I remember the first time I made ooey gooey butter cake, it was a complete game-changer for my busy dinners. This simple, comforting dessert came together so quickly, with just a few ingredients I always have on hand. If you’re craving something sweet but easy, this ooey gooey butter cake recipe is your new best friend, ready in under an hour with that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Foolproof recipe that even beginner cooks can master with confidence.
- Delivers the signature gooey, buttery texture that’s rich and comforting.
- Uses simple pantry staples, so no stress about hunting down fancy ingredients.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want a cozy, quick dessert.
The Sweet History of St. Louis’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Ooey gooey butter cake has its roots in St. Louis, where it famously started as an accidental creation. A baker once mixed up the ingredients, resulting in a gooey, buttery delight that locals couldn’t get enough of. This cake brings that nostalgic warmth of a beloved Midwestern treat, making every bite feel like home — no matter where you are.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Yellow cake mix provides the essential structure and buttery flavor that makes this cake stand out. Using just the dry mix keeps the crust light and crisp.
- Butter (melted) adds richness and helps bind the crust together for that perfect base layer.
- Eggs play a dual role: binding the crust and creating the creamy filling that gives the cake its signature ooey gooey texture.
- Cream cheese (softened) is the secret hero for a silky, luscious filling. Softening it ensures a smooth, even mix.
- Powdered sugar sweetens the filling and gives it that smooth, glossy finish that makes this cake irresistible.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Two mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
How to Make the Best Ooey Gooey Butter Cake: Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, melted)
- 3 eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3 3/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare your pan: Grease and flour one 13 x 9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking.
- Mix the crust: Combine the dry yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg in a bowl. Only use the dry cake mix; do not add ingredients from the box’s back instructions. The mixture should form a crumbly but pressable dough.
- Press the crust: Evenly press this crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a solid base.
- Make the filling: In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, remaining 2 eggs, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Pour over crust: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top of the crust layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. The top should be lightly golden and slightly jiggly in the center when done.
Pro Tips for a Truly Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- The “Jiggle Test”: When the cake’s edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle, it’s perfectly baked for that signature gooey texture.
- Cooling Properly: Let your cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. This helps it set up nicely and makes cutting easier.
- Ingredient Temperatures: Use room temperature cream cheese and melted butter for smooth mixing without lumps.
- Softening Cream Cheese Quickly: Forgot to soften it? Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and microwave in 10-second bursts until just soft, not melted.
Variations & Customizations for Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
| Variation Name | Description / Key Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Lemon Gooey Butter | Add lemon zest & juice to cream cheese mixture for a citrus twist. Use lemon cake mix instead of yellow. If you enjoy unique buttery desserts, you might also like to try this Ultimate Easy French Butter Cake Recipe. |
| Chocolate Delight | Substitute chocolate cake mix and add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the crust. Use chocolate chips in filling for extra gooeyness. |
| Strawberry Swirl | Fold fresh or frozen thawed strawberries into the cream cheese mixture; use strawberry cake mix for a fruity flair. |
Make-Ahead, Storage & Serving Suggestions
You can make this cake up to a day ahead; just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to regain its gooey texture. You can also freeze leftovers tightly wrapped for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge. For another great make-ahead baked treat, consider an Amazing Easy Banana Bread Muffin. Serve with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate each bite.
Troubleshooting Common Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Issues
- Dry crust: Make sure your butter is fully melted and evenly mixed for a moist, tender crust.
- No golden top: Your oven temperature may be too low; check with an oven thermometer to ensure it’s truly at 350°F.
- Cake too runny: Slightly underbaking can cause this; bake until the edges set and center jiggles gently but isn’t liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Can I use a different size pan?
You want to stick with a 13×9-inch pan to ensure the right thickness and baking time. Using a smaller or larger pan will change bake times and texture.
Why is my ooey gooey butter cake not gooey enough?
It’s likely overbaked or the cream cheese wasn’t softened properly, affecting texture. Follow the jiggle test for best results.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Powdered sugar is key for that smooth, sweet filling, so reducing it will alter taste and texture significantly.
How do I know if my cream cheese is soft enough?
It should be easily mixable without lumps and not cold or hard to stir.
Conclusion
This ooey gooey butter cake is one of those magical recipes that makes busy evenings a little sweeter and simpler. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a cozy, comforting dessert that feels like a hug in every bite. I’d love to hear how your cake turns out. Drop a comment, ask me questions, or share your photos! Let’s keep baking together and making every day delicious.
ooey gooey butter cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grease and flour a 13×9 inch baking pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the dry yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg in a bowl; do not follow package instructions for the cake mix.
- Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 2 eggs and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set.
