Gooey Butter Cake Recipe (Easy & Authentic)

Gooey butter cake is one of those nostalgic, indulgent desserts that combines simplicity with rich, unforgettable flavor. This classic St. Louis dessert has stood the test of time with its sweet, buttery base and irresistibly gooey topping. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or you’re looking to perfect your technique, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

From its quirky origins to the best tips for baking it from scratch, you’ll learn the secrets behind this crowd-pleasing treat and how to customize it with endless flavor variations.

The Origins of Gooey Butter Cake

This beloved dessert was actually a happy accident. Back in the 1930s, a baker in St. Louis mistakenly added the wrong proportions of ingredients into a traditional cake batter, resulting in a cake with a dense, chewy base and a custard-like topping. The locals loved it, and the gooey butter cake was born.

According to Bon Appétit, the cake quickly became a regional staple, often enjoyed at family gatherings and holidays. Today, it’s recognized nationwide as a symbol of comfort and indulgence.

If you’re curious about how the traditional yeasted version differs from the modern boxed mix approach, King Arthur Baking offers a detailed recipe that honors the cake’s roots with a from-scratch dough.

Classic Gooey Butter Cake Recipe (With Cake Mix)

This is the most popular way to make gooey butter cake, especially for beginners or when you need a quick dessert with maximum payoff. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

Crust:

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter
1 egg

Topping:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 oz powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Mix until a thick dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until creamy.
Pour the topping over the crust and spread it evenly.
Bake for 40–45 minutes. The center should still jiggle slightly when done.
Cool completely before slicing.

Tips for Best Results

Do not overbake—gooey is the goal.
Allow the cake to cool completely for cleaner slices.
Dust the top with extra powdered sugar before serving.

From-Scratch Gooey Butter Cake Variations

If you prefer to avoid boxed cake mix, you can make your own yellow cake base from scratch or even opt for a yeasted dough. This traditional method yields a denser, bread-like crust beneath the creamy topping.

Homemade Variants to Try

Pumpkin gooey butter cake for fall flavors
Chocolate chip gooey cake for extra richness
Lemon or almond extract instead of vanilla for a twist
Nutella swirl topping for indulgent contrast

For a well-balanced and traditional version, Simply Recipes offers a great step-by-step guide for a fully homemade gooey butter cake.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Swaps

Gooey butter cake is definitely indulgent, but there are ways to lighten it up if needed.

Standard Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Calories: ~400
Fat: ~22g
Sugar: ~35g
Protein: ~4g

Healthier Alternatives

Use reduced-fat cream cheese or a plant-based alternative.
Replace some butter with unsweetened applesauce.
Use a gluten-free cake mix for gluten intolerance.
Swap eggs with flax or chia seeds for a vegan version.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

This cake can be served warm or chilled—each brings out different textures and flavors.

Serving Ideas

Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Top with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel.
Cut into small squares for party platters.

Storage Tips

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in short bursts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple recipe has a few pitfalls. Here are common issues to watch for:

Overbaking – the top should be slightly jiggly, not firm.
Not creaming the topping thoroughly – lumps can ruin the texture.
Skipping the cool time – cutting while warm can make it fall apart.
Uneven layering – always press the crust evenly into the pan.

You can avoid most of these with careful timing and temperature control. Southern Living shares even more tips for perfecting gooey, buttery desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the ingredients of gooey butter cake?
The classic gooey butter cake includes:

A yellow cake mix (or homemade base)
Butter
Eggs
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

Some recipes also add a pinch of salt or a bit of milk for extra richness.

Is gooey butter cake a St. Louis thing?
Yes. It originated in St. Louis, Missouri, in the 1930s as a baking mistake. It’s a staple in Midwestern dessert culture and often served at family gatherings and special events in the region.

What is Paula Deen’s ooey gooey butter cake?
Paula Deen made the dessert nationally famous with her signature Ooey Gooey Butter Cake recipe. It uses a boxed cake mix and an extra sweet topping made from cream cheese, eggs, and powdered sugar—very close to the standard version but with a richer finish.

What is the secret to super moist cake?
A few key tricks include:

Using room-temperature ingredients
Not overmixing the batter
Incorporating fat-rich ingredients like butter, oil, or sour cream
Proper baking time—avoid overbaking

For gooey butter cake specifically, keeping the center slightly underbaked ensures a soft, moist texture.

What makes a cake too gooey?
If your cake is undercooked in the middle or too heavy on wet ingredients, it may turn out soggy instead of gooey. Gooey butter cake should be custard-like, not raw. Always check for a golden edge and slight jiggle in the center.

What is the liquid they squirt on cakes?
That’s often a simple syrup—a mix of sugar and water—used to moisten layer cakes. While it’s not typically used in gooey butter cake, you can add flavored syrup to the topping layer for extra depth.

What are Elvis cakes?
These are cakes inspired by Elvis Presley’s favorite flavors: banana, peanut butter, and bacon. Some versions are layered with peanut butter frosting or banana pudding.

What is a JFK cake?
JFK cake is typically a white or yellow sheet cake topped with strawberry or cherry glaze and whipped topping. It’s named more as a tribute, with no direct historical link to President Kennedy.

What is a Tom Cruise bundt cake?
This is a famous white chocolate coconut bundt cake from Doan’s Bakery that actor Tom Cruise reportedly sends to friends every holiday season. It’s rich, moist, and generously covered in shredded coconut.

Conclusion

There’s a reason gooey butter cake has stood the test of time and remains a beloved dessert in kitchens across America. Its rich flavor, simple preparation, and signature gooey texture make it a favorite for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Whether you choose the quick and easy version with yellow cake mix or opt for a fully from-scratch recipe, this cake never fails to impress with its sweet, buttery layers and melt-in-your-mouth finish.

You can serve it warm for a softer bite, chill it overnight for a more custard-like texture, or even freeze it for future indulgence. The beauty of this dessert lies in its versatility—classic or customized, traditional or flavored, it’s always delicious.

Don’t be afraid to get creative. Try adding seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, chocolate chips, or citrus zest for a unique spin. With just a few pantry staples and a bit of baking love, you’ll have a dessert that’s both comforting and irresistible.

Once you experience the balance of crisp edges and soft, gooey centers, you’ll understand why this cake continues to win hearts. Share your favorite gooey butter cake recipe, flavor combinations, or baking tips—we’d love to hear how you make this classic your own.