original gooey butter cake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best original gooey butter cake recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my original gooey butter cake recipe, a classic St. Louis dessert that’s been a family favorite for generations.

The gooey butter cake is a dense, rich, and indulgent treat that’s essentially a cross between a cake and a cookie. It’s made with a simple mixture of flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla, but it’s the way these ingredients are combined and baked that creates the magic.

When I was growing up in St. Louis, my mother would often make this cake for special occasions or just because.

It was always a hit with my siblings and me, and to this day, it remains one of our go-to desserts for family gatherings. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – you can serve it warm from the oven or at room temperature, topped with powdered sugar or fresh fruit.

My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, measuring out ingredients and mixing the batter until it’s smooth and creamy. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together while creating something delicious that we can all enjoy.

Original Gooey Butter Cake

Original Gooey Butter Cake

4.5 from 1964 votes

A classic dessert featuring a sweet, gooey topping over a soft, cake-like base. This recipe is perfect for those who love rich, indulgent treats.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

1 (18.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
1 large egg
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the Topping

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar

Additional

Non-stick cooking spray

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
3This ensures the cake does not stick to the pan and allows for easy removal after baking.
4In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, egg, and melted butter.
5Mix until well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.
6The texture should be crumbly and slightly sticky.
7Press the cake mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8Use a spatula to ensure the surface is smooth and level.
9In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
10Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
11Stir in the vanilla extract.
12Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the topping is smooth and well combined.
13The topping should be thick and spreadable.
14Pour the topping evenly over the cake mixture in the baking pan.
15Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
16The topping should cover the entire cake mixture without any gaps.
17Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
18The cake should jiggle slightly when shaken, indicating it is done.
19Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
20Once cooled, refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
21This allows the topping to set and become firm.
22Cut into squares and serve chilled.
23The cake should have a gooey, creamy topping over a soft, cake-like base.

🔧Equipment

9×9 inch baking pan
Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a healthier option, you can substitute half of the powdered sugar with a sugar substitute. This will reduce the overall sugar content without sacrificing the gooey texture.

Watch Video Of How Original Gooey Butter Cake Works

This original gooey butter cake recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a sweet treat after dinner.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it freezes – simply wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container for up to three months.

When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave or oven until warm and gooey.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Original Gooey Butter Cake

What is the origin of the gooey butter cake?

The gooey butter cake has its roots in 19th-century St. Louis bakeries, where bakers would sell this sweet treat as a cheap alternative to traditional cakes.

How do I get the perfect gooey center?

To achieve the perfect gooey center, it’s essential to not overbake the cake – take it out of the oven when it’s still slightly undercooked in the center.

Can I make this cake in advance?

While it’s best served fresh from the oven, you can make the batter ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

What’s the difference between this recipe and other gooey butter cakes I’ve tried?

This recipe uses a higher ratio of butter to sugar than most recipes, which gives it that signature gooey texture.

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

Yes, you can make individual cupcakes using this recipe – simply divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners and bake for about 18-20 minutes.

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