Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe: The Ultimate St. Louis Sweet Treat That’s Impossible to Resist
Why You’ll Love This Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Looking for a dessert that’s ridiculously easy but tastes like pure heaven? This classic St. Louis Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is your answer! With just a handful of pantry staples and about 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a dessert that’s crispy on the edges, gloriously gooey in the middle, and absolutely irresistible. No fancy techniques, no complicated steps—just mix, bake, and prepare for compliments. This crowd-pleasing cake disappears faster than you can say “seconds, please!” and it’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you need a comfort food fix.
Recipe Details
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 40 mins | 50 mins | 16 | Easy |
What You’ll Need
For the Base Layer
- Yellow cake mix: 1 box (15.25 oz) – any brand works perfectly
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted
- Large egg: 1
For the Gooey Layer
- Cream cheese: 8 oz (1 package), softened – room temperature is key
- Large eggs: 2
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Powdered sugar: 1 box (16 oz/about 4 cups)
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar: ¼ cup for dusting – optional but traditional
Substitutions & Variations
- Cake mix flavors: Try lemon, strawberry, or chocolate for different twists
- Cream cheese substitute: Mascarpone works for extra richness
- Add-ins: ½ cup chocolate chips, lemon zest, or almond extract
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Get Your Kitchen Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly. You can also line with parchment paper for easier removal.
Pro tip: Don’t skip the greasing step—this cake loves to stick, and you want every gooey bit to come out cleanly!
2. Make the Base Layer
In a medium bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until just combined—the mixture will be thick and slightly crumbly, which is exactly what you want.
Press this mixture firmly into your prepared pan, creating an even base layer. Use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to pack it down well.
3. Create the Gooey Magic
Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes with an electric mixer). Add 2 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Pour in melted butter and vanilla, mixing until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Don’t worry if it looks thin—that’s perfect!
4. Assemble and Bake
Pour the gooey mixture over the base layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The gooey layer should completely cover the base.
Bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges are golden brown and set, but the center still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
Important: Don’t overbake! The center should look slightly underdone—it will continue cooking as it cools and create that signature gooey texture.
5. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool completely in the pan (at least 2 hours) before cutting. This cooling time is crucial for the layers to set properly.
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for that classic bakery look.
Cut into squares with a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for neat edges.
How to Serve
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is perfect on its own, but here are some delicious ways to elevate it:
- Serve with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream
- Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert
- Enjoy with coffee or cold milk
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon before baking for warm spice notes
Cut into generous squares—this rich dessert goes a long way, and smaller portions are often more satisfying.
Expert Tips for Success
Cream cheese temperature matters: Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened. Leave it out for 2-3 hours, or microwave for 15-20 seconds if you’re in a hurry.
Storage: Cover and store at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Many people actually prefer it chilled!
Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags.
Serving temperature: While traditional at room temperature, try serving it slightly chilled for a different but equally delicious experience.
Portion control: This cake is rich! Consider cutting smaller squares than you normally would—a little goes a long way.
Make it extra gooey: For an even more indulgent version, slightly underbake by 5 minutes. The center will be almost molten.
Secret from St. Louis bakers: The best Gooey Butter Cake tastes even better the next day—the flavors meld and the texture becomes perfectly balanced!
Common Questions
Can I use homemade cake base instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Use any basic yellow cake recipe, but cake mix is traditional and gives the perfect texture with minimal effort. The convenience factor is part of what makes this dessert so beloved.
Why is my gooey layer not gooey enough?
The most common cause is overbaking. The center should still jiggle slightly when done. Also, make sure you’re using enough powdered sugar—it creates the signature texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually improves with time. Make it a day ahead and store covered at room temperature. The flavors develop and the texture becomes even more perfect.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
While cream cheese is traditional and creates the best texture, you can substitute with an equal amount of softened butter plus 2 tablespoons of sour cream, though the result will be slightly different.
How do I know when it’s perfectly done?
Look for golden brown edges and a center that’s set but still has a slight jiggle. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean.
Can I double the recipe?
Sure! Use two 9×13 pans or one large sheet pan. Keep the baking time about the same but check for doneness a few minutes earlier.
Final Thoughts
This Ooey Gooey Butter Cake recipe is pure comfort food magic—simple ingredients transformed into something absolutely irresistible. There’s a reason this St. Louis classic has been beloved for generations: it’s foolproof, incredibly satisfying, and disappears faster than you can make it. The contrast between the slightly crispy edges and that gloriously gooey center is pure perfection. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, making it for family dessert, or just treating yourself to something special, this cake delivers every single time. Don’t be surprised when people start asking for the recipe—and don’t be surprised when you find yourself making it again next week!
