Description
Midwestern charm shines through this classic Gooey Butter Cake, blending rich cream cheese and velvety cake base into a delightful dessert. Sweet nostalgia meets simple pleasure, inviting you to savor each creamy, indulgent bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 package (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups (907 grams) powdered sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (226 grams / 2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation Components:
- None
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by lightly coating a 9×13-inch dish with grease or lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
- Craft the foundational layer by combining cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a medium mixing bowl, kneading until a cohesive, dense dough emerges. Gently press and distribute the mixture uniformly across the pan’s bottom, creating an even base.
- Construct the luscious filling by whipping cream cheese in a large bowl until silky smooth. Incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, blending thoroughly. Gradually fold in powdered sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture achieves a velvety, uniform consistency.
- Delicately cascade the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, using a spatula to ensure an equal distribution across the entire surface.
- Transfer the assembled dessert to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), allowing it to bake for 40-45 minutes. Watch for golden-brown edges and a center that sets yet retains a slight wobble – the hallmark of a perfectly executed gooey butter cake.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, enabling it to set properly. Once cooled, slice into generous squares and optionally dust with a delicate veil of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- For the most tender crust, use room temperature butter and mix just until ingredients combine to avoid tough texture.
- Prevent sticking by generously greasing the pan or using parchment paper with overhang for easy removal.
- Check doneness by gently shaking the pan – the center should have a slight wobble like soft custard, indicating perfect gooey consistency.
- Swap regular cake mix with gluten-free alternatives for celiac-friendly version, ensuring same rich, decadent results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg