If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s irresistibly rich, outrageously simple, and always the first thing to disappear at a party, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is your answer. This beloved classic has won over crowds for generations, thanks to its buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust and lusciously creamy filling dusted with a snowy layer of powdered sugar. Whether you’re new to this midwestern marvel or a die-hard fan, prepare yourself for universal rave reviews and some serious second-helping requests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake lies in its humble, familiar ingredients—the kind you probably already have in your pantry! Every component works overtime, lending flavor, structure, or that signature gooey texture, so don’t skip or substitute lightly.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): Acts as the base for the buttery crust and brings a nostalgic, bakery-fresh flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup total, divided): Melted for maximum richness and that melt-away crumb; don’t be shy, it’s in the name for a reason!
- Large eggs (3 total): Bind both the crust and the creamy filling, ensuring everything bakes up soft and cohesive.
- Cream cheese (1 package, 8 ounces, softened): The heart of the gooey topping; lends body and an ultra-silky texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash deepens the cake’s flavor and makes the sweetness sing.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Adds sweetness and the iconic crackly finish. Don’t worry—it’s not overly sweet, just perfectly indulgent!
How to Make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to give your cake that perfect golden edge. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—nonstick spray or a swipe of extra butter works wonders. This ensures every square of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake pops out clean and ready to dazzle.
Step 2: Mix Up the Crust
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one of the large eggs. The dough will be thick—almost like playdough—and that’s exactly what you want. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create the decadent, buttery base.
Step 3: Whip the Filling
Next, grab a separate bowl and beat the softened cream cheese until creamy smooth with no lumps in sight. Add in the remaining two eggs, vanilla extract, and the second half-cup of melted butter. Once that’s silky, gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until everything is perfectly blended and glossy.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Pour the creamy filling over your crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly to every corner. Now, slide the whole thing into your oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Here’s the trick: the edges should turn golden brown, while the center should still jiggle just slightly—don’t overbake! That’s the secret to the signature gooey texture in every bite.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Patience is key! Let your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake cool completely in the pan before you even think about slicing. Once cool, cut it into squares and dust with a little more powdered sugar if you like, then prepare yourself for a round of applause.
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Garnishes
The classic sprinkle of powdered sugar is always a hit, but why not add your own personalized flair? Try a drizzle of caramel, some fresh berries, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Each garnish elevates the dessert while allowing the ooey, gooey filling to shine.
Side Dishes
This cake plays beautifully with simple, fresh accompaniments. Pair it with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a tart contrast, or serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream for a cool, creamy finish that complements every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’d like to take your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake to the next level, try cutting the bars into bite-size cubes and stacking them high on a tiered dessert tray. Or, use a round biscuit cutter for personal mini cakes—perfect for special occasions or gifting! A drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of lemon zest over each piece adds that wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the squares to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days—the flavors only get better!
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual slices of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake in plastic wrap and then foil, then pop them into a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake a little warm, gently reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. The filling will become extra soft and dreamy—almost like the cake just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is the classic choice, you can swap in chocolate, lemon, or even spice cake mix for fun flavor twists. Each one gives the dessert a whole new personality while keeping that gooey magic intact.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The secret is in the jiggle! The edges should be browned and set, but the center should still wobble slightly when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking can make it dry, so trust your instincts for that perfectly gooey texture.
Do I need to refrigerate Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
Yes, because of the cream cheese in the filling, it’s safest to store the cake in the refrigerator. That also helps keep it fresh and makes serving super easy—just slice and enjoy, straight from the fridge or room temp.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and follow the recipe as written. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can join the fun.
Why is my cake not as gooey in the center?
If your center isn’t as gooey as you’d like, it may have baked just a little too long. Next time, check for that signature jiggle a few minutes earlier, and make sure you don’t overmix the filling so it stays light and creamy.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got a craving for a dessert that’s easy, decadent, and delivers pure comfort in every bite, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake will win your heart. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to treat for every celebration!
Print
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible decadence of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake with its rich cream cheese filling and buttery crust. This easy-to-make dessert is a sure crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the crust: Mix cake mix, melted butter, and egg to form a dough. Press into the pan.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and powdered sugar; mix until smooth.
- Assemble and bake: Pour filling over crust, spread evenly, and bake for 40–45 minutes until edges are golden but the center is gooey.
- Cool and serve: Cool completely before slicing into squares. Enjoy plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Do not overbake—the center should jiggle slightly when done.
- Experiment with different cake mix flavors for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
