Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Indulge in the sweet, creamy delight of ooey gooey butter cake. This iconic dessert, originating from St. Louis, is the perfect blend of rich butter and a soft, custardy filling. With its luscious texture and buttery flavor, it’s no wonder this cake has become a favorite among dessert lovers. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or at room temperature, this cake is sure to please any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
– 1 box yellow cake mix
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 eggs
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 12 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 40 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of ooey gooey butter cake (based on a 1-inch square piece) contains approximately 300 calories, 15g of fat, 45g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. This is a rich dessert, so enjoy it sparingly!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
4. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
5. Add 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix until fully incorporated.
6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
7. Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top of the cake.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes.
10. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version. Cream cheese can be replaced with mascarpone for a different flavor profile. Additionally, you can use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Serving and Pairings
Ooey gooey butter cake pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate the dessert even further.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This cake can be frozen for up to 3 months; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overbaking the cake can lead to a dry texture.
- Not allowing the cream cheese to soften can result in lumps.
- Using too much powdered sugar can make the filling overly sweet.
- Not greasing the pan properly may cause sticking.
- Skipping the cooling step can lead to a messy slice.
Helpful Tips
- Use room-temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality butter.
- Experiment with different cake mix flavors for variety.
- Top with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

FAQs
What makes ooey gooey butter cake different from regular cake?
Ooey gooey butter cake features a unique custard-like filling that is rich and creamy, setting it apart from traditional cakes. The combination of a buttery crust with a gooey top layer creates a delightful texture and flavor.
Can I make ooey gooey butter cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Is it necessary to use a specific type of cake mix?
While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can use any flavor of cake mix you prefer. Chocolate or lemon cake mixes can add a fun twist to the recipe.
How should I serve ooey gooey butter cake?
This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for added flavor and texture.
Can I freeze ooey gooey butter cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
Ooey gooey butter cake is a delightful treat that blends rich flavors and textures, making it a favorite among dessert enthusiasts. Its ease of preparation and the ability to customize make it a perfect addition to any gathering. Try this recipe today and indulge in a slice of sweetness!

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 egg
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top of the cake.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes.
- Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.