why make this recipe
Gooey Butter Cake is simple and very tasty. It uses a cake mix and cream cheese so you get a soft, sweet center and a light crust. If you want a fast dessert that many people like, this is a good choice. For a quick version of this cake, see a quick Gooey Butter Cake recipe.
introduction
This recipe is easy to follow. It makes a rich, gooey bar that you can cut and serve. You do not need fancy skills. The cake bakes in one dish and cools before you slice it.
how to make Gooey Butter Cake
Start by making the crust with the cake mix, butter, and one egg. Press it into a baking dish. Then beat the cream cheese and add the sweet filling ingredients. Pour the filling over the crust and bake until set. For another way to bake this cake, check an alternate Gooey Butter Cake guide.
Ingredients :
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions :
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well combined and press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well and pour this mixture over the cake batter. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is set and golden. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.
how to serve Gooey Butter Cake
Cut the cake into bars or squares. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. You can dust the top with extra powdered sugar or add fresh berries. This cake goes well with coffee or milk.
how to store Gooey Butter Cake
Cover the cooled cake with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.
tips to make Gooey Butter Cake
- Soften the cream cheese to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Press the crust evenly so the filling bakes flat.
- Do not overbake; the middle should be slightly gooey when you take it out.
- Let the cake cool well before slicing to get neat bars.
variation (if any)
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate twist.
- Use a different cake mix flavor, like yellow or white, to change the taste.
- Fold in a bit of lemon zest to the filling for a citrus note.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cake mix?
A: Yes. You can use white or butter cake mix for a similar result.
Q: Do I have to chill the cake before slicing?
A: It helps. Chilling makes slicing cleaner, but you can slice when cool too.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and check other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: How do I know when it is done?
A: The top should be set and lightly golden. The center will still be slightly soft.
Conclusion
For a classic take and more details, you can compare this version with the Gooey Butter Cake Recipe on Allrecipes. If you want the original style and notes from a well-known cook, see Paula Deen’s original Gooey Butter Cake recipe.

Gooey Butter Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well combined and press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Pour the filling mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is set and golden.
- Allow to cool before slicing into bars.