Gooey Butter Cake
An indulgent, comforting dessert featuring a buttery crust and a silky, gooey cream cheese layer, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces) Use white cake for a lighter flavor.
- 2 large eggs Room temperature for better mixing.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled Adds rich, toasty flavor.
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened For that silky, tangy gooey layer; swap for mascarpone for a richer texture.
- 2 large eggs Separate from cake mix eggs.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Fresh vanilla makes a big difference.
- 4 cups powdered sugar Sift if you notice clumps; reduces graininess in the filling.
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt Optional; adds moisture and tang (use Greek yogurt for a healthier option).
Optional Toppings
- powdered sugar
- fresh berries
- a drizzle of caramel or warm berry compote
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly with butter and dust lightly with flour or line with parchment for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix, 2 eggs, and melted butter. Stir until a thick dough forms; it will be crumbly but pressable. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base—this is your buttery crust.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, vanilla, and optional sour cream or Greek yogurt if using. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating gently until the filling is glossy and pourable. Scrape down the sides to ensure no pockets of sugar remain.
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the pressed crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Baking
- Bake for 35–40 minutes. The edges should be set and golden; the center will still be slightly jiggly.
- Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack; chilling it for an hour will help the filling settle.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For a lemony twist, add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the filling and swap 1 teaspoon vanilla for 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. For a lighter option, use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt. To add extra flavor, stir in 1 cup of chopped berries or chocolate chips into the filling.