Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is one of those desserts that looks simple but delivers a seriously rich bite. It has a soft, buttery cake base topped with a sweet cream cheese layer that bakes into a soft, gooey center. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the top makes it look finished without adding any extra work. This is an easy dessert to make when you need something for a family dinner, holiday table, potluck, or weekend treat.
What Is Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a rich American-style dessert made with a cake mix base, butter, eggs, cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar. The bottom becomes lightly chewy around the edges, while the cream cheese topping stays soft and fudgy in the middle. The name comes from its texture rather than a complicated baking technique—the center is supposed to remain slightly gooey instead of becoming firm like a traditional cake.
Recipe at a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Baking Time | 40–50 minutes |
| Total Time | About 1 hour |
| Servings | 12 |
| Course | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Texture | Chewy edges with a soft, gooey center |
Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- 1 package yellow cake mix (about 15.25 ounces)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Gooey Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 ounces powdered sugar
For Finishing
- Extra powdered sugar, for dusting
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How to Make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper if you want easier cleanup and simpler removal of the cake.
2. Make the Cake Base
Add the yellow cake mix, one egg, and 1/2 cup of melted butter to a large mixing bowl. Mix until the ingredients come together and form a thick batter. It will be much firmer than a normal cake batter.
3. Press the Base Into the Pan
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use your hands, a spatula, or the back of a spoon to press it into an even layer across the bottom of the pan. Try to keep the thickness fairly consistent so it bakes evenly.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining two eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the cream cheese is smooth and there are no large lumps.
5. Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the filling becomes smooth, thick, and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed so everything is evenly incorporated.
6. Add the Gooey Layer
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base and gently spread it into an even layer. Be careful not to disturb the bottom layer too much while spreading.
7. Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40–50 minutes. The edges should look golden and set, while the middle should still have a slight jiggle. Do not wait for the center to become completely firm in the oven because that can leave you with a much less gooey cake.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool before cutting. As it cools, the center will continue to set while keeping its soft texture. Dust the top with powdered sugar, cut into squares, and serve.
The Key to a Gooey Center
The most important part of this recipe is knowing when to take the cake out of the oven. The edges should be golden brown and look set, but the middle should still move slightly when the pan is gently shaken. That does not mean the cake is underbaked. The center continues to firm up as the cake cools.
If you bake it until the middle looks completely firm, the finished cake can lose the soft texture that makes ooey gooey butter cake special.
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What You Can Do Better
- Use softened cream cheese: Room-temperature cream cheese blends much more easily and helps prevent small lumps in the topping.
- Measure the cake mix accurately: If your cake mix package is a different size, the texture may change slightly.
- Do not overbake: A slightly jiggly center is what you want.
- Cool before slicing: Cutting the cake while it is piping hot can make the filling seem much runnier than it actually is.
- Use parchment for easier serving: A parchment sling makes it easier to lift the cooled cake from the pan before cutting.
- Cut smaller squares: This is a rich dessert, so smaller portions are often enough.
Easy Variations
This recipe is also easy to change when you want a different flavor. Try a chocolate cake mix for a deeper chocolate version, or use lemon or strawberry cake mix for a fruitier dessert. Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a pleasant crunch, while chocolate chips make the cake even more indulgent.
For a seasonal version, you can add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese layer. Just keep in mind that additions can change the baking time and final texture, so watch the center rather than relying only on the clock.
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How to Store Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Because the topping contains cream cheese, leftovers should be covered and refrigerated. The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for several days. Let individual pieces sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if you prefer a softer texture.
You can also freeze individual portions. Wrap each piece tightly and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition Information
The following is an approximate nutritional estimate per serving based on 12 servings. Actual values can vary depending on the specific cake mix, cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar used.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 524 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 74 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Total Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 101 mg |
| Sodium | 391 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 56 g |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Ooey Gooey Butter Cake too runny?
If the center is completely liquid after cooling, it may need a little more baking time. The cake should have a slight jiggle when it comes out of the oven, but it should not look completely liquid.
Should Ooey Gooey Butter Cake be refrigerated?
Yes. Since the recipe contains a cream cheese layer, it is best to store the cooled cake covered in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
Yes. Cut the cooled cake into portions, wrap them well, and freeze. Thaw the pieces in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. Salted butter can be used if that is what you have available. Keep in mind that it will add a little more sodium to the finished dessert.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Look for golden, set edges and a center that still has a gentle jiggle. The center will continue setting as the cake cools.
