Best St. Louis Style Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

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The Ooey Gooey Butter Cake recipe is a classic dessert that has a rich, dense bottom piece and a soft, buttery topping. Originated in St. Louis, Missouri, this has spread over much of the United States as a favorite dessert treat. Known for its satisfying textural contrast and its sweetness that calls out, it’s a dessert that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion.

Butter Cake

Before making this cake, I looked at many butter cake recipes. A lot of people said, “It’s very sweet.” I can handle sweet. I’ve made Dirt Cake, Cookie Butter Cake, Maggiano’s Butter Cake, CPK Butter Cake, Mastro’s Butter Cake, Funfetti cake and Butterfinger Cake! I like sweet treats, but just so you know: this one is really, really sweet!

What is Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a beloved dessert that originated in St. Louis, Missouri. This rich, indulgent treat features two distinct layers, a yellow cake base and a gooey cream cheese topping. The bottom layer is made from a yellow cake mix combined with melted butter and an egg, creating a firm yet tender crust. On top, there’s a luscious cream cheese mixture, sweetened with powdered sugar and eggs, which bakes into a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth layer.

Despite its name, this dessert is technically more of a bar than a cake. It’s often baked in a 9×13 pan and cut into squares, though you can also use a round pan if you prefer. The result is a combination of textures. A chewy, buttery base with a soft, custard-like topping that’s hard to resist.

This recipe originally came from my Aunt Beverly in St. Louis, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. Whether you top this one with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s irresistibly sweet and a true Missouri staple.

Original Ooey Gooey Butter Cake History

This cake was created by accident in the 1930s when a baker in St. Louis mistakenly added too much butter to a basic coffee cake recipe. The result was a happy accident that became a local specialty. Today, it’s a must-try for anyone visiting St. Louis and has inspired countless variations across the country.

Ingredients Needed for Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

For the Bottom Layer

1 (15.25-ounce) package yellow cake mix
½ cup butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These ingredients create the iconic layers of this cake, and each one plays an essential role in getting the texture and flavor just right.

How to Make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. For an extra easy cleanup, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.

Make the Bottom Layer

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and thick.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down gently to form the base layer.

Prepare the Topping

In another bowl, softened cream cheese is beaten to a smooth and creamy consistency.
Add 2 eggs, 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is combined, and smooth.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Bake and Serve

Bake in the preheated oven 30 to 35 minutes. The cake should be golden brown on the edges but still slightly gooey in the center.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.

Enjoy!

Dust with additional confectioners’ sugar before serving, if desired. This ooey gooey butter cake bars is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy!

This Ooey Gooey butter cake recipe creates a deliciously sweet and satisfying dessert that’s sure to please any crowd.

Tips for Perfecting Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and cream cheese sit at room temperature before you start. This ensures they blend smoothly and create a creamy filling.
Avoid Overbaking: The cake should be golden on top but still a bit wobbly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will firm up as it cools, but you want that gooey texture to remain.
Experiment with Flavors: While the traditional recipe uses yellow cake mix, feel free to try other flavors. Chocolate, lemon, or even spice cake mixes can add a new twist to this classic dessert.

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Variations and Ideas

While the classic recipe is hard to top, here are a few ways to mix things up:

Chocolate Ooey Gooey Butter Cake: Replace the yellow cake mix with a chocolate mix. Add to the filling some cocoa powder for an intense flavor.
Lemon Version: Lemon cake mix is used and adds a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the filling for a bright and citrusy dessert.
Toppings: Dust the top with powdered sugar or serve fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence.

Why This Cake Stands the Test of Time

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a staple in so many homes because it’s super easy to make, has universal appeal, and simply never goes out of style. Be it for a party or just as a fun treat for the weekend, it’s sure to impress. What’s more, the ingredients are easily available, and the recipe is rather forgiving, even a beginning baker is able to pull it off.

How to Store and Serve

Once the cake has cooled, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cake for a firmer texture. If you want to serve and it’s cold, you can reheat it slightly in the microwave just for a few seconds to bring back that gooey consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes! Ooey Gooey Butter Cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, some people think the cake tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can store it at room temperature, or in the refrigerator if you prefer a firmer texture.

Can I Freeze Gooey Butter Cake?

Absolutely. After allowing the cake to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.

Why Is My Cake Not Gooey Enough?

If your cake turned out more firm than expected, it’s possible you overbaked it. Remember, the center should still be a little jiggly when you take it out of the oven. The cake will continue to set as it cools, so don’t wait for the middle to firm up completely in the oven.

Can I Make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Without Cake Mix?

Yes, you can make the crust from scratch if you prefer not to use a boxed cake mix. To do this, simply combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Then proceed with the recipe, using this mixture in place of the cake mix.

Closing Thoughts

The Ooey Gooey Cake is more than dessert; it’s a crowd-pleaser that has earned its place in kitchens across America. Its gooey center, chewy crust, and simple preparation make it a go-to recipe for gatherings or whenever you crave something sweet. The versatility of this cake means you can make it again and again, trying new flavors and toppings to keep it fresh and exciting.

If you’ve never made Ooey Gooey Butter Cake before, now’s the perfect time to give it a try. It’s easy, delicious, and bound to become one of your favorite dessert recipes.

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