If you have a sweet tooth and love desserts that are rich, buttery, and downright irresistible, then this Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This classic American dessert boasts a crisp buttery crust paired with a luscious, cream cheese-laden filling that’s positively ooey gooey in the center. It’s a simple yet sensational treat that tastes like a warm hug in every bite and is perfect for sharing with family or friends at any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create a luscious texture and balanced sweetness. Each component has a vital role, from the cake mix forming the golden crust to the cream cheese in the filling that brings that signature gooey richness.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The foundation of the crust that provides structure and a buttery flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup total): Adds moisture and richness—half melted for the crust and half for the filling.
- Eggs (3 large total): Bind ingredients; one for the crust and two for the filling to give it fluffiness and body.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates the luscious, creamy filling that oozes with every bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and firms up the filling without any grittiness.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish
Get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure your ooey gooey delight doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly for slicing and serving.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until a soft dough forms. This dough is the base of your cake, so press it evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This crust provides that satisfying buttery bite that balances the sweetness of the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth. Add in the remaining two eggs, vanilla extract, and the melted butter, mixing well until fully combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and fluffy, which is key for the cake’s creamy texture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the luscious cream cheese filling evenly over the crust in your baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out gently but thoroughly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden color but the center remains just slightly jiggly to preserve that signature gooeyness.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Once baked, allow your cake to cool completely in the dish. This resting time is essential as it helps the center set up just right for clean slicing, while still maintaining that ooey gooey texture we all love.
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe to the next level, consider simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for some crunch. Fresh berries can provide a lovely contrast of tartness and color.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you’re serving it alongside beverages, coffee or a rich hot chocolate complements the buttery sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting the cake into individual bite-sized squares and serve them on mini dessert plates with a decorative fork. You can also layer pieces in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and fruit for a stunning, shareable dessert display!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe will keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 5 days stored in an airtight container. This makes it an excellent dessert to prepare ahead of time for gatherings or just to have a delicious treat ready when cravings hit.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 2 months when properly stored.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat portions individually in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. The cake will regain that ooey gooey softness and tastes just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the traditional Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe uses yellow cake mix, you can experiment with lemon or even spice cake mixes to add new flavors. Just keep in mind that different mixes might slightly alter the texture and taste.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the filling?
Yes, cream cheese is essential for achieving the rich, gooey filling that defines this dessert. Substitute cream cheese and you might lose that characteristic tangy softness that balances the sweet batter.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Look for golden edges around the baking dish with a center that still wobbles slightly when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking will turn the filling dry and lose that ooey gooey quality we’re aiming for.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified. However, the texture might vary slightly from the original version.
Does the cake need to be refrigerated?
Because of the cream cheese and butter content in the filling, it’s best to refrigerate any leftovers to keep the cake fresh and safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a slice of this Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe to brighten your day. Its combination of buttery crust and dreamy filling offers a decadent treat that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake promises smiles with every velvety bite. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with one of the most comforting desserts out there!
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Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12–15 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a deliciously rich and indulgent American dessert featuring a buttery cake crust topped with a smooth, creamy cream cheese filling. This easy-to-make treat is slightly gooey in the center and beautifully golden around the edges—perfect for any occasion or a comforting sweet snack.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 large egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press crust into pan: Evenly press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust layer.
- Prepare the filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix well to combine.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until the filling is smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble and spread filling: Pour the filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish and spread it out smoothly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the center remains slightly jiggly.
- Cool and set: Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. The center will firm up as it cools, making it easier to slice.
Notes
- Do not overbake — the center should remain gooey for the perfect ooey gooey texture.
- For a flavor twist, substitute lemon cake mix or swirl fruit jam into the filling before baking.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
