Gooey Butter Cakes

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Cuisine: American

Gooey Butter Cakes are rich, sweet treats with a buttery, cakey base and a luscious filling. Perfect for parties, brunches, or comforting dessert cravings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (18 1/4 oz.) pkg. yellow cake mix
  • 1 egg
  • 8 Tbsp. butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine the yellow cake mix, egg, and melted butter in a mixing bowl and mix well.
  3. Pat the mixture into a lightly greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan to form the crust.
  4. Prepare the filling according to your preferred recipe (not provided here).
  5. Pour the filling over the crust and bake in the preheated oven until set and golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving. If you're out of yellow cake mix, you can substitute with a homemade cake batter using flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Ensure the butter is melted but not too hot when mixing to avoid cooking the egg. For a richer taste, try using browned butter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve gooey butter cakes warm or at room temperature for the best experience. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich sweetness. These cakes also work well alongside a fresh fruit salad, perhaps inspired by a recipe like Blueberry Nectarine Crumble, for a delightful contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover gooey butter cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy them cold for a different texture experience that enhances the gooeyness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Gooey Butter Cakes contains roughly 336 calories, with 3g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 16g fat.

336 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.1g 6% DV
Total Fat 15.8g 20% DV
Carbs 45.9g 17% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 251.5mg 11% DV
Potassium 154.5mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 102mg 34% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 17mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 103.5mg 8% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
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 make gooey butter cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare gooey butter cakes a day in advance. Just ensure they are stored properly in an airtight container. They actually taste even better after sitting for a day, as the flavors meld. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of yellow cake mix?

If you don't have yellow cake mix, you can easily make your own by combining 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This homemade mix provides a similar flavor and texture for your gooey butter cakes.

How do I know when my gooey butter cakes are done baking?

Your gooey butter cakes are done when the top is set and slightly golden, but still has a soft, gooey center. You can gently shake the pan; if the center jiggles slightly but the edges are firm, it’s ready to come out of the oven. Allow them to cool before slicing.

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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