Name: Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package yellow cake mix; 2 eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup butter, melted (113g); 1 package cream cheese, room temperature (8 ounces); 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup butter, melted (113g); 4 cups confectioners sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 13 reviews

If you’ve never had the pleasure of biting into a warm slice of this classic Midwestern delight, let me introduce you to the magic of my Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. This cake is the ultimate buttery, sweet, and slightly tangy treat that practically melts in your mouth — it’s like a satisfyingly rich hug from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or just because you deserve a little joy, this recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort cake. Stick with me, and I promise you’ll nail this gooey dream on your first try!

🤎

Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using boxed cake mix keeps things foolproof while the cream cheese filling adds lusciousness.
Perfect Gooey Texture: The balance between baked crust and soft filling delivers that signature ‘gooey’ factor.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak flavors or batter thickness based on your preference without messing up the base.
Timing is Everything: Baking just long enough ensures it’s set around the edges but deliciously soft in the center.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Gooey Butter Cake Recipe uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and each plays a key role in creating this perfect balance of cake and creamy filling. Pro tip: room temperature eggs and softened cream cheese make combining the ingredients smooth and effortless.

Gooey Butter Cake, Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, Midwestern Dessert, Easy Butter Cake, Warm Sweet Cake - Flat lay of a small pile of bright yellow cake mix powder, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of melted golden butter, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a block of fresh cream cheese with a smooth surface, another two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of confectioners sugar, all arranged with perfect symmetry and natural colors, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Yellow cake mix: Using a boxed mix saves time and guarantees a consistent, tender crumb without fussing over flour measurements.
Eggs: Provide structure to both cake and filling; room temp eggs help create a smooth batter without clumping.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the sweet, buttery notes in both layers.
Butter (melted): This is key for richness and moist texture; be sure not to overheat or burn it.
Cream cheese: The star in the filling that gives this cake its signature tangy creaminess and gooey consistency.
Confectioners sugar: Essential for sweetening the filling and giving it that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I’ve played with swapping vanilla for almond extract or adding a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for extra decadence. Feel free to experiment to fit your cravings — this cake is forgiving and fun!

Chocolate Chip Variation: I once added mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling, and it was an absolute hit at a family brunch.
Seasonal Flavor: Adding a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice in fall creates a cozy twist perfect for holidays.
Lower Sugar Version: Substitute half the confectioners sugar with a powdered sugar alternative if you want to cut down sweetness slightly without losing that silky texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Cake Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (I usually do 325°F if using convection). In a medium bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. I like mashing them with a fork to blend everything without over-mixing — the texture should be uniform with no lumps but still a bit thick. Press this mixture firmly into your prepared pan, making sure it’s evenly spread and as flat as possible. This forms the sturdy bottom crust that holds all that gooey goodness.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Filling

In your stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, 2 eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth and creamy. Add the confectioners sugar slowly—like one cup at a time—while mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud in your kitchen (been there, done that!). Continue mixing until the filling is silky smooth, then pour it gently over your cake base.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 35-45 minutes. This is where I’ve learned the most—don’t wait until it’s fully firm in the center! You want the edges to get a golden brown while the center stays just a little jiggly. Trust me, that’s the sweet spot for the perfectly gooey texture. Once out, let it cool completely; this helps it set up so you can cut clean slices without the filling oozing everywhere.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temp eggs and cream cheese for easy mixing and a silky texture.
Don’t Overbake: Watch the cake closely in the last 10 minutes to ensure that moist gooey center — it’ll set up as it cools.
Pan Choice Matters: I prefer a 9×13-inch pan for even baking and those perfect edges, but a deep 9-inch round works great too.
Let It Cool Fully: Cutting into it too soon makes a mess — patience here pays off with neat, luscious slices.

How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Gooey Butter Cake, Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, Midwestern Dessert, Easy Butter Cake, Warm Sweet Cake - The image shows a slice of a two-layer dessert on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a light golden crust with a firm texture. Above it is a creamy pale yellow layer, smooth and thick. The top is dusted with white powdered sugar that looks soft and powdery. A silver fork with a simple, detailed design is stuck vertically into the slice. In the blurry background, there is a glass bottle filled with white milk. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a light dusting of extra confectioners sugar just before serving—it gives that beautiful powdered snow look and adds a little extra sweetness. Sometimes I add fresh berries on the side or a dollop of whipped cream for a lovely contrast to the rich, buttery cake.

Side Dishes

This Gooey Butter Cake holds its own as a dessert star but pairs beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or tea. For brunch, I serve it alongside fresh fruit or a light green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch during holidays, I’ve served this cake cut into bite-size squares stacked on a pretty platter with sprinkles or chopped nuts on top. It always disappears fast at parties! You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It stays moist and delicious for up to five days — and if you’re like me, you’ll be grabbing second helpings way before that.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cake wrapped well in foil and placed in an airtight container with great results. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat briefly if you prefer it warm. Freezing doesn’t compromise that gooey texture at all, which is fantastic when you want to prep ahead.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I like reheating slices at 300°F in the oven for about 10-12 minutes wrapped in foil to warm them gently without drying out the cake. Microwaving works too in a pinch—just 20-30 seconds on medium power to avoid melting the gooey center into a puddle.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While the classic version uses yellow cake mix to keep things traditional, swapping in white or even spice cake mixes can give your Gooey Butter Cake a fun new twist. Just stick to the same measurements and you’ll be good to go.
Why is my Gooey Butter Cake too runny or not setting?

If your cake’s filling isn’t setting, it’s likely underbaked. Make sure you bake it until the edges are browned and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid. Also, letting it cool fully before slicing helps it firm up perfectly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free certified. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the cake still tastes amazing with this adjustment.
How should I store leftovers of Gooey Butter Cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This keeps the cake moist and maintains the gooey texture beautifully.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, just double all ingredients and use a larger pan, such as a 9×15-inch. You may need to adjust baking time slightly, so keep an eye on the edges and center to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Gooey Butter Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it reminds me of cozy family gatherings and those moments when simple indulgence feels just right. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat, yet elegant enough to impress guests. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes your favorite recipe to share with people you love. Seriously, once you try it, you’ll understand exactly why it’s called the “gooey” butter cake!