gooey butter cake

Irresistibly Gooey Butter Cake Recipe You Need to Try—So Easy and Totally Delicious!

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Irresistibly Gooey Butter Cake Recipe You Need to Try—So Easy and Totally Delicious!

Have you ever craved a dessert that's both decadently sweet and irresistibly gooey? The gooey butter cake, a beloved treat from St. Louis, Missouri, offers just that—a delightful combination of a dense cake base topped with a rich, creamy layer. This cake has been a regional favorite since the 1930s, and its popularity has only grown over the decades. (en.wikipedia.org)

Ingredients List

Creating this delectable gooey butter cake requires simple ingredients that come together to form a mouthwatering dessert. Here's what you'll need:

  • For the crust:

    • 1 package (15.25 ounces) of yellow cake mix
    • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
    • 1 large egg

  • For the topping:

    • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 4 cups powdered sugar
    • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Potential Substitutions:

  • For a gluten-free version, opt for a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
  • If you prefer a nutty flavor, consider adding ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust.
  • To enhance the citrus notes, incorporate 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest into the topping.

Timing

Preparing this gooey butter cake is straightforward and doesn't require extensive time:

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes

This is approximately 20% less time than the average dessert recipe, making it a quick and satisfying treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

  • Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a dough forms.
  • Press into Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.

2. Prepare the Topping:

  • Blend Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  • Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy.
  • Add Melted Butter: Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well combined.

3. Assemble the Cake:

  • Pour Topping Over Crust: Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.

4. Bake:

  • Bake the Cake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40 minutes. The center should be slightly wobbly, and the top should be golden brown.
  • Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

5. Serve:

  • Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
  • Slice and Enjoy: Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this gooey butter cake (assuming 12 servings per pan) contains approximately:

  • Calories: 319 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 139mg
  • Potassium: 48mg
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Vitamin A: 480 IU
  • Calcium: 16mg
  • Iron: 1.3mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

While the traditional gooey butter cake is indulgent, you can make it a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor:

  • Use Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese to lower the fat content.
  • Substitute with Whole Wheat Flour: Replace the cake mix with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content.
  • Reduce Sugar: Cut the powdered sugar by half and add a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your gooey butter cake experience with these serving ideas:

  • Pair with Fresh Berries: Serve slices with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to add a fruity contrast.
  • Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream complements the cake's richness.
  • Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your gooey butter cake turns out perfectly:

  • Overbaking: Avoid baking the cake too long; the center should remain slightly wobbly.
  • Underbaking: Ensure the cake is baked long enough for the top to set and become golden brown.