Easy Gooey Butter Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Gooey Butter Cake features a rich, creamy filling with a moist, buttery cake base, perfect for dessert lovers and gatherings craving indulgent, sweet comfort flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 yellow cake mix
  • 1 stick butter or margarine
  • 4 eggs
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 lb powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

  1. Beat together the dry cake mix, melted butter, and 2 eggs.
  2. Spread the batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 eggs until smooth.
  4. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 35 minutes until set.
  6. While the cake is still warm, sprinkle with reserved powdered sugar.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you want a lighter version, consider using a sugar substitute in the cream cheese mixture. Be sure to beat the cream cheese until smooth to avoid lumps. For added texture, fold in some chocolate chips or nuts. This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Serving Suggestions

This gooey butter cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with fresh berries or whipped cream for an extra treat. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. For a festive touch, try dusting the top with additional powdered sugar before serving. It also makes a great addition to dessert tables alongside other American recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover gooey butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until slightly warm. This will help restore its gooey texture without drying it out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Gooey Butter Cake contains roughly 525 calories, with 2g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 44g fat.

525 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2g 4% DV
Total Fat 43.8g 56% DV
Carbs 26.5g 10% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 18g 36% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 112.5mg 5% DV
Potassium 85mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 154.7mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 63mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 0mg
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 36.6mg 3% DV
Iron 0.4mg 2% DV
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or lemon. Each will give the cake a unique taste. Just keep in mind that the overall sweetness and texture may vary slightly, so adjust the cream cheese mixture as needed for balance.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary based on your oven.

Can I freeze gooey butter cake?

Yes, you can freeze gooey butter cake! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and serve at room temperature.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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