Why You’ll Love This Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that just screams comfort, then you’re in for a treat with Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. This cake has it all: a buttery crust that melts in your mouth and a sweet, creamy center that feels like a warm hug. It’s perfect for any occasion, yet simple enough to whip up on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can serve it warm with ice cream or cold with a dollop of whipped cream. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this cake will surely impress friends and family alike. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you won’t be able to help but fall in love with its ooey-gooey goodness.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- What is an Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
- Ingredients for Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Preparing the Crust for the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Mix the Cake Base
- Crafting the Ooey Gooey Center
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- Baking the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Achieve the Perfect Bake
- Cooling and Serving Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Allow to Cool Completely
- Serving Suggestions for Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Tips for Success with Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Variations of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Storage Tips for Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Pairing Ideas for Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- FAQs
- More Easy Desserts Recipes:
- 📖 Recipe Card
What is an Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a rich, decadent dessert hailing from the heart of the Midwest, particularly St. Louis. It features a thin, fluffy crust with a luscious, custard-like layer on top. Essentially, this cake is a delightful combination of a cake and a dessert bar, making it a unique addition to any dessert table. It’s so deliciously sweet that you might find yourself reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
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Ingredients for Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
To get started on your own Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs, divided
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
These ingredients come together in a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe!
Preparing the Crust for the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Mix the Cake Base
First things first, let’s prepare the cake base. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you love grilling, you can prepare your grill with cherry wood for an extra layer of flavor.
Next, into a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky, but that’s exactly what you want.
Once mixed, pour this mixture into a greased 9×11 baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This crust is crucial as it holds the lusciousness of the cream cheese filling.
Crafting the Ooey Gooey Center
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Now, let’s focus on that ooey gooey center! In another medium-sized bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer if you have one, or whip it vigorously by hand. You want this mixture to be smooth and creamy, with no lumps in sight.
Once it’s ready, carefully pour this delectable cream cheese mixture over the cake base you prepared earlier. You’ll see the layers beginning to form, and it’s pretty exciting!
Baking the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Achieve the Perfect Bake
Pop the cake into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 40 minutes. As it bakes, your kitchen will begin to smell heavenly.
To check for doneness, gently insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out with a little batter attached—this is key for maintaining that signature gooey texture.
If your oven tends to run hot, keep an eye on it; it might bake a bit faster.
Cooling and Serving Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Allow to Cool Completely
Once your cake is beautifully baked, remove it from the oven and place it on a cooling rack to cool down. Patience pays off here! Allow it to cool for at least 2 hours before serving. This cooling period allows the cake to set and enhances that irresistible gooey consistency.
Serving Suggestions for Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
When ready to serve, you have options! You can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. For an extra special touch, top your cake with whipped cream and fresh berries. Think strawberries or blueberries for the perfect summer vibe!
Or if you’re feeling indulgent, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cake juxtaposed with cold ice cream takes this dessert to another level of deliciousness.
Tips for Success with Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
To make sure your cake turns out just right, consider these tips:
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This helps ensure a smooth blend.
- Keep an eye on your baking time. Depending on your oven’s temperament, your cake might cook faster or slower than expected.
Variations of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Feel free to let your creativity shine! You can add chocolate chips or nuts to the cream cheese layer for a delightful twist in flavor and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different flavored cake mixes, like lemon or chocolate. Each variation can bring a new vibe to your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake!
Storage Tips for Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
If you manage to have leftovers (which is a big “if”), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just make sure it’s well covered so it stays fresh.
Pairing Ideas for Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
When it comes to drinks, this cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or a light dessert wine. The richness of the cake complements the flavors perfectly. And to add a refreshing aspect, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad. The lightness of the fruit cuts through the richness of the cake, creating a delightful balance.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! You can try different cake mix flavors like chocolate or lemon to give your cake a unique twist.
2. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Simply substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free mix, ensuring your powdered sugar is also gluten-free.
3. Is it necessary to let the cake cool before serving?
Yes, cooling is essential to achieve that iconic gooey texture that makes this cake so special.
4. Can I freeze the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
Definitely! Freeze individual slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months, and enjoy them whenever you want.
5. How do I know when the cake is done?
Remember the toothpick test; it should come out with some batter still attached for that perfect gooeyness.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a sweet embrace at the end of a long day. Its rich, buttery crust combined with the soft, creamy center makes it irresistible. Whether enjoyed solo or with friends, this classic treat is destined to bring joy to every bite. Get ready to impress with this timeless recipe that invites nostalgia and warmth, making it a must-have for any gathering or cozy night in.
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📖 Recipe Card
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Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust and a creamy, custard-like center. It’s a comforting treat great for any gathering!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs, divided
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg; pour into a greased 9×11 baking dish.
- Blend cream cheese, 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base.
- Bake for about 40 minutes until slightly gooey; allow to cool for 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth blend.
Watch the baking time as it may vary depending on your oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 34
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 85