Introduction
If you love desserts that are rich, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, gooey butter cake is a must-try. This indulgent treat has a soft, buttery crust topped with a gooey, custard-like layer that’s both creamy and chewy at the same time.
Originating in St. Louis, Missouri, this cake has become a Midwestern classic, served at family gatherings, holidays, and coffee breaks. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or chilled for a denser texture, gooey butter cake is a dessert that’s impossible to resist.
The History of Gooey Butter Cake
The origins of gooey butter cake date back to the 1930s in St. Louis. Legend has it that a German-American baker accidentally added too much butter to a coffee cake recipe, creating a soft, “gooey” top layer instead of a traditional crumb topping.
Instead of throwing it away, the baker decided to sell it — and it quickly became a hit. Over the decades, gooey butter cake has remained a beloved part of St. Louis food culture, with both from-scratch and cake mix versions being popular today.
Why Gooey Butter Cake is So Popular
- Rich & Decadent – Loaded with butter, sugar, and cream cheese.
- Easy to Make – Can be made from scratch or with a cake mix base.
- Versatile – Works for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
- Crowd-Pleaser – A hit at potlucks, parties, and holiday tables.
Classic Gooey Butter Cake Ingredients
For a 9×13-inch cake:
For the crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Step-by-Step: How to Make Gooey Butter Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and egg until well blended.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Step 3: Make the Gooey Filling
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla, then mix well.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until creamy.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until the edges are golden but the center is still slightly soft (it will set as it cools).
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar for a classic finish.
Tips for the Best Gooey Butter Cake
- Don’t Overbake – The center should remain soft and gooey.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese – Ensures a smooth filling.
- Line the Pan with Parchment Paper – Makes slicing and cleanup easier.
- Chill Before Cutting – Gives cleaner slices for serving.
- Serve at the Right Temperature – Warm for softer texture, cold for denser texture.
Popular Variations
- Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake – Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the filling.
- Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake – Use chocolate cake mix and cocoa powder.
- Lemon Gooey Butter Cake – Add lemon zest and juice for a tangy twist.
- Nutty Gooey Butter Cake – Sprinkle pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Gooey butter cake is delicious on its own, but you can make it extra special by serving it with:
- Fresh berries
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
Why This Recipe Works
Using a cake mix for the crust makes this recipe quick and foolproof, while the cream cheese filling creates that signature gooey texture. It’s rich, indulgent, and easy to make for any occasion.