This delectable Gooey Butter Cake has a rich buttery soft cake crust and with a gooey cream cheese top. It is made with seven easy ingredients in two easy steps. It is so darn easy that you can have this cake prepped and in the oven in less than ten minutes. It is perfect for potlucks, family reunions, neighborhood shindigs, and bridal and baby showers.
If you have never tried a Gooey Butter Cake, you must really treat yourself!! This is one of those regional recipes. It is a St. Louis original recipe, or at least that is what I have always been told, and I believe it to be true. You will be so pleased with the results. You will fall madly in love with this family-friendly, easy dessert recipe.
How do you make Gooey Butter Cake?
Start by buttering a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then in a large bowl, mix together a yellow butter cake mix, a stick of melted butter, and an egg. Once mixed, pat the dough into the prepared baking dish. Now in another large bowl, using a stand or hand electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and lump free. Then turn the mixer to low and the eggs one at a time and mix just until incorporated. Next, add the vanilla and powdered sugar in several increments blending just until incorporated.
Pour that layer on top of the cake batter already in the baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Cool before slicing, and if desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Flavor variations
- German Chocolate – substitute a German chocolate cake mix for the butter cake mix on the bottom. Fold 3/4 cup toasted chopped pecans and 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes into the top layer.
- Strawberry – fold two cups of chopped fresh strawberries into the top layer.
- Pumpkin – increase eggs to three for the top layer; after adding eggs and vanilla on low, add 15 ounces of pumpkin puree, 1 stick of melted butter cooled slightly (1/2 cup), and 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice. Then proceed with adding the powdered sugar.
- Lemon – substitute a lemon cake mix for the butter cake mix on the bottom. In the top layer, omit vanilla extract but add three tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- Grease the baking dish with butter or spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the crust from sticking and to make it easier to remove this soft gooey cake from the pan.
- Soften the cream cheese and bring the eggs to room temperature.
- Any yellow butter cake mix will do. It to does not have to be a specific one. My mother always swore by Betty Crocker, but I prefer Duncan Hines
- Load the cake on the middle rack in the center of the oven
- You can not use the toothpick method to test for doneness on this cake since it is a gooey cake. 40-45 minutes does the trick with a nice golden brown crust and a light golden brown color for the center.
- For best results on the top layer, beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and lump free. Then turn the mixer to low and add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Keeping the mixer on low, add the vanilla and powdered sugar (in intervals), mixing just until incorporated.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, cover with a couple of layers of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. If they are individual slices, place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer zipper bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
More delicious desserts to try!
Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
This family-friendly Gooey Butter Cake has seven ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to get in the oven. It is so popular at potlucks and family reunions that is usually the first dessert gone. Bake one up for your family today and let them be the judge.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: dessert
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 yellow butter cake mix or yellow cake mix (just the cake mix)
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 3 large eggs
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar plus more for dusting if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Pat gently into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Using a stand or hand mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese until smooth and lump free. Turn the mixer to low and 2 eggs one at a time and mix just until incorporated. Mix in vanilla extract. Mix in powdered sugar in several increments blending just until combined. Pour this mixture on top of the layer in the baking dish. Do NOT mix the two layers together. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
- If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar when fully cooled.
Notes
- Grease the baking dish with butter or spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the crust from sticking and to make it easier to remove this soft gooey cake from the pan.
- Soften the cream cheese and bring the eggs to room temperature.
- Any yellow butter cake mix will do. It to does not have to be a specific one. My mother always swore by Betty Crocker, but I prefer Duncan Hines
- Load the cake on the middle rack in the center of the oven
- You can not use the toothpick method to test for doneness on this cake since it is a gooey cake. 40-45 minutes does the trick with a nice golden brown crust and a light golden brown color for the center.
- For best results on the top layer, beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and lump free. Then turn the mixer to low and add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Keeping the mixer on low, add the vanilla and powdered sugar (in intervals), mixing just until incorporated.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, cover with a couple of layers of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. If they are individual slices, place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer zipper bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Keywords: ooey gooey butter cake, how to make ooey gooey butter cake, how to make gooey butter cake, what is gooey butter cake
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Jess
Loving that this takes just ten minutes to make! My go-to dessert when I need something in a hurry!
★★★★★
Tayler
This is one of my favorite cakes ever! So delicious and perfectly moist!
★★★★★
Suja md
Delicious yet simple recipe that the whole family loved. Can’t wait to make it again!
★★★★★
Patricia
What a great cake that I had never heard of! I love the flavor options you’ve included, too! So easy to make, which is a bonus – yum!
★★★★★
Andrea
Wow! This is totally drool worthy! I had no idea it was this easy to make a gooey butter cake. I will be making this again, real soon. I am going to treat my Mom.
★★★★★
Liz
This cake was so deliciously rich! The whole family loved it. We had it with ice cream and it took it over the top!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Liz! So glad that you enjoyed it.
Taylor
This is my go to dessert recipe! This cake has the perfect texture and everyone always raves about it!
★★★★★
Elizabeth
I love this cake. It is easy and delicious Perfect cake to bring to potlucks and family parties.
★★★★★
Mahy
Fantastic cake that will work so well for my upcoming party. It is just what I have been looking for!
★★★★★
Whitney
There’s nothing better than cream cheese and butter, I am drooling just looking at the photos!
★★★★★
Ava M
I totally agree! Butter cake is a classic treat that never disappoints! Rich, moist, and oh-so-buttery, it’s the ultimate comfort dessert for any occasion
★★★★★
Penny
Had gotten this recipe in St Louis years ago but couldn’t find it. Your’s, I believe it pretty much identical. Thank you so much. I have one in the oven right now!
Beth Pierce
I sure hope you enjoyed it, Penny!
Maci
Easy and delicious! First time making gooey butter cake, I followed the recipe exactly and it was a big hit in our house.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked it, Maci!
Jill Mcmahon
Hi- Just made the butter cake. Serving it tomorrow . Do you know if it can be sliced and but on pretty serving dish or it has to be refrigerated! Thank you
Beth Pierce
The cake can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Jasmine Martin
I have never had a butter cake before, but this looks absolutely delicious. I would love to taste it for myself. I know it has to be so good!
Lavanda Michelle
That looks so delicious, I’d love to make this soon. It’d be a great dessert for this fall. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Yeah Lifestyle.
This looks absolutely mouth watering and your recipe looks so easy to follow. I can’t wait to try making this for the kids on Sunday
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Enjoy!
Marysa
I have not had anything like this cake before. Sounds delicious! It is nice to have something a little different to try.
Rosey
Oh yes, count me in for gooey butter cake. This sounds fantastic.
Kristy Bullard
We just went to Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen in The Smoky Mountains and had her Ooey Gooey Butter Cake (vanilla and chocolate). I’m so glad we have this recipe now so that we can make this at home. It’s so good!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kristy! Enjoy!!
Rhian Westbury
This gooey butter cake is out of this world good. The kids and I really enjoyed it. Thanks for the great recipe.
★★★★★
Tammy
Omgosh I just heard about this cake for the first time on another article I was reading and I was so intrigued to make it!
This looks absolutely divine…decadent and rich. Saving this for the weekend. Cannot wait to try!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Tammy! Enjoy!
Melanie williams
This was so delicious and easy to make! Thanks for sharing the recipe. We really enjoyed it!
Samantha Donnelly
This was a delicious cake! It was even better than Paula Deen’s gooey butter cake.
★★★★★
Christine H
I always loved googey butter cake but haven’t had in years! This sounds delicious. I will have to try this recipe.
Melanie
Oh wow my mouth is absolutely watering here, this looks delicious. I will definitely be giving this a go x
Mosaic Art
omg this butter cake was DELICIOUS AND EASY….Thanks for sharing the recipe. I will make it again.
Beverly Haze
This is one of my favorite go to cakes. My family loves it. I wanted to mention that the leftovers ( if there are any) freezes very well. Wrap the pieces in a single layer and they are just like freshly baked when thawed out!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
So glad that you like the cake. Thanks for the tip.
Traci
Yummm! And so easy too! Takes me right back to childhood… thanks for sharing 🙂
★★★★★
Alison
So easy, yet so delicious! A big hit our family game night!
★★★★★
Bianca
Who doesn’t love a gooey buttery cake! This one was amazing!
★★★★★
Anjali
Omg I love love love gooey butter cake – it’s one of my favorites!! Yours looks absolutely amazing – cannot wait to try it at home for dessert this week! 🙂
★★★★★
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
Love how easy this recipe is. It’s perfect for our family!
★★★★★
Lima Ekram
Made this cake for a tea party! It was absolutely delicious!!
★★★★★
Sandra
I use to make this all the time but the last three times I make it the top turns out cakie not gooey I don’t know what I’m doing wrong I only cook it for 30 to 35 min
Beth Pierce
I know this is a crazy question but life is kind of hectic. Is it possible you are reserving the layers? Or maybe it is your cake mix?
Linda
Do you have to use all that confection sugar? Seems like a lot, but I haven’t made it yet.
Beth Pierce
I saw on a Facebook post that one of the readers had cut it back to 2.5 cups and she said it was till delicious.
Traci Hamersen
Hey there! What size cake mix do you use? 15 16 or 18 oz box. ( or two 9 oz boxes?) I’m from STL and the amount of mix can really change the texture which is why I ask what you think is best?
Beth Pierce
I purchase the 15.25 Betty Crocker Yellow Butter Cake mix. Duncan Hines sells one as well.
wilhelmina
This cake sure lives up to it’s name, rich and gooey and buttery! Your recipe baked up perfectly, just like the beloved classic I remember Grandma making!
★★★★★
Lisalia
I had to come back and make this again! It’s always a winner in my family’s opinion. SO indulgent and delicious.
★★★★★
Carol
Can white cake mix be used?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can! Happy baking!
Valentina
Love making this easy butter cake for breakfast with some coffee! It’s so soft and delicious!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
I am not sure. I have not tried.
Katie
Looks so good! My family would love this one. Can’t wait to try it!
★★★★★
Natalie
I get requests for this cake all the time! It lives up to its name! So, so good!!
★★★★★
Erin
Love all the variations you can make with this cake! Definitely goey and good!
★★★★★
Traci
Pretty much one of my favorite desserts as a kid. I love how easy and delicious this is. Thanks for sharing 🙂
★★★★★
Traci
Pretty much one of my favorite desserts as a kid. I love how easy and delicious this is. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jessica Formicola
Butter cakes are my favorite and this one looks excellent! I can’t wait to try it this week. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Jillian
I love that this cake can be made in just a few minutes with a few ingredients. As a busy mom this is my kind of recipe!
★★★★★
Nathan
This looks so easy and delicious. I’ll definitely be trying out a couple of those variations, why not give it a little extra flair since it’s so easy to make? 🙂
★★★★★
Lisalia
My family LOVED this cake. no-fuss. No fancy frosting or layers. Just classic delicious CAKE. Thanks for this recipe!
★★★★★
Natalie
Oh, my goodness..this cake melts in your mouth! We love it! There is never anything left!
★★★★★
April
OMG this cake was sooooo good. My new favorite!
★★★★★
Toniy
This is always a hit at my house!! So delicious!!
★★★★★
Rachael Yerkes
One of my favorite desserts! We make this all fall long. it such a great comfort treat
★★★★★
Jessica Burgess
Gooey Butter Cake is my favorite and I’ve been looking for a great “go-to” recipe,and I’ve found it! Thank you!!!
★★★★★
Allyson Zea
Wow this turned out so delicious!!!
★★★★★
Natalie
This sounds so delicious and super easy to make. I will definitely make this for my family this weekend. Thanks for lovely recipe!
★★★★★
Toni Dash
An all time favorite at my house! This cake is so good!
★★★★★
kim
This was so delicious and way easier than I thought it would be. The whole family enjoyed and I’ll definitely make again!
★★★★★
Alisa Infanti
I have always wanted to make this but had no idea it was such a quick recipe. Can’t wait now to make it!
★★★★★
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
Love how easy and delicious this recipe is. It’s perfect for a gathering or a party.
★★★★★
Britni
This cake is so yummy! I love how easy it is to make and my entire family loves it!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Britni! So glad that you like it!
Katie
Such a simple and decadent dessert! So easy to throw together!
★★★★★
Ashley@wishesndishes.com
I’ve had this cake and you’re right- it comes out perfectly every time!
★★★★★
wilhelmina
So good! This cake is a total winner!
★★★★★
Toni
This is totally irresistible! My kids loved it!
★★★★★
Lauren k
I made this for Morhers Day and it was such a huge hit I think I’m going to make it for Fathers Day too!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Lauren! So glad that it was a hit!
Suzy
Came out great! loved all of the tips that helped this cake cook up completely delicious!
★★★★★
wilhelmina
This gooey butter cake recipe never disappoints! So sweet and delicious, it is always a hit!
★★★★★
Tammy
This is absolutely amazing! Love that it is really easy to make!
★★★★★
Samantha shepherd
Sorry to ask but how many eggs in total because you say add eggs one at a time into cream cheese mixture but add an egg to the ready made cake mix
Beth Pierce
No problem. I did a little editing. One egg on the bottom layer and two eggs on the top layer.
Lauren
There is absolutely nothing better! Love this cake!
★★★★★
Suzy
Loving the short cut by making this with cake mix! So easy!
★★★★★
Catalina
Deliciousness! I am drooling over this butter cake!
★★★★★
Cathy
Love how gooey this is! Such a great way to jazz up cake mix!
Vikki
Love this delicious butter cake!
★★★★★
Erin
I know for sure this Gooey Butter Cake would be a huge hit in my house!
★★★★★
Carol Newman
Can this be frozen?
Beth Pierce
Yes it can! Just wrap it real well.
Cynthia Schulz
How could this recipe be adapted for high altitude (6500′) baking? Thanks!
Beth Pierce
You know I really don’t have much experience with that but I did find this article that might be helpful. High Altitude Cake Baking
Linda
Love this, the key to the gooey part is to not overbake I have found to check 10 min before it is supposed to be done
Deb
Made this 2 weeks ago…it was a family hit!! While it wasn’t ‘gooey’ at all, it was absolutely a winner!!
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked it. We in and around St. Louis kind of find it gooey! LOL! Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a nice complement!
Sheryl
Is it possible to double this? Will it still turn out ok if I tried to? What do you think? I’ve made it exactly how it said a few times now and I have a pan that’s slightly larger then 9×13 and the bars were so thin, I’m hoping to make a double batch and have it be thicker?
Beth Pierce
To be honest I have never tried it so I am not sure. If you did cooking time may need to be increased.
Cheryl
The recipe allows you to double. See the scale listed under the ingredients.
Rebecca Meeks
Very nice receipe
Beth Pierce
Thank you!! 😉
Heather G
Is there any way to mix the cream cheese layer without having a mixer?? Or do i NEED a mixer for this recipe??
Thanks in advance
Beth Pierce
No you could probably mix it by hand if your cream cheese was good and soft. Happy baking.
Farhina
Should we refrigerate these if I’m planning to serve it two days after baking?
Beth Pierce
Yes that far in advance I would refrigerate it however take it out of the frig an hour or so before serving….trying to get closer to room temp.
Kathy
Do you refrigerate the cake if there are leftovers
Beth Pierce
You can store on the counter for 3-4 days. In the refrigerator for up to a week.
Steve
Made the Gooey Butter Cake for this weeks after dinner snack and it turned out perfectly. This is a keeper. Thank you for your recipes. Happy new year to you and yourn
brittney
is it ok if using 15.75 oz box cake mix? i know some recipes are with the 18 oz box
Beth Pierce
Sure it will be fine. I have made this recipes with all different kinds of cake mixes.
Angelica
I really want to try this cake receipe but I don’t like cream cheese or cheese for that matter, can I substitute it for something else?
bpierce
I am sorry but that is really an important part of that cake. It really does not end up tasting like cream cheese. 🙂
JoAnn
Is it necessary to refrigerate the cake?
Beth Pierce
Yes. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
ruth
hi there, this sounds yummy and I would love to make this, is there any chance you can convert this to uk measure and ingredients? would be so grateful – thank you
Andrea
I Absolutely Love this recipe! I follow it exactly as you’ve written minus the powdered sugar on top and it’s scrumptious! I get so many compliments when I make this, I feel like Betty Crocker!!
Thanks
bpierce
So much fun to hear your success! I am sure you are putting Betty to shame!
Happy Cooking!
Victoria
Do I follow the cake mix instructions when you say mix cake mix meaning my cake mix is pillsbury it requires 3 eggs butter and water. Or am I just using the dry cake mix and adding the one egg and butter for the first step.
bpierce
Just use the dry cake mix and add the egg & butter! Happy baking!
maria
I baked the cake mix for about 15 min then poured the cream cheese topping then baked another 30 min. Came out not as soft and running
bpierce
Thanks for the heads up. I have never had much trouble with it being runny. Of course you need to let it cool all the way. Perhaps I did not mention that in my recipe. Are you by chance at a high altitude?
maria
No.. im in chicago..tryed it both ways.
My husband loved it.and my co-workers. Love love your recipes.
THANK YOU!!
bpierce
You are so very welcome. I am tickled pink that you love my recipes.
ruth
please can you tel me what yellow butter cake mix is (uk)
thanx
bpierce
It is a cake mix that is flavored yellow butter but you can use just a yellow cake mix or white cake mix. Please let me know if you have any more questions.
san
Can I make this in lemon?
bpierce
Yes of course just use a lemon cake mix. There are a lot of different variations of this recipe.
Linda C
How much cream cheese? it is not listed in the ingredients at all.
bpierce
8 ounces or one box. So very sorry. Sometimes it is hard to raise young children and be a food blogger!!
Linda C
thank you 🙂
Andrea
It says 8 oz in the list of ingredients
Joanie
Does it have to be powdered sugar? I prefer regular sugar.
Beth Pierce
I have always used powdered sugar so I am unsure of results with granulated sugar.