Gooey Butter Cake III: A Triple Threat of Deliciously Gooey Recipes
Gooey butter cake. The very name evokes images of rich, buttery, and intensely sweet indulgence. This St. Louis classic has won hearts across the nation (and beyond!) with its irresistible texture and comforting flavor. But why settle for just one version of this beloved dessert when you can have three? In this post, we’re diving deep into the wonderful world of gooey butter cake, presenting not one, not two, but *three* delectable recipes that showcase its versatility and undeniable appeal.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, you’ll find something to love in this collection. We’ll cover a classic recipe, a chocolate variation for the chocoholics, and a lemon-infused version for a bright and tangy twist. Get ready to unleash your inner baker and create gooey butter cakes that will impress your friends, delight your family, and leave you craving more!
What Makes Gooey Butter Cake So Special?
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate the unique characteristics of gooey butter cake. It’s not quite a cake, not quite a pie, but something entirely its own. The key to its signature texture lies in the two distinct layers:
* **The Base:** This is a yeast-leavened or cake-mix based layer that provides a sturdy foundation for the gooey topping. It should be slightly chewy and have a subtle sweetness.
* **The Gooey Topping:** This is where the magic happens. A generous mixture of butter, sugar, eggs, and cream cheese (or sometimes sour cream) creates a rich, decadent layer that bakes into a soft, gooey, and almost custard-like consistency. This is the defining characteristic of a true gooey butter cake.
The contrast between the slightly firm base and the intensely gooey topping is what makes this dessert so addictive. Each bite is a textural and flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.
Recipe 1: The Classic Gooey Butter Cake
This is the quintessential gooey butter cake, the recipe that started it all. It’s simple, straightforward, and delivers that classic flavor and texture that everyone knows and loves.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Base:**
* 1 package (18.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* **For the Gooey Topping:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 box (16 ounces) powdered sugar
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Base:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Mix until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. It’s easiest to do this with your fingers, using a little bit of flour to prevent sticking.
4. **Make the Gooey Topping:** In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. An electric mixer works best for this.
5. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
6. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Pour the gooey topping evenly over the cake base.
8. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly gooey. The center will firm up more as it cools.
9. **Cool and Serve:** Let the cake cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
**Tips and Tricks for the Classic Gooey Butter Cake:**
* **Don’t Overmix the Base:** Overmixing the base will result in a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese and Butter:** Make sure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before making the gooey topping. This will ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the cake and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Let it Cool Completely:** Resist the urge to cut into the cake while it’s still warm. Letting it cool completely will allow the gooey topping to set properly.
* **Storage:** Store leftover gooey butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Recipe 2: Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake
For all the chocolate lovers out there, this variation is a dream come true. We’re adding cocoa powder to both the base and the topping to create a rich, decadent chocolate experience.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Base:**
* 1 package (18.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* **For the Gooey Topping:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 box (16 ounces) powdered sugar
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Base:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Mix until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
4. **Make the Gooey Topping:** In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
6. Stir in the cocoa powder until well combined
7. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
8. Pour the gooey topping evenly over the cake base.
9. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly gooey.
10. **Cool and Serve:** Let the cake cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving, if desired. You can also drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence.
**Tips and Tricks for the Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake:**
* **Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder:** The quality of the cocoa powder will significantly impact the flavor of the cake. Use a good-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** For an extra boost of chocolate flavor, you can add chocolate chips to the gooey topping. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work well.
* **Espresso Powder:** A pinch of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor. Add about 1/2 teaspoon to the gooey topping.
* **Cool Completely:** As with the classic version, letting the cake cool completely is essential for the gooey topping to set properly.
Recipe 3: Lemon Gooey Butter Cake
If you’re looking for a bright and refreshing twist on the classic gooey butter cake, this lemon version is perfect. The addition of lemon zest and juice adds a tangy, citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Base:**
* 1 package (18.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* **For the Gooey Topping:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
* 2 teaspoons lemon zest
* 1 box (16 ounces) powdered sugar
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Base:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Mix until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
4. **Make the Gooey Topping:** In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest and beat until well combined.
6. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Pour the gooey topping evenly over the cake base.
8. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly gooey.
9. **Cool and Serve:** Let the cake cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving, if desired. You can also add a lemon glaze for an extra burst of lemon flavor.
**Tips and Tricks for the Lemon Gooey Butter Cake:**
* **Use Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest:** Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest will provide the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice.
* **Lemon Glaze:** For an extra burst of lemon flavor, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
* **Add Poppy Seeds:** A tablespoon of poppy seeds can add a nice texture and visual appeal to the lemon gooey butter cake.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the gooey topping slightly.
Troubleshooting Gooey Butter Cake
Even with the best recipes, baking can sometimes be unpredictable. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
* **Cake is too dry:** This could be due to overbaking. Make sure to check the cake frequently and remove it from the oven as soon as the edges are set and the center is still slightly gooey.
* **Gooey topping is too runny:** This could be due to not enough powdered sugar or using ingredients that weren’t properly softened. Make sure to use the correct amount of powdered sugar and ensure that the cream cheese and butter are fully softened.
* **Cake is too dense:** This could be due to overmixing the base. Mix the base ingredients just until combined.
* **Cake is not gooey enough:** This could be due to overbaking or not using enough butter in the gooey topping. Make sure to follow the recipe carefully and avoid overbaking.
Variations and Adaptations
The beauty of gooey butter cake is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for variations and adaptations:
* **Seasonal Flavors:** Experiment with different extracts and spices to create seasonal flavors. Try pumpkin spice in the fall or peppermint extract for the holidays.
* **Fruit Additions:** Add fresh or frozen fruit to the gooey topping. Berries, peaches, or apples would all be delicious.
* **Nutty Goodness:** Add chopped nuts to the base or the gooey topping for added texture and flavor.
* **Different Cake Mixes:** Try using different flavors of cake mix for the base. Spice cake, red velvet cake, or even funfetti cake would all be interesting options.
* **Vegan Gooey Butter Cake:** With a few substitutions, you can even make a vegan version of gooey butter cake. Use vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and a flax egg in the recipes.
Final Thoughts
Gooey butter cake is a truly special dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a party, a potluck, or simply a cozy night in, it’s sure to be a hit. With these three recipes, you have a solid foundation for exploring the wonderful world of gooey butter cake. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some seriously delicious treats!
Enjoy!