Gooey Butter Cake

Recipe Ingredients

Here are the main ingredients you’ll need for this Gooey Butter Cake recipe.

Yellow or White Cake Mix: The foundation for this cake. Using a mix significantly simplifies the preparation, making the recipe quick and accessible.

Eggs: Essential for the structure of the base and filling.

Cream Cheese: This is the defining ingredient of the "gooey" filling. Cream cheese provides the signature tangy, rich, and creamy flavor profile that balances the sweetness.  

Powdered Sugar: Gives the filling its sweetness.   

Other Ingredients You’ll Need: Butter, vanilla extract

How to Make Gooey Butter Cake

Here's how to make this Gooey Butter Cake. See the full recipe below for all the details.

1. Prepare Crust 

Mix ingredients and press into the bottom of a thoroughly greased and floured (or sprayed) pan.

2. Make Filling

For a perfectly smooth filling, make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened before you begin. 

3. Assemble & Bake

The most important indicator of doneness is that the edges should be golden brown and set, but the center must still be noticeably jiggly. This "gooey" center will continue to set as the cake cools, so resist the urge to overbake, which would make it less gooey.

4. Cool & Serve

This step is vital for the cake's texture! Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. The gooey center needs this time to fully set and achieve its signature consistency. For cleaner slices, you can even chill it briefly once cooled. Once fully set, dust generously with extra powdered sugar and serve.

How to Store Gooey Butter Cake

To properly store your Gooey Butter Cake and keep it fresh, follow these guidelines.

Refrigerator

Once the cake has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days.