Gooey butter cake, a classic dessert from St. Louis, combines a rich buttery base with a creamy, custard-like topping for an irresistible treat. This simple recipe uses yellow cake mix, butter, and cream cheese. To give it a modern twist, try adding seasonal flavors like pumpkin or chocolate. Just remember to bake until it's golden brown and slightly jiggly. There's so much more you can explore about this nostalgic favorite.
Key Takeaways
- Experiment with seasonal flavors like pumpkin or chocolate to give a modern twist to the classic gooey butter cake.
- Incorporate unique flavorings such as almond extract or lemon zest for added depth and complexity.
- Use a gluten-free cake mix for a contemporary version that caters to dietary restrictions.
- Try adding a layer of fresh fruit or a fruit compote for a refreshing contrast to the gooey filling.
- Serve with modern accompaniments like whipped cream or gourmet ice cream for an elevated dessert experience.
History
Gooey Butter Cake, which originated in St. Louis, Missouri, in the 1930s, was created by a German baker who accidentally added too much butter to a coffee cake recipe.
This delightful mistake gave birth to a dessert characterized by its rich, buttery base and gooey, custard-like topping made with cream cheese. It quickly became a local favorite, often enjoyed as a breakfast treat similar to coffee cake.
Over the years, Gooey Butter Cake has evolved, embracing seasonal flavors like pumpkin and chocolate while retaining its classic gooey texture.
Today, it stands as a staple of St. Louis cuisine, widely available at bakeries and cafes, delighting both locals and visitors with its irresistible charm.
Recipe
Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that originated in St. Louis, Missouri. This decadent cake features a rich, creamy filling atop a buttery base, resulting in a uniquely gooey texture that's simply irresistible. With its sweet, indulgent flavor and a hint of nostalgia, it's a perfect treat for gatherings, celebrations, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth.
The beauty of Gooey Butter Cake lies in its simplicity and the ease with which it can be prepared. Using a yellow cake mix as the foundation, this recipe combines it with melted butter and eggs to create a luscious base.
Then, a velvety cream cheese topping is made with more eggs and confectioners sugar, resulting in a dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract or lemon zest for added flavor
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until well blended to create the base layer.
Spread this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 2 eggs, and confectioners sugar until smooth and creamy.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is slightly jiggly.
Allow the cake to cool before dusting with powdered sugar.
Extra Tips:
For a more complex flavor, consider incorporating ingredients like almond extract or lemon zest into the batter or the cream cheese topping.
Be careful not to overbake the cake; it should have a slight jiggle in the center when done to maintain its gooey texture.
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dessert. Enjoy your baking!
Cooking Steps
Let's get started on making your gooey butter cake!
First, you'll preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking dish.
Then, you can mix the butter and sugar thoroughly before adding the eggs one at a time.
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F
Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is a crucial step in baking a delicious gooey butter cake. This temperature ensures even baking, helping you achieve that perfect balance between a crispy crust and a gooey interior.
Before you start preparing your batter, allow your oven to fully reach the desired temperature. If you want to be extra precise, use an oven thermometer to verify that the internal temperature matches what you've set.
Position the oven rack in the center to promote even heat distribution during baking. By taking this step, you'll set the foundation for a beautifully layered cake that delivers on both flavor and texture.
Step 2. Mix Butter and Sugar Thoroughly
Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Make sure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaminess. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, gradually add the sugar to the softened butter, whisking together for about 2-3 minutes.
This process incorporates air, which is crucial for the cake's lightness and helps it rise during baking time.
Don't forget to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined and no sugar remains stuck.
Once your butter and sugar mixture is well-blended, it'll be ready for the next step, creating a delicious cream cheese layer for your gooey butter cake.
Step 3. Add Eggs One at a Time
To ensure a perfectly blended mixture, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This step is crucial for achieving better emulsification, which helps create a smooth and creamy texture in your cream cheese mixture.
As you incorporate them one at a time, you'll notice how each egg combines fully before moving on to the next, preventing the mixture from becoming too runny.
After adding the eggs, gradually beat in confectioners sugar to maintain consistency and avoid clumping. This careful approach contributes to the signature custardy texture of the Gooey Butter Cake, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Follow this method closely for a delightful dessert that everyone will love!
Step 4. Fold in Vanilla Extract
After incorporating the eggs and confectioners' sugar, it's time to boost the flavor with vanilla extract.
Measure out 1 teaspoon for the cake base and another for the cream cheese layer to keep the flavor profile balanced. Using pure vanilla extract instead of imitation will significantly enhance your Gooey Butter Cake, providing a warm, aromatic sweetness that pairs perfectly with the rich butter and sugar.
Before you pat the mixture into the pan, gently fold in the vanilla extract with the other wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser texture, which is the opposite of what you want.
This step is easy to make and crucial for achieving that delightful flavor. Additionally, incorporating essential oils can elevate the aroma further and offer unique flavor notes.
Step 5. Pour in the Cake Batter
Once your vanilla extract is folded in and the mixture is ready, it's time to pour in the cake batter.
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and two eggs until you have a thick batter.
Pat the cake batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch dish, creating a solid base for your Original Gooey Butter Cake. This step is crucial for achieving that buttery cake texture.
Set it aside while you prepare the cream cheese layer, which will serve as the gooey topping.
Once baked, you'll appreciate how this creates the best gooey butter cake, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Final Thoughts
Savoring a piece of Gooey Butter Cake is truly a delightful experience that transports you straight to the heart of St. Louis.
This easy-to-make cake combines a rich, buttery base with a creamy, custard-like topping, creating a unique texture that many adore. You can elevate your cake by adding chocolate chips or experimenting with seasonal flavors, which has modernized this classic treat.
Don't forget to dust your creation with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Whether served with a scoop of ice cream or drizzled with caramel sauce, this cake remains a beloved dessert.
With its gooey center and delicious cream cheese flavor, you'll understand why so many home cooks rave about this timeless recipe. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gooey Butter Cake a St. Louis Thing?
Gooey Butter Cake's as much a St. Louis staple as toast is for breakfast.
It's definitely a St. Louis thing, originating in the 1930s when a baker accidentally used too much butter.
This delicious dessert features a dense cake base topped with a rich, custard-like layer, making it unique to the region.
You'll find it in bakeries and coffee shops all over, and locals can't resist enjoying it for breakfast or dessert.
Do I Need to Refrigerate Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
You don't necessarily need to refrigerate ooey gooey butter cake.
If you're planning to eat it within a couple of days, just store it at room temperature in an airtight container.
However, if you want to keep it fresh for 4-5 days, refrigeration is a good option.
Just remember that chilling may change its gooey texture a bit, but you can warm it in the microwave to bring back that delightful consistency.
What Is Paula Deen's Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
Paula Deen's Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a deliciously rich dessert that features a dense, buttery cake base topped with a creamy, custard-like layer.
You'll love how simple it's to make, often using a yellow cake mix for convenience. The combination of full-fat cream cheese and butter gives it an indulgent flavor.
Baked to perfection, it has a golden brown top and a gooey texture inside, making it a perfect treat for gatherings.
Who Made the Original Gooey Butter Cake?
Imagine a kitchen filled with the warm scent of melted butter, where culinary accidents turn into sweet legends.
The original Gooey Butter Cake was born in the 1930s, thanks to a German baker in St. Louis who added too much butter to his cake recipe.
This happy mistake transformed into a beloved dessert, capturing the hearts of locals and evolving over generations, making it a staple for breakfast and gatherings.
From sneaky childhood butter licks to penning some of our most popular articles, Jamie’s journey with butter has been lifelong. His culinary background gives him a unique perspective, allowing him to craft mouthwatering articles that educate and tantalize equally. Jamie’s travel adventures revolve around finding the world’s best buttery treats when he isn’t writing.
