Prepare to indulge in a dessert that defines pure decadence: the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. This heavenly treat, celebrated for its rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, is surprisingly simple to create, especially when starting with a convenient yellow cake mix. Forget complicated baking processes; this recipe delivers an unforgettable dessert experience with minimal effort, making it a favorite for bakers of all skill levels.
Discovering the Magic of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
My journey to perfecting the ultimate gooey butter cake began with enthusiastic recommendations from friends in St. Louis, Missouri. They raved about its legendary status and unparalleled deliciousness, describing it as an epic and unforgettable dessert. Their passion ignited my quest to master this iconic St. Louis treat, and I quickly understood why it holds such a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers.
A Dessert with Many Names: The Rich History of Gooey Butter Cake
As I delved into the world of this unique cake, I discovered it goes by many names. You might encounter it as “Original Neiman Marcus Bars,” “St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake,” “Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake,” or even “Texas Gold Bars,” depending on regional variations and popular recipes. Each name testifies to its widespread appeal and adaptability, but the essence remains the same: a profoundly satisfying, buttery confection.
The story behind the St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake is as charming as the dessert itself. Legend has it that this delectable creation originated in the 1930s in St. Louis, Missouri, born from a delightful mistake. A local baker, preparing a standard cake, accidentally altered the ratio of flour and butter, resulting in a dense, chewy base topped with a gloriously soft and sweet custard-like layer. What seemed like an error quickly became a sensation, cementing its place as a beloved regional specialty.
Over the decades, the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake has graced countless tables, from humble family gatherings to celebrated restaurant menus. Celebrity chef Paula Deen famously popularized her version, making it a staple in her restaurants and introducing this Southern-inspired dessert to a wider audience. The cake’s versatility has also led to exciting variations, such as pumpkin gooey butter cakes perfect for autumn and decadent chocolate gooey butter cakes for cocoa enthusiasts, which I’m excited to experiment with soon.
Why This Easy Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is a Must-Try
This Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a crowd-pleaser that effortlessly elevates any occasion. We frequently make it for potlucks, family dinners, and summer barbecues, and it’s always the first sweet treat to disappear. I once brought a batch to my husband’s mom and grandmother, and they vanished before I even realized it! Their enthusiastic requests for “more” confirmed this recipe’s universal appeal. The sheer delight it brings is truly heartwarming.
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its simplicity, thanks to the use of a yellow cake mix. Gone are the days of meticulously measuring out flour, baking powder, and other dry ingredients from scratch. Opting for a cake mix saves time and ensures consistent results every single time, without compromising on that signature rich, buttery flavor. It’s a clever shortcut that makes baking this decadent dessert accessible to everyone, even those who might shy away from complex recipes.
The Irresistible Harmony of Two Perfect Layers
What sets the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake apart is its distinct and harmonious two-layer structure. The base layer, made from the yellow cake mix, bakes into a firm, slightly chewy foundation that offers a satisfying contrast to the top. Above this, a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese topping creates the “gooey” magic. This upper layer is rich, sweet, and incredibly smooth, providing the signature texture that gives the cake its name. Together, these layers create a symphony of textures and flavors – a buttery, sweet, and utterly irresistible combination that makes for the perfect sweet treat.
Essential Ingredients for Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Crafting this epic Gooey Butter Cake requires just a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal components, which come together to create a profoundly rich and satisfying dessert. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need. Specific measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions are provided in the comprehensive recipe card further down this page.
- Yellow Cake Mix: The convenient foundation for our cake base, ensuring a consistent texture and flavor with ease.
- Eggs: Essential binders for both layers, adding moisture and structure.
- Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that deepens the sweetness and richness of the cake.
- Unsalted Butter: The star ingredient, providing the signature buttery flavor and tender crumb. Using unsalted allows you to control the overall sodium content.
- Cream Cheese: The key to the gooey, tangy, and rich topping, balancing the sweetness and adding a decadent creaminess.
- Confectioners’ Sugar (Powdered Sugar): Gives the topping its smooth texture and sweetens it to perfection, dissolving easily for a seamless finish.
Recommended Equipment for Easy Baking
Having the right tools can make the baking process even smoother and more enjoyable. While this Gooey Butter Cake recipe is straightforward, these pieces of equipment will ensure perfect results every time:
- 9×13 Baking Dish: A sturdy 3-quart baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe, ensuring even baking and the perfect thickness for your bars.
- Non-stick Cooking Spray: Essential for preparing your pan, it helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Parchment Paper: We highly recommend lining your baking dish with parchment paper. This simple step makes removing the entire cake incredibly easy, allowing for clean, perfect slices every time.
- Heat-Resistant Potholders: Safety in the kitchen is paramount. Invest in high-quality, heat-resistant potholders to protect yourself from hot dishes. A few years ago, we had a scary incident with a cloth potholder catching fire, reminding us of the importance of reliable heat protection.
- Hand Mixer: An electric hand mixer simplifies the process of combining ingredients, especially for achieving that perfectly creamy topping. If you don’t have one, a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula will also work, albeit with a bit more elbow grease. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment is another excellent option.
Simple Steps to Your Perfect Gooey Butter Cake
Making this Gooey Butter Cake is wonderfully straightforward. While the printable recipe card at the end of this post provides all the detailed instructions, here’s a quick overview of the process to get you started on your baking journey:
- Prepare the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine your yellow cake mix with eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. This mixture will be thick! Press this batter firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13 baking dish. This forms the chewy, flavorful foundation of your cake.
- Craft the Cream Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together softened cream cheese, additional eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until fully incorporated and lump-free.
- Assemble and Bake: Gently spread the rich cream cheese mixture over the cake batter base, ensuring an even layer. Then, bake your creation until golden brown and set.
- Cool Completely: This is a crucial step! Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. As it cools, the top layer will naturally deflate and develop its characteristic cracks, which is exactly how it should look and helps create that signature gooey texture.
Following these simple steps will result in a perfectly baked Ooey Gooey Butter Cake every time, ready to impress your family and friends with its incredible flavor and texture.
Preparation, Storage, and Freezing Tips
One of the many benefits of this Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is its excellent make-ahead and storage capabilities, allowing you to enjoy this delightful dessert whenever cravings strike.
- Make Ahead: To simplify your schedule, you can prepare, assemble, bake, and cool the entire cake 24 to 48 hours before you plan to serve it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and frees up your time on the day of your event.
- Storage: Store any leftover Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For the best flavor and texture, we recommend serving it at room temperature, as this enhances its gooey consistency.
- Freezing: This cake freezes exceptionally well! For individual servings, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then encase it in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To freeze the entire cake, wrap it securely in several layers of plastic wrap, then place it inside a large freezer bag or wrap it in foil. Gooey Butter Cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Exciting Recipe Variations to Explore
While the classic Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is perfect as is, it also serves as a fantastic canvas for creative variations. Experiment with these ideas to personalize your dessert and discover new favorite flavors:
- Garnish Galore: A simple sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar is traditional, but consider adding fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a burst of color and a touch of tartness that beautifully complements the cake’s richness. A drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
- Switch Up the Cake Mix: The yellow cake mix base is incredibly versatile. Explore different cake mix flavors to create unique profiles. A lemon cake mix can bring a bright, zesty note, while a strawberry cake mix adds a fruity sweetness. For chocolate lovers, a chocolate cake mix will transform this into a decadent double-chocolate treat. You could also try pound cake or pumpkin cake mix for seasonal twists. We love making epic cake recipes with simple starting points!
- Lemon Love: For an extra citrusy kick, use a lemon cake mix for the base and add a tablespoon or two of fresh squeezed lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. This creates a vibrant, refreshing version of the classic gooey butter cake.
- Delicious Add-ins: Boost the flavor and texture by mixing in various ingredients to the cream cheese topping or even folding them into the cake base. Chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, toffee bits, chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), or shredded coconut flakes all add wonderful dimensions. For a truly indulgent treat, try crushed candy bars such as Butterfinger, Snickers, or Kit Kat.
- “Magic” One-Bowl Version: For a less traditional but equally delicious and even simpler approach, try a “magic” version where all ingredients are combined in one large bowl and baked together. While you won’t get the distinct layers, you’ll still achieve an incredibly rich and buttery cake with a delightful gooey texture. This method is perfect for those times when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Expert Tips for Baking Your Best Gooey Butter Cake
Achieving a perfectly “ooey gooey” and delicious butter cake is easy with these helpful tips:
- Room Temperature is Key: Always remember to set out your cream cheese and butter well in advance so they can reach room temperature. This ensures they blend smoothly and evenly with the other ingredients, preventing lumps and creating a consistently creamy topping.
- Preheat Accurately: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the cake inside. Consistent oven temperature is crucial for proper baking and achieving the right texture.
- Secure Parchment Paper: When lining your pan with parchment paper, spray a little non-stick cooking spray on the bottom and sides of the pan first. This helps the parchment paper adhere to the pan, preventing it from shifting around when you press in the cake mix bottom layer.
- Embrace the Mess (and Napkins!): These Ooey Gooey Butter Cake bars are wonderfully rich and buttery, especially the bottom layer. Don’t be shy about serving them with a stack of napkins – guests will appreciate it!
- Cooling is Crucial: Patience is a virtue when it comes to this cake. It’s imperative to allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving. Cooling allows the layers to set properly, resulting in cleaner cuts and that irresistible gooey texture without being overly soft.
- Adjust for Your Oven and Elevation: Baking times can vary depending on your specific oven’s calibration and your elevation. Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Don’t Fear the Cracks: The top layer of the cake will naturally deflate a bit and start to crack as it cools. This is completely normal and characteristic of a classic Gooey Butter Cake, adding to its rustic charm and authentic texture.
- Nutrition Information: Please note that specific nutrition information, including calories, protein, carbohydrates, and fats, will vary based on the exact brands and products you use. For precise details, consult the labels of your chosen ingredients.
The Perfect Occasion for Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
The versatility of this Ooey Gooey Butter Cake makes it a fantastic dessert for almost any gathering. Here are some of our favorite occasions to serve this delicious, buttery treat:
- Easter: A sweet and indulgent centerpiece for your holiday dessert spread.
- Family Dinners: The perfect satisfying end to any meal, sure to please everyone.
- Barbecues: A great sweet contrast to savory grilled dishes, easy to serve outdoors.
- Potlucks: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that travels well and is always a hit.
- Picnics: Easily transportable and delightful to enjoy al fresco.
- Party Food: Simple to slice into bars, making it ideal for sharing with a group.
- Game Day: A hearty and satisfying dessert that fuels cheering and celebration.
More Irresistible Dessert Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic dessert recipes:
- Butterfinger Cake
- Strawberry Poke Cake
- Air Fryer S’mores
- Lemon Dump Cake
- 4th of July Cookies
- Oreo Fudge
- No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
Looking for more delicious ideas? We have a ton of recipes with yellow cake mix that taste amazing, proving just how versatile this pantry staple can be! Plus, discover over 60 more incredible Cream Cheese Recipes to satisfy all your creamy, dreamy cravings.
Do you love exploring new recipes? Be sure to check out our copycat recipes for restaurant favorites, our extensive collection of dessert recipes, and our convenient CrockPot Recipes for effortless meals.
Stay connected for all our latest recipe posts by following Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Print
Rate
15 minutes
40 minutes
55 minutes
12
537kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
Cake Base Ingredients
- 1 yellow cake mix
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Butter melted
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Butter melted
- 4 cups Confectioners Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the cake out later. You can spray the pan lightly with non-stick spray first to help hold the parchment paper in place.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ cup melted butter. Mix until well combined. The batter will be very thick.
- Press the thick cake batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. You might find it easiest to use your hands or the back of a spoon lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
- In another large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, the remaining 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ cup melted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the 4 cups of confectioners’ powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated and no lumps remain. The topping should be thick and smooth.
- Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter layer in the pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set. The center may still be slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before serving. The cake will naturally deflate and the top will crack as it cools, creating its signature “gooey” texture.
Kitchen Tools
- 9X13 Pan
- Hand Mixer
- Large Mixing Bowl
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 216
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