The Ultimate Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe: A Decadent Dessert Made Simple

Have you ever craved a dessert so rich, buttery, and indulgent that it melts in your mouth with every bite? This ooey gooey butter cake recipe is exactly what you need. Originating from St. Louis, this beloved treat combines a dense cake base with a creamy, custard-like topping that creates an irresistible texture. Making this best ooey gooey butter cake recipe at home allows you to control ingredients, customize flavors, and serve a freshly baked masterpiece that's far superior to store-bought versions. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or satisfying a sweet tooth, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredients List

    • 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 3 large eggs (divided: 1 for crust, 2 for filling)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 4 cups powdered sugar
    • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for enhanced flavor

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 40-50 minutes

Total time: 65 minutes

This recipe is faster than most layered cakes and requires no advanced decorating skills. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or weekend baking projects.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring all corners are coated to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Base In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until a thick dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan using your hands or a spatula. This ooey gooey butter cake recipe relies on a firm base to support the creamy topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling Beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Add 2 eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, then pour in the melted butter. Mix until the filling is creamy and lump-free.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The filling will be thick but spreadable. Bake for 40-50 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown while the center remains slightly jiggly—this ensures the signature gooey texture of the best ooey gooey butter cake recipe.

Step 5: Cool Completely Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for at least 2 hours at room temperature. The filling will firm up as it cools, creating that perfect balance between cakey and custardy.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 16):

    • Calories: 385
    • Protein: 4g
    • Carbohydrates: 52g
    • Fat: 18g
    • Fiber: 0g
    • Vitamin A: 12% DV
    • Calcium: 4% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Flavor Variations: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate twist, or swirl in raspberry jam for fruity sweetness. Lemon zest in the filling creates a refreshing citrus version.

Dietary Swaps: Use gluten-free cake mix for a celiac-friendly option. For dairy-free versions, substitute vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter. Reduce sugar by 1 cup if you prefer less sweetness.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare this cake a day ahead—the flavors intensify after 24 hours in the refrigerator. It's also freezer-friendly for meal prep.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Overmixing the Filling Overbeating incorporates too much air, causing cracks during baking. Mix just until smooth to maintain a dense, creamy texture.

Mistake 2: Overbaking The center should jiggle slightly when removed from the oven. Overbaking creates a firm cake instead of the signature gooey consistency.

Mistake 3: Using Cold Cream Cheese Cold cream cheese creates lumps. Always soften it to room temperature (about 1 hour on the counter) for a silky filling.

Mistake 4: Cutting Too Soon Cutting before the cake fully cools results in a messy presentation. Patience ensures clean, beautiful slices.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake maintains its texture beautifully when chilled. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. This ooey gooey butter cake recipe tastes equally delicious cold or at room temperature—no reheating necessary. For best results with the best ooey gooey butter cake recipe, avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture rubbery. Instead, let slices sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving to restore that melt-in-your-mouth quality. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best for maintaining moisture and preventing the cake from absorbing refrigerator odors.