Baking can often feel like a complicated task, trying to balance flavors, textures, and the right degree of sweetness. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, don’t worry. The Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is here to save the day! This decadent dessert is the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence, making it a favorite for both seasoned bakers and novices alike.
Why We Love This Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
There are countless reasons to love the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. Firstly, its simplicity shines through with just a handful of ingredients, making it easy to whip up even on the busiest days. This cake is the epitome of comfort food—it’s soft, luscious, and delivers a delightful sweetness without being overly heavy.
Imagine serving it warm, fresh out of the oven, with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. The creamy texture melts in your mouth, while the buttery crust plays up your taste buds’ yearning for something sweet.
The cake is also incredibly versatile, welcoming various toppings such as fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. With its balance of flavors and textures, it’s a dessert that you can feel proud to serve at any gathering.
Ingredients About Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
To create this delightful cake, gather the following ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (113g) butter, melted
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (113g) butter, melted
- 4 cups confectioners sugar
These ingredients come together to create a cake that’s both satisfying and irresistibly delicious. When baked, you’ll find that the delicate balance between the buttery base and the creamy cheese layer delivers a heavenly experience.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Directions
Let’s dive into the process of making your very own Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a treat that’s sure to impress.
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your cake.
Prepare the Cake Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the melted butter. Use a fork to mash these ingredients together until everything is fully incorporated. Don’t worry about it being too smooth; the texture will complement the cream cheese layer.
Grease the Baking Pan: Lightly spray a 9-inch by 3-inch round cake pan or a 9-inch by 13-inch pan with baking spray. Alternatively, you can line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Press the Cake Mixture: Once your batter is ready, press the cake mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Try to flatten it as much as possible to create an even base for the cream cheese layer to sit on.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a stand mixer, combine the room-temperature cream cheese, 2 remaining eggs, the additional teaspoon of vanilla, and the melted butter. Beat these ingredients together on medium speed until creamy. This step ensures you achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
Incorporate the Sugar: Gradually add the confectioners sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed. This method allows the sugar to blend seamlessly without creating a cloud of powder in your kitchen.
Combine Layers: Once your cream cheese mixture is smooth, pour it over the cake base in the pan. Spread it evenly to cover the base layer.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the edges should turn a lovely golden brown, while the center remains slightly jiggly—a sign that the gooey goodness is ready to be enjoyed.
Cool Before Serving: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan before transferring it to a serving plate. This cooling period is essential to allow the flavors to meld together.
Your creation of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is now complete! The sweet aroma and rich creaminess are guaranteed to invite family and friends to gather around the table.
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Serving your freshly baked Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is part of the joy of making it. Here are several ways to enhance your dessert experience:
Classic Presentation: Dust the top of your cake with confectioners sugar for a beautiful contrast against the golden-yellow surface. This simple step adds a touch of elegance.
Toppings Galore: This cake pairs well with many toppings. Consider serving it with fresh berries—strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a refreshing note that balances the richness of the cake.
Whipped Cream Indulgence: A dollop of freshly whipped cream lends a light airiness to your cake, making it feel even more indulgent without overpowering it.
A La Mode: For a truly decadent dessert, offer a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your slice. The cold creaminess of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey cake.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: Don’t forget that a warm slice of this butter cake goes hand-in-hand with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat.
Expert Tips: Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
To ensure your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. This facilitates better mixing and a smoother texture.
Monitor Baking Time: Each oven behaves differently. Check your cake about 30 minutes in to prevent overbaking. The edges should feel firm, while the center retains a slight jiggle.
Cooling is Key: Allowing the cake to set and cool completely ensures that the gooey filling stabilizes. Cutting into it too soon may lead to a mess!
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix in some lemon zest or almond extract to the cream cheese filling for a unique twist.
Leftovers: If there are any leftovers, let them come to room temperature before enjoying or gently reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.
How to Store Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Proper storage of your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is essential to preserve its deliciousness for as long as possible. Here’s how to do it:
Room Temperature: If you plan to eat your cake within a few days, you can store it at room temperature. Just cover it loosely with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, move the cake to the refrigerator. Make sure it’s covered well, as cream cheese can absorb odors from other foods.
Freezing: You can freeze your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake if made in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Reheat if desired, and enjoy.
Variation of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
While the classic Ooey Gooey Butter Cake steals the spotlight, there are some fun variations that you might enjoy trying:
Chocolate Version: Replace the yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix for a rich and indulgent twist. The cream cheese filling remains the same, making a delightful chocolate dessert.
Lemon Gooey Butter Cake: Add some lemon zest to the cream cheese layer, and consider using a lemon cake mix. This combination brings a refreshing citrus flavor that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Nutty Addition: Swirl in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cream cheese filling. The crunch adds another layer of texture and a toasty flavor.
Seasonal Spice: For a festive touch, incorporate pumpkin spice into the cream cheese filling during the fall. This seasonal twist creates a simple yet delightful dessert enjoyed during the holidays.
Berry Swirl: Mix in some fresh or frozen berries into the cream cheese layer for added flavor. Blueberries or raspberries create a beautiful swirl and offer a fruity contrast to the butteriness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
What makes the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake gooey?
The cream cheese filling plays a major role in making this cake ooey and gooey. As it bakes, the consistency remains creamy and rich, providing that signature texture.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, feel free to experiment with chocolate or even carrot cake mixes for unique variations.
How can I tell when my cake is done baking?
Keep an eye on your cake toward the end of the baking time. It’s ready when the edges are golden brown, but the center should still be slightly wobbly—if it looks too firm, it may be overcooked.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake is great for making ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and simply reheat slightly before serving for optimal gooeyness.
What is the best way to serve Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
Serve it warm with a dusting of confectioners sugar, alongside fresh berries, or with a scoop of ice cream and whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing Bowls:
- Stand Mixer (optional)
- Spatula
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup butter (melted)
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup butter (melted)
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.