Traditional St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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If you're in the mood for something sweet and irresistibly gooey, this Traditional St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake is just the treat you need. It's a local favorite with a rich, buttery crust and a creamy, gooey topping that will have you coming back for seconds.

Ingredients for Traditional St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake

Yellow cake mix serves as the base, making the crust buttery and flavorful without extra fuss. Unsalted butter enriches the mix, adding moisture and richness. Eggs are split between the crust and the filling, helping both bind together. Cream cheese is key to the gooey layer, providing tanginess and creaminess. Powdered sugar sweetens the filling while keeping it smooth. A hint of vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile, and salt balances the sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, especially cream cheese.
  • Use a glass or light-colored metal baking dish to avoid over-browning.
  • For clean slices, wipe your knife between cuts.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this gooey butter cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert. It's also delightful with a sprinkle of fresh berries for a hint of tartness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cake mix?
While traditional recipes use yellow cake mix, you can experiment with white or even spice cake mix for a twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.

Traditional St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick, making it easy to remove later.

In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until a cohesive dough forms. This will be your crust, and you’ll want it to be well mixed and pliable.

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to spread it out. It doesn’t need to be perfect, just try to keep it even.

Next, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. This step is crucial for a lump-free filling, so take your time.

Add the remaining two eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the cream cheese. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth. This mixture should be thick yet pourable.

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure it reaches all the edges, covering the crust completely.

Bake in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be set and slightly golden, while the center remains a bit gooey. It may jiggle slightly, which is perfect.

Allow the cake to cool completely in the dish before slicing and serving. This helps it set properly, making it easier to cut and enjoy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Amazing texture: A mix of creamy and chewy in every bite.
  • Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and takes very little prep.
  • Quick to make: From mixing to baking, it's done in under an hour.
  • Perfect for sharing: A hit at gatherings and picnics.

Ingredients

1 package yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
5. Add the remaining two eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the cream cheese, and mix until fully combined and smooth.
6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly gooey.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.

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