Growing up, ooey gooey butter cake was the treat that made every family gathering feel special. I remember watching the golden crust rise in the oven while the buttery center stayed melt-in-your-mouth soft pure magic. As a chef who loves creating indulgent treats with simple steps, I wanted to perfect a gooey butter cake recipe that anyone could make at home. This version delivers everything people adore: a buttery base, a creamy, custard-like center, and rich vanilla flavor. Whether you’re baking for a holiday dinner or a quick weekend dessert, this ooey gooey butter cake guarantees smiles with every slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-simple ingredients: pantry staples come together effortlessly.
- No special skills required: even beginners can make this gooey butter cake recipe perfectly.
- Prep ahead friendly: bake a day in advance; the flavor deepens overnight.
- Customizable: easily turn it into a pumpkin gooey butter cake or even ooey gooey butter cookies.
- Crowd-pleasing texture: crisp edges with a luscious, gooey center.
- Pairs well with many toppings: berries, whipped cream, ice cream, or powdered sugar.
Preparation & Cooking Time
Prep Time — 10 minutes
Cook Time — 40 minutes
Total Time — 50 minutes
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter
Gooey Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13 baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking pan.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix again.
- Slowly add powdered sugar and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the filling over the crust.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares.
How to Serve
- Dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Add fresh berries to brighten the rich sweetness.
- For holidays, drizzle caramel or pumpkin spice glaze.
- Cut into mini squares for parties or potlucks.
Additional Tips
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
- For a richer center, reduce bake time by 3–4 minutes.
- To reduce sweetness, cut powdered sugar by ½ cup.
- For a lower-carb version, use keto cake mix and powdered sweetener.
- Add lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
Recipe Variations
1. Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake
Add 1 cup pumpkin purée + 1 tsp pumpkin spice to the filling. Reduce powdered sugar by ¼ cup.
2. Chocolate Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate mix and add 2 tbsp cocoa to the filling.
3. Lemon Gooey Butter Cake
Use lemon cake mix and add fresh lemon zest + 1 tbsp lemon juice.
4. Keto Gooey Butter Cake
Use keto yellow cake mix, keto sweetener, and heavy cream instead of some powdered sweetener.
Freezing & Storage
- Room temperature: Store airtight for 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually; freeze up to 3 months.
- To thaw: Let sit at room temperature for 30–40 minutes.
Perfect for meal prep and holiday baking!
Special Equipment
9×13 baking pan
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Rubber spatula
Parchment paper (optional)
FAQs
1. Can I make this ooey gooey butter cake recipe ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
2. Can I make pumpkin gooey butter cake with this recipe?
Absolutely just add pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice to the filling.
3. Can I turn this recipe into ooey gooey butter cookies?
Yes, chill the dough, scoop into balls, roll in powdered sugar, and bake 10–12 minutes.
4. Is this recipe keto friendly?
It can be use keto cake mix and low-carb sweeteners.
5. Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes, lower powdered sugar by ½–1 cup without affecting texture.
Conclusion
This ooey gooey butter cake delivers everything a great dessert should: rich flavor, irresistible texture, and simple prep. Whether you’re baking the classic version, trying pumpkin gooey butter cake, or turning it into ooey gooey butter cookies, this recipe guarantees warm, nostalgic comfort in every bite. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or anytime you want a melt-in-your-mouth treat.