping is where the magic really happens. Cream cheese provides a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness, while the copious amount of powdered sugar creates that signature gooey texture. Don’t skimp on the vanilla extract; it rounds out the flavors and adds a touch of elegance. The quality of your vanilla will shine through in the final product, so splurge on the good stuff if you can.

Universal Tip: For best results in baking, always use ingredients like eggs, butter, and cream cheese at room temperature unless specified otherwise. This helps them combine more easily and create a smoother batter or mixture, which is essential for the perfect ooey gooey butter cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this delightful ooey gooey butter cake recipe is a two-part process: first, we’ll prepare the cake base, and then we’ll whip up the signature gooey topping. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Let’s walk through it.

Preparing the Pan and Oven:

Preheat Oven: Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Why? Proper oven temperature is crucial for even baking and ensuring the cake cooks through without burning or remaining raw in spots. The middle rack provides the most consistent heat, vital for any good ooey gooey butter cake recipe.
Grease and Flour Pan: Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Then, lightly flour the pan, tapping out any excess. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the cake out later. Why? This prevents the ooey gooey butter cake from sticking, ensuring a clean release and making cleanup much easier. The overhang from parchment paper acts as handles.

Preparing the pan properly is an essential step often overlooked, but it ensures your cake releases cleanly and easily. The flour helps create a barrier between the cake and the pan, preventing sticking. Parchment paper takes this a step further, acting as a foolproof release method.

Making the Cake Base:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (usually about 1 to 1 ½ cups for the base, depending on the specific variation of the ooey gooey butter cake recipe you prefer – a common starting point is 1 ½ cups), granulated sugar (around ¾ cup), baking powder (1 to 2 teaspoons), and salt (¼ teaspoon). Why? Whisking dry ingredients together ensures they are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of baking powder or salt and leading to a uniformly textured cake base.
Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in the melted unsalted butter, the lightly beaten large egg, and the milk.
Mix Batter: Using a wooden spoon or a spatula, gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The batter will be thick, almost like a soft cookie dough. Why? Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make the cake base tough. Mixing until just combined ensures a tender crumb for your ooey gooey butter cake.
Press into Pan: Transfer the cake base batter into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Using your fingers (you can lightly flour them to prevent sticking) or the back of a spoon, press the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan to form a consistent layer. Why? An even base ensures even baking and a consistent foundation for the gooey topping. Mastering this ooey gooey butter cake recipe is all about understanding these key stages.

Don’t be alarmed by the thickness of the batter; it’s supposed to be that way! This dense base provides a stable foundation for the rich topping. Pressing it into the pan ensures even distribution and helps it bake uniformly.

Creating the Ooey Gooey Topping:

Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally with a rubber spatula. Why? Starting with properly softened cream cheese and butter is crucial for a lump-free, smooth topping. Beating them together until creamy incorporates air and ensures they are well combined for the perfect ooey gooey butter cake texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the two large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then, beat in the pure vanilla extract. Why? Adding eggs one at a time allows them to emulsify properly into the cream cheese and butter mixture, creating a more stable and evenly textured topping. This step is crucial for the success of your ooey gooey butter cake recipe.
Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar to the wet ingredients. Mix until it’s just combined and the topping is smooth. Be careful, as powdered sugar can create a cloud if added too quickly or with the mixer on high! You might want to add it in 2-3 batches, scraping the bowl between additions. Why? Adding powdered sugar gradually prevents it from flying everywhere and allows it to incorporate smoothly without creating lumps. Mixing on low prevents overmixing, which could make the topping too dense instead of perfectly gooey.
Pour Over Base: Carefully pour the prepared ooey gooey topping mixture evenly over the unbaked cake base in the pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread it to the edges, ensuring the base is completely covered.

The topping is all about achieving the right consistency: smooth, creamy, and intensely sweet. Adding the powdered sugar gradually is key to preventing lumps and ensuring a velvety texture. Spreading it evenly over the base sets the stage for that perfect gooey layer.

Baking Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake:

Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven on the middle rack. Bake for 40-50 minutes. The exact time can vary depending on your oven, so start checking around the 40-minute mark.
Check for Doneness: The ooey gooey butter cake is done when the edges are golden brown and set, and perhaps slightly puffed, but the center still looks slightly soft, moist, and, well, gooey! It should jiggle just a little bit in the middle when you gently nudge the pan. A toothpick inserted about an inch from the edge should come out with a few moist crumbs, but a toothpick inserted in the very center will still be wet – this is what you want for that perfect gooey texture. Why? Overbaking will result in a dry cake rather than the desired soft, gooey center. The carryover heat will continue to cook the cake slightly as it cools, firming it up perfectly.
Cool Completely: Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely in the pan. This is a very important step and can take at least 2-3 hours, or even longer. Why? Cooling completely is essential. The cake sets further as it cools, and the gooey topping will firm up slightly, making it much easier to cut into clean squares. Cutting it while warm will result in a very messy, albeit delicious, experience.
Dust (Optional) and Serve: Once completely cooled, you can dust the top generously with additional powdered sugar if desired, using a fine-mesh sieve for an even coating. Cut into squares and serve. This ooey gooey butter cake is exceptionally rich, so small squares (about 2-inch by 2-inch) are often perfect and allow everyone to enjoy without being overwhelmed.

The baking time is crucial for achieving that signature gooey texture. It’s better to underbake slightly than to overbake, as the cake will continue to set as it cools. Patience is key when it comes to cooling; resist the urge to cut into it too soon!

This detailed process ensures your ooey gooey butter cake recipe turns out perfectly every time, with that signature buttery crust and irresistibly gooey center. Enjoy the baking journey and the delicious reward!

Serving Ideas

This classic ooey gooey butter cake is truly a star on its own, its rich and decadent flavor profile needing little adornment. However, a few thoughtful pairings can elevate the experience even further, adding contrasting textures and complementary tastes. For a delightful contrast and a touch of balancing freshness, serve squares of your ooey gooey butter cake with a generous dollop of unsweetened or very lightly sweetened whipped cream. Alongside this, a scattering of fresh berries like tart raspberries, sliced strawberries, or juicy blueberries provides a beautiful visual and a flavor counterpoint that cuts through the cake’s richness.

Another fantastic option, especially if you enjoy temperature contrasts, is to pair a slightly warm (gently reheated) slice of ooey gooey butter cake with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream. The combination of the warm, buttery cake and the cold, melting ice cream is simply divine. For plating, consider a light dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving to enhance its visual appeal. You can also drizzle a little dark chocolate sauce or a salted caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of decadence. This dessert is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, holidays, or as a special treat with your afternoon coffee or a cold glass of milk.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making the perfect ooey gooey butter cake:

What exactly is an ooey gooey butter cake?An ooey gooey butter cake is a type of flat, dense cake traditionally associated with St. Louis, Missouri, where it’s a beloved local specialty. It distinctively features two layers: a firm, buttery, cake-like base and a rich, sweet, and characteristically gooey topping that’s similar in consistency to a slightly underbaked custard or cheesecake filling. The topping is typically made from cream cheese, butter, eggs, and a generous amount of powdered sugar. It’s renowned for its incredibly rich flavor and unique textural contrast. You can learn more about its fascinating, and possibly accidental, origins by exploring the History of Gooey Butter Cake. This ooey gooey butter cake recipe aims to replicate that authentic experience.
Can I make this ooey gooey butter cake recipe ahead of time?Absolutely! This ooey gooey butter cake recipe lends itself wonderfully to being made ahead. In fact, many people find that the flavors meld and intensify, making the cake taste even better on the second day. You can bake it a day or even two in advance. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack after baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it at room temperature if serving within 24 hours, or in the refrigerator if making further ahead.
How should I store leftover ooey gooey butter cake?Leftover ooey gooey butter cake should be stored in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, provided your kitchen isn’t too warm. For longer storage, it’s best to refrigerate it, where it will keep well for up to 5 days. If refrigerating, you might want to let individual slices come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving, as this can improve the texture of the gooey topping. Alternatively, a very brief warming in the microwave (5-10 seconds) can restore its soft, gooey quality.
Can I freeze ooey gooey butter cake?Yes, you can successfully freeze ooey gooey butter cake. Once the cake has cooled completely, you can cut it into individual slices or leave it whole (if you plan to serve it all at once later). Wrap the slices or the entire cake tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Properly wrapped, it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. You can then serve it chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warmed.
Why isn’t my topping gooey? It seems too firm or cake-like.The most common culprit for an ooey gooey butter cake topping that isn’t sufficiently gooey is overbaking. The key to the signature texture is pulling it from the oven when the edges are set and golden, but the center is still quite soft and jiggles slightly. It will continue to set up significantly as it cools. Another reason could be an imbalance in the topping ingredients – for example, if too much powdered sugar was used relative to the fats and eggs, or if your oven temperature is inaccurate and running hotter than indicated, causing it to bake too quickly and thoroughly. Always use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s temperature.
Are there any common variations for this ooey gooey butter cake recipe?Yes, this ooey gooey butter cake recipe is wonderfully versatile and serves as a fantastic base for many variations! Popular additions include mixing 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or white) into the topping before baking. For a fruity twist, you can swirl a few tablespoons of fruit preserves (like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry) into the topping or add fresh lemon zest and a tablespoon or two of lemon juice to the topping mixture for a bright, citrusy ooey gooey butter cake. During the fall, pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices can be incorporated for a seasonal version. Some even add chopped nuts like pecans to the base or topping. For more inspiration, you can check out various Gooey Butter Cake Variations available online.

Conclusion

Whipping up this ooey gooey butter cake recipe is a truly rewarding experience, yielding a dessert that’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it. The delightful contrast between the tender, buttery base and that unbelievably rich, soft, and gooey topping is simply irresistible and defines this St. Louis classic. It’s a fantastic testament to how relatively simple ingredients can come together to create something truly magical, memorable, and utterly indulgent. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a new favorite or relatively new to the kitchen, this ooey gooey butter cake recipe is straightforward, fun to make, and delivers spectacularly delicious results every single time.

Pro Tips for your ooey gooey butter cake recipe:

Don’t overbake! This is the absolute golden rule for achieving that perfect, luscious gooey center. The middle should still be visibly soft and jiggly when you pull it from the oven.
Use room temperature ingredients for the topping, especially the cream cheese and butter. This is crucial to ensure they combine smoothly and create a lump-free, velvety consistency.
For an extra decadent chocolatey touch, try folding in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the topping mixture just before pouring it over the base.
For a subtle citrusy brightness that complements the richness, add 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest to the topping along with the vanilla extract.

If you’re searching for other wonderfully indulgent and crowd-pleasing desserts, you might also fall in love with these Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Brownies, which offer a similar rich and decadent experience. Or, for something a bit lighter but equally delightful, consider a slice of this easy and moist Pineapple Juice Cake. Happy baking, and I sincerely hope you enjoy every single, glorious bite of your homemade ooey gooey butter cake!

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

This recipe will teach you all about making a perfect gooey butter cake every time!

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 35
Total Time: 50
Yield: 24 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 box (18.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
1 large egg
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box (16 ounces) powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Mix well and press into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
Pour cream cheese mixture over the cake mix layer.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly gooey.
Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

For an extra touch, try adding a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture to balance the sweetness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 250
Sugar: 30
Sodium: 150
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 7
Unsaturated Fat: 4
Trans Fat: 0.5
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 1
Protein: 2
Cholesterol: 50

Keywords: gooey butter cake, dessert, baking