Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a rich, buttery dessert that originated in St. Louis. It features a dense, cake-like base topped with a sweet, custard-like layer that stays soft and gooey in the center. Traditionally, it is made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and cream cheese. As a result, this indulgent treat is known for its crispy edges and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Because of its irresistible flavor and texture, it’s perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee. Whether you choose to make it from scratch or opt for a shortcut using cake mix, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake remains a comforting, nostalgic dessert that satisfies any sweet tooth.

This is one of my all-time favorite treats! There’s just something magical about the contrast— the gooey, buttery center surrounded by perfectly crispy edges. With every bite, it’s rich, sweet, and utterly irresistible. The first time I tried to replicate this flavor and texture, I experimented with a cookie version. However, I quickly realized that nothing quite compares to the real thing. So, from that moment on, I went all in, determined to perfect the classic Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. And let me tell you, it’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds.

What is Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that originated in St. Louis, Missouri, in the 1930s—by accident! The story goes that a German baker in St. Louis was making a traditional butter cake but mistakenly reversed the proportions of butter and flour. Instead of a standard cake, he ended up with a dense, gooey creation that was surprisingly delicious. The mistake quickly became a local favorite, and St. Louis bakeries began making their own versions.

The cake consists of two layers: a dense, buttery base and a sweet, custard-like topping that stays soft and gooey in the center. The contrast between the crispy, golden edges and the melt-in-your-mouth middle makes it an irresistible treat. Traditionally, it’s made with butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and cream cheese, though variations exist, including those made with cake mix or dairy-free alternatives.

Now, this Midwest classic is enjoyed across the country, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack. Whether served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or paired with a cup of coffee, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a testament to how happy accidents can become beloved traditions.

Ingredients Explained

Crust

yellow cake mix – adds a rich, buttery vanilla flavor with a hint of sweetness and a slightly dense, structured texture.
½ cup butter, melted – infuses deep, buttery richness, enhancing the golden, toasty flavor of the crust
1 egg + 1 egg yolk – the whole egg provides moisture and structure, while the extra yolk adds richness and a velvety texture
1 tsp pure vanilla extract – enhances warmth and sweetness, deepening the cake’s classic vanilla flavor

Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened – adds a slight tang and creamy texture that balances the sweetness, giving a cheesecake-like richness
6 tbsp butter, melted – intensifies the buttery depth and keeps the filling smooth and luscious
2 eggs – provide structure and help create the signature gooey texture while adding richness
2 ½ cups powdered sugar – sweetens the filling while keeping it smooth and airy, preventing graininess
2 tsp pure vanilla extract – boosts the sweetness with warm, aromatic depth, complementing the buttery and creamy notes
½ tsp salt – balances the sweetness, enhances all the flavors, and keeps the cake from tasting overly sugary

Flavor Profile

The buttery vanilla crust creates a sturdy, slightly crisp base with nostalgic cake mix flavor, while the sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy filling melts in your mouth. The contrast of rich butter, warm vanilla, and tangy cream cheese makes this cake incredibly decadent yet balanced. The salt is the secret ingredient that prevents it from being overwhelmingly sweet, allowing all the flavors to shine.

I hope you enjoyed creating something soft and golden with me 🙂 I’m so happy you’re here!

love, mace <3

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