The Ugly Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Cuisine: American

The Ugly Cake is a rich, gooey dessert combining a buttery cake base with a creamy cheese topping, perfect for gatherings and those who enjoy indulgent, sweet treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1 package Butter Recipe cake mix
  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 1 box powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Pour the cake mix into a greased and floured pan.
  2. Mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
  3. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix and spread evenly.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture. If you don't have cream cheese, mascarpone can be a delicious substitute. Make sure the butter recipe cake mix is well-blended to avoid lumps. You could also try adding some chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture, similar to what's found in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This Ugly Cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a fruit compote or fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. Serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat, or enjoy it as a dessert with a slice of Glazed Peach Cake for a delightful dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of The Ugly Cake contains roughly 779 calories, with 2g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 64g fat.

779 kcal 39% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 63.9g 82% DV
Carbs 50.8g 18% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 49.8g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 110mg 5% DV
Potassium 29mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 192.6mg 64% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 75.5mcg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 18.3mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Contains Milk

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 the Butter Recipe cake mix provides a great base, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or vanilla. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the cream cheese mixture will blend differently, so choose a flavor that complements cream cheese well.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for an additional 5 minutes and check again. Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake in advance! Bake and cool it completely, then store it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

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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