Description
This Gooey Butter Cake is a rich and decadent dessert that features a buttery cake crust topped with a cream cheese and powdered sugar filling, baked to a perfect golden brown with a delightfully gooey center. It’s an easy-to-make treat that serves 15 and is perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
Filling
- ¼ cup (½ stick) salted butter, melted and cooled
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- Additional powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, preferably one that contains flour, and set aside.
- Melt Butter for Crust: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup (1 stick) of butter and allow it to cool slightly to prevent cooking the eggs during mixing.
- Make the Crust Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, 2 eggs, and ½ tablespoon vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly with an electric mixer until well combined and thick.
- Form the Crust: Press this thick batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust layer.
- Melt Butter for Filling: Melt the remaining ¼ cup (½ stick) of butter in a microwave-safe bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling Mixture: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese, cooled melted butter, 2 eggs, and ½ tablespoon vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar to Filling: Gradually add 5 cups of powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing slowly to incorporate fully without creating a powder cloud.
- Assemble Cake: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared crust layer in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The cake should be slightly golden brown on top with a thin, crisp crust, and the center will have a slight dip indicating a gooey center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before slicing. Run a butter knife along the edges to loosen the cake from the dish. Optionally, dust the top with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly gooey for the best texture.
- Using a cooking spray that contains flour helps prevent sticking and makes slicing easier.
- Allowing the cake to cool fully before slicing helps maintain its structure.
- For easier cream cheese mixing, ensure it is softened to room temperature ahead of time.
- This cake is best enjoyed within a few days but can be stored covered at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
