A soft, rich, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that never sticks around long.
I don’t know about you, but some desserts just feel like they’ve been part of the family for generations. Gooey Butter Cake is one of those. No layers to stack, no frosting to pipe—just one big pan of sweet, buttery, creamy magic. It’s the kind of treat that shows up at church potlucks, holiday tables, and anytime you need to feed a crowd something guaranteed to make them smile.
There’s nothing fancy or fussy about this recipe. It starts with a cake mix and ends with a golden, crackly-topped bar that’s soft in the center and just sweet enough to keep you reaching for another square. That creamy top layer is what makes it special—it’s rich, smooth, and just gooey enough to live up to its name.
What Makes It “Gooey”?
This cake has two layers—one forms a soft, buttery crust, and the other bakes up into a smooth, almost custard-like top. The cream cheese and powdered sugar work together to create a silky texture that holds its shape but stays soft when you bite into it.
It’s not a fluffy cake, and it’s not quite a brownie either. Somewhere in between, it’s its own thing—and that’s what makes it so addictive.
Why You’ll Love It
- So easy: You only need a handful of ingredients and one bowl for each layer.
- No special tools: If you’ve got a spoon, a mixer, and a baking pan, you’re good to go.
- Great for gatherings: This cake travels well and slices up perfectly into neat little squares.
- Keeps well: If you happen to have leftovers, they stay soft for days (and taste even better the next day).
A Few Helpful Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese so your topping is nice and smooth—cold cream cheese will leave lumps.
- The middle might puff up and fall slightly as it cools. That’s completely normal.
- Let the cake cool before slicing or it’ll be too soft to cut cleanly.
- A light dusting of powdered sugar at the end makes it look as good as it tastes.
Variations to Try
- Switch the base: A chocolate cake mix works beautifully for a richer flavor.
- Add fruit: A swirl of raspberry jam or a handful of blueberries folded into the topping layer adds a nice twist.
- Citrus notes: A touch of lemon zest in the topping gives it a fresh finish.
This is one of those recipes you can make your own after the first try.
How to Store It
You can leave this cake covered on the counter for a couple of days, but if your kitchen runs warm or you want it to last longer, keep it in the fridge. It tastes great cold or at room temp. To freeze, just wrap individual pieces tightly and stash them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Gooey Butter Cake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 12–20 squares, depending on how you cut it
Ingredients
For the bottom layer:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
For the top layer:
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
To finish:
- Extra powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the bottom layer:
In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Stir until it forms a thick, soft dough. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. - Make the topping:
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla, and mix until well blended. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the cake:
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the base and spread it gently to the edges with a spatula. - Bake:
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set but still a little soft when touched. It will firm up as it cools. - Cool and dust:
Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar. Slice into squares and serve.
Gooey Butter Cake is one of those recipes that doesn’t look like much—but once people try it, it becomes the one thing they always ask for. It’s buttery, sweet, a little crackly on top, and perfectly soft in the center. It’s not fancy, but it is memorable.
