Experience the indulgent delight of this Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, a beloved American classic that’s been satisfying sweet cravings since the 1950s. This decadent dessert features a buttery base topped with a rich cream cheese layer. If you’re in the mood for a chocolate twist, don’t miss our Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake!
What Is Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
Inspired by the original ooey gooey cake from St. Louis, this recipe offers a semi-homemade approach by using a cake mix for the bottom layer. You can opt for a from-scratch version if you prefer. The cake boasts two distinct layers: a firm yet tender yellow cake on the bottom and a melt-in-your-mouth, velvety cream cheese and butter topping.
We love serving this ooey gooey butter cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Some enthusiasts top it with whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness. After all, why not enhance this already delightful treat?
Is It a Cake or Bars?
Though it’s called a cake, this dessert is technically a bar. Most recipes use a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) pan and are cut into bar shapes. We chose to bake ours in a 9×3-inch (23×7.6 cm) round cake pan for a different presentation. If you opt for the traditional rectangular pan, just keep an eye on the baking time. The rest of the recipe remains the same!
How to Make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Prepare Your Pan Properly: It’s crucial to prep your baking pan correctly. We recommend using GOOP (Homemade Baker’s Spray) for the best results. Alternatively, grease your pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Set out your butter and cream cheese a couple of hours before baking. This ensures a smoother batter and a better-textured cake—you won’t regret it!
- Don’t Undermix Ingredients: Beat the cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy, at least 3 minutes. Proper mixing guarantees a creamy, smooth topping.
- Try the “Magic” Version: Did you know there’s a magic version of this recipe? Simply mix all the ingredients in one bowl and bake. While there’s no layer separation, the flavor and texture remain incredible!
Enjoying Your Sweet Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
This cake is so delectable that it’s hard to stop at just one piece! It’s rich, sweet, and utterly satisfying—a perfect companion to a cup of black coffee or tea. Just be sure to have your dentist’s business card handy!
We hope you adore this ooey gooey butter cake as much as we do.
Ingredients
Cake Layer:
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup butter, melted (115 grams)
Filling:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature (230 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup butter, melted (115 grams)
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (500 grams)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a convection oven, set it to 325°F (160°C).
Prepare the Cake Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ cup melted butter (115 grams).
Mash together with a fork or spatula until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Prepare the Pan:
Spray a 9-inch by 3-inch (23×7.6 cm) round cake pan or a 9-inch by 13-inch (23×33 cm) pan with baking spray or line the bottom with parchment paper.
Press the Cake Mixture:
Press the cake mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, smoothing it out as flat as possible.
Prepare the Filling:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cream cheese, remaining 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ cup melted butter (115 grams).
Beat on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Confectioners’ Sugar:
Gradually add the 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (500 grams) to the cream cheese mixture, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
Pour Over Cake Layer:
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake mixture in the pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes.
The cake is done when the edges are golden brown but the center is still slightly jiggly—you don’t want to overbake it.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
Dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream if desired.
Enjoy this Ultimate Ooey Gooey Butter Cake with your loved ones! It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any gathering.
