Gooey Butter Cake

Byadma

Irresistible Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

A melt-in-your-mouth classic that’s perfect for any gathering!

If you’ve never tried Gooey Butter Cake before, prepare to fall in love. This rich, sweet, and utterly indulgent dessert features a soft, buttery cake base topped with a gooey cream cheese layer that practically melts on your tongue.

It’s a delightful twist on the traditional butter cake, and best of all—it’s easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or just a weekend treat, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy prep: Just 15 minutes of hands-on time.
  • Perfect for sharing: Bakes in a 9×13″ pan—plenty to go around.
  • Rich, gooey topping: Sweetened cream cheese makes it irresistible.
  • Customizable: Serve it plain or with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake Layer:

  • 2 cups flour (cake flour preferred for a tender crumb)
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup non-fat powdered milk
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Gooey Topping:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

To Finish:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

How to Make Gooey Butter Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13″ baking dish with nonstick baking spray.

Step 2: Make the Cake Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, powdered milk, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until a smooth batter forms.
Spread the cake batter evenly in the prepared baking dish using an offset spatula or spoon.

Step 3: Prepare the Gooey Topping

In another bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, eggs, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Carefully spoon the gooey mixture over the cake batter and spread it into an even layer.

Step 4: Bake

Place the cake in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and just set. The center should still have a slight jiggle—remember, it’s supposed to be gooey!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once cool, dust the top generously with powdered sugar, slice into squares, and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Gooey Butter Cake is rich enough to enjoy on its own, but it’s also delicious with toppings. Try it with:

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream
  • A drizzle of hot fudge sauce
  • A spoonful of homemade strawberry topping

However you serve it, be warned—it’s hard to stop at just one piece!

Tips for the Best Gooey Butter Cake

  • Use cake flour for a lighter, softer crumb.
  • Let it cool completely before cutting to help it set.
  • Don’t overbake—the center should be slightly gooey.
  • Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days (if it lasts that long!).