Gooey Butter Cake is a rich and decadent dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. With its soft, buttery crust and sweet, gooey layer, this cake is a must-try for any dessert lover. The combination of a buttery yellow cake mix base and a creamy, sugary topping makes it irresistible. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, potluck, or simply indulging in a homemade treat, this cake never disappoints.

A Decadent, Classic Dessert

This classic cake has two distinct layers: a firm, chewy base and a sweet, gooey topping. The ingredients are basic, but the result is anything but ordinary. It’s a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both rich and satisfying. Here’s everything you need to know to make this simple yet indulgent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The beauty of Gooey Butter Cake lies in its simplicity and flavor. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with this easy-to-make dessert:

Minimal Ingredients: With just a box of yellow cake mix and a few pantry staples, you can create a dessert that tastes like you spent hours making it.
Perfect Texture: The base is dense and chewy, while the topping is light, gooey, and oh-so-sweet.
Versatile: It’s easy to customize by adding a twist, like swapping almond extract with lemon, or sprinkling chopped nuts on top for extra texture.

This Gooey Butter Cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a buttery, soft center with a crisp, golden edge. Best of all, it only takes a few simple steps to create!

Ingredients for Gooey Butter Cake

To make this deliciously rich and easy Gooey Butter Cake, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect combination of textures and flavors, from the soft cake base to the sweet, gooey layer on top.

Yellow Cake Mix – The foundation of the cake, providing that soft, chewy texture and light vanilla flavor. Using a boxed mix cuts down on prep time while delivering reliable results.
Egg – The egg binds the cake mix together and helps create a firmer base that holds the gooey topping.
Butter – Melted butter adds richness to the cake and keeps it moist while giving the crust that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cream Cheese – The secret to the gooey layer, cream cheese makes the topping soft and creamy, balancing the sweetness with a slight tang.

For the Gooey Layer:

Eggs – Lightly beaten eggs add structure to the topping, giving it a custard-like consistency while allowing it to set without being too firm.
Vanilla Extract – A hint of vanilla enhances the flavor of both the cake base and the gooey layer, adding warmth and sweetness.
Almond Extract – This optional extract adds a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of the cake. It’s a lovely complement to the vanilla.
Powdered Sugar – The key ingredient in the gooey layer, powdered sugar adds sweetness and gives the topping its smooth, silky texture. It’s also perfect for sprinkling on top once the cake has cooled.

How to Make Gooey Butter Cake

Making Gooey Butter Cake is super simple, and you don’t need any special techniques to achieve the perfect result. Follow these steps for a perfectly gooey, sweet dessert every time.

Prepare the Cake Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth, and then press it into a 9×13 inch pan lined with parchment paper.
Make the Gooey Layer: Using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Then, add in the lightly beaten eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and powdered sugar. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Cake: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake base. Make sure to cover the base completely to ensure the gooey layer sets nicely.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges of the cake are golden brown and slightly firm. The center should still be soft and gooey.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly on a wire rack. Once it has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy the cake warm or at room temperature!

Baking Tips and Storage for Gooey Butter Cake

To make sure your Gooey Butter Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips on baking and storage. This dessert is easy to make, but a few extra pointers can make all the difference!

How Long to Bake Gooey Butter Cake

The baking time for Gooey Butter Cake is crucial to getting the right consistency. You want the edges to be golden brown and slightly firm, but the center should remain soft and gooey. Here’s what you need to know:

Bake Time: Gooey Butter Cake generally bakes for 40-45 minutes at 350˚F.
Check for Doneness: The edges should look golden and slightly crispy, while the center should still have a soft, gooey texture. The cake will set further as it cools.
Avoid Overbaking: Be careful not to overbake the cake, as this can cause the gooey layer to dry out. Check the cake around the 40-minute mark to ensure the center still has some jiggle when you give the pan a gentle shake.

How to Store Gooey Butter Cake

This cake stores well, making it a great option for make-ahead desserts or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Room Temperature: You can store Gooey Butter Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the cake is completely cooled before storing it.
Refrigeration: If you prefer to refrigerate the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving or enjoy it chilled for a different texture.
Freezing: To freeze the cake, cut it into individual slices and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in an airtight container or freezer bag. Gooey Butter Cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let the slices thaw at room temperature before serving.

Additional Baking Tips

Parchment Paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes it easier to remove the cake from the pan and slice it into neat pieces.
Powdered Sugar Dusting: For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the cake with powdered sugar right before serving. It adds a nice visual appeal and complements the gooey topping.
Serving Tip: Gooey Butter Cake is best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. If you refrigerate it, allow it to sit out for about 20 minutes before serving to soften the gooey layer.

With these tips, you’ll have a perfectly baked, deliciously gooey dessert every time!

Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Author: Sally
Total Time: 8 minute
Yield: 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Easy and Decadent Gooey Butter Cake

This Gooey Butter Cake is the ultimate sweet indulgence. With its buttery, chewy base and creamy, gooey topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this dessert is guaranteed to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Base:

1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
1 egg, room temperature
2/3 cup butter, melted

For the Gooey Layer:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups powdered sugar (plus more for sprinkling)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch pan by coating it with cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth and then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and powdered sugar, and continue beating until the mixture is smooth.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer in the pan, ensuring it covers the entire base.
Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is still slightly gooey.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack.
Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Storage: Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
Customize: Swap almond extract for lemon extract or add chopped nuts for a crunchy twist.

Prep Time: 10 minute
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes