Gooey Butter Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Gooey Butter Cake is a decadent dessert known for its rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor. Combining a buttery cake base with a luscious cream cheese topping, it's perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. This treat is sure to satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow or chocolate cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 (8 oz.) cream cheese
  • 1 box powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven at 350°.
  2. Mix cake mix with 1 egg and melted butter.
  3. Press mixture into a greased and floured 9 x 12 cake pan.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix 2 eggs, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla together.
  5. Blend until smooth, then pour over the cake mixture in the pan.
  6. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes at 350°, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool, then cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow. If you want to lighten the dessert, use a reduced-fat cream cheese. Ensure the butter is fully melted for a smooth batter. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness. For a fun twist, mix in chocolate chips or nuts to the top layer for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Gooey Butter Cake warm or at room temperature, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. Consider serving it alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Gooey Butter Cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm, ensuring the gooey texture is preserved.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Gooey Butter Cake contains roughly 218 calories, with 2g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.

218 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.4g 5% DV
Total Fat 5.6g 7% DV
Carbs 35.1g 13% DV
Fiber 1.9g 7% DV
Sugar 14.7g 29% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 150.8mg 7% DV
Potassium 148mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 69.1mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 37.2mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 68.6mg 5% DV
Iron 1mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
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 flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While yellow and chocolate are popular choices, you can experiment with other flavors like red velvet or even a spice cake mix. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the cream cheese filling will still shine through, so choose a cake mix that complements it well.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep in mind that the center will remain soft and gooey, which is the signature texture of this dessert, so don’t overbake.

Can this cake be frozen for later?

Yes, Gooey Butter Cake can be frozen! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving or warm up individual pieces in the microwave for a quick treat.

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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