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Simple Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

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 made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and cream cheese, this indulgent treat is known for its crispy edges and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It's perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee. Whether made from scratch or with a shortcut using cake mix, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a comforting, nostalgic dessert that satisfies any sweet tooth.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 15 squares

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Parchment Paper
  • Hand Mixer or Whisk
  • Spatula
  • 9” x 13” baking dish

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • ½ cup butter melted
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Filling

  • 8 ounce cream cheese softened
  • 6 tablespoon butter melted
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Melt ½ cup butter in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Use a spatula to mix until fully combined. You are making a crust, so it will be thick.
  • Place parchment paper in a baking dish. Empty cake mixture in the baking dish, and flatten along the entire bottom and up the sides.
  • Melt the rest of the butter (6 tbsp) in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds
  • In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, melted butter, eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat for about 5 minutes to ensure there are no clumps in the mixture.
  • Pour mixture over the crust and spread until the entire crust is covered.
  • When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Bake for 40 minutes, or just until the edges are set. It will continue to set as they cool.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for an hour before cutting. Sprinkle it with powdered sugar and enjoy with a scoop of ice cream and berries!

Notes

  1. Ensure that you use the correct size pan, or it will not bake correctly.
  2. Softening the cream cheese before beating will make it much easier.