Whenever I think of comfort food that instantly lifts my mood, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake comes to mind. Its soft, buttery layers and rich, melt-in-your-mouth filling have a way of making even an ordinary day feel a little more special.

In this article, I’ll show you how to make this classic dessert easily at home. Whether you’re baking for a party or treating yourself to a cozy afternoon sweet, this recipe will help you get that perfect gooey center and golden crust every time.

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Recipe by Angela JonesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

Prep Time

minutes

Cooking Time

minutes

Total Time

hour

The Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is a sweet, rich dessert that originated from a happy baking accident in St. Louis. With a buttery crust and a luscious, creamy topping, it’s a simple cake that wins hearts with every bite.

Ingredients List

1 box yellow cake mix
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
3½ cups powdered sugar

How to Make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. Lining it with parchment paper makes removal and cleanup much easier.
Make the Base:
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Mix until a thick dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust.
Prepare the Filling:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and two eggs, beating until fully blended. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until the filling is silky and thick.
Assemble the Cake
Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The filling will be thick but should cover the crust completely.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center still jiggles slightly when you move the pan. Be careful not to overbake; the gooey center is the best part!
Cool and Slice
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack for at least 1 hour. Once cooled, slice into 12 squares and serve.

Notes

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
Dairy-Free: Replace butter with plant-based butter and cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
Lower Sugar: Reduce the powdered sugar by ½ cup or use a sugar substitute designed for baking.

Make-Ahead Tips

Planning ahead? Here’s how you can save time.

Bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge.
If refrigerated, let it sit out for 20–30 minutes before serving to bring back its gooey texture.

Storage Instructions

Keep your butter cake tasting fresh with these storage tips.

Room Temperature: Store tightly covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Extra Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your cake turns out perfectly every time.

Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.
Don’t overbake. It’s better for the center to be slightly underdone than too firm.
Allow proper cooling time to ensure clean slices and the best texture.

FAQs About Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Here are answers to some common questions you might have when making this cake.

Q: Can I use different flavors of cake mix?
Yes! Chocolate, lemon, or spice cake mixes add a fun twist to the classic flavor.

Q: Why is my cake runny?
It may be underbaked. Make sure only the very center jiggles slightly when you check it.

Q: Can I make mini versions?
Absolutely. Use muffin tins lined with cupcake papers and adjust the bake time to about 20–25 minutes.

Food Safety Tips

Because this recipe uses cream cheese and eggs, keep these safety tips in mind.

Refrigerate leftovers if not eaten within a day.
Use pasteurized eggs if you’re concerned about food safety.
Always wash hands and utensils thoroughly after handling raw eggs.

Ingredient Selection Tips

Using high-quality ingredients will bring out the best in your cake.

Cake Mix: Choose a good brand for consistent results.
Butter: Always use real, unsalted butter for authentic flavor.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the creamiest texture.

Serving Suggestions

This butter cake can be enjoyed in many delicious ways.

Dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Serve with fresh berries to balance the sweetness.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition facts for one slice.

Calories: 410
Total Fat: 21g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Sugar: 40g
Protein: 4g

Final Thoughts

If you love desserts that are rich, buttery, and melt in your mouth, this Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe will quickly become a favorite. It’s easy enough for everyday baking but special enough to share at gatherings and celebrations. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe: Soft, Sweet, and Irresistible