Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipes: A Decadent Delight
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. The name itself conjures up images of rich, buttery, and utterly irresistible indulgence. This Southern classic, originating (likely) in St. Louis, Missouri, is a far cry from your average cake. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors, a captivating combination of a slightly chewy base, a creamy, almost custard-like filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar that adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Prepare to embark on a baking journey that will leave you and your loved ones utterly captivated.
## What Makes Ooey Gooey Butter Cake So Special?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s explore what makes this cake so special. The magic lies in its unique construction. Unlike traditional cakes, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake has two distinct layers:
* **The Base:** This layer is typically a simple cake batter, often made with yellow cake mix or a homemade version that mimics the texture. It provides a sturdy foundation for the decadent topping.
* **The Gooey Topping:** This is where the magic happens. The topping is a rich mixture of cream cheese, butter, sugar, and eggs. It bakes into a creamy, custardy layer that’s responsible for the cake’s signature “ooey gooey” texture.
## Essential Ingredients for Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
While variations exist, the core ingredients for an authentic Ooey Gooey Butter Cake remain consistent. Here’s a breakdown:
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is the foundation of this cake. It provides richness, flavor, and contributes to the gooey texture. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal blending.
* **Cream Cheese:** This adds tanginess and creaminess to the topping. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best results.
* **Sugar:** Granulated sugar provides sweetness and structure to the base, while powdered sugar sweetens the gooey topping and creates a beautiful finish.
* **Eggs:** Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness and moisture.
* **Vanilla Extract:** A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.
* **Yellow Cake Mix (or homemade equivalent):** This forms the base of the cake. You can use a store-bought mix for convenience or make your own from scratch.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** Used to help bind and structure both the base and topping.
* **Salt:** A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
## Recipe 1: Classic Ooey Gooey Butter Cake (Using Cake Mix)
This recipe offers a simple and straightforward approach using a yellow cake mix for the base, making it perfect for beginner bakers or when you’re short on time.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Base:**
* 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* **For the Gooey Topping:**
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 box (16 oz) powdered sugar
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. **Make the Base:** In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Mix until just combined. The mixture will be thick and slightly crumbly.
3. **Press into Pan:** Press the base mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. You can use your fingers or the back of a spoon to flatten it out.
4. **Make the Gooey Topping:** In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This is important for a lump-free topping.
5. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. **Gradually Add Powdered Sugar:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher topping.
7. **Pour Over Base:** Pour the gooey topping evenly over the cake base.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The center will firm up as it cools. Overbaking will result in a dry cake, so keep a close eye on it.
9. **Cool and Dust:** Let the cake cool completely in the pan before dusting generously with powdered sugar. Cooling completely is vital for the topping to set properly.
10. **Cut and Serve:** Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the ooey gooey goodness!
**Tips for Success:**
* **Softened Ingredients:** Ensure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy topping.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the topping can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking will result in a dry cake. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent the sugar from melting.
## Recipe 2: Homemade Ooey Gooey Butter Cake (From Scratch)
For those who prefer a completely homemade experience, this recipe replaces the cake mix with a from-scratch base.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Base:**
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* **For the Gooey Topping:**
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 box (16 oz) powdered sugar
* Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Make the Base:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake.
4. **Add Egg and Vanilla:** Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. **Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
7. **Make the Gooey Topping:** In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
8. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
9. **Gradually Add Powdered Sugar:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
10. **Pour Over Base:** Pour the gooey topping evenly over the cake base.
11. **Bake:** Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
12. **Cool and Dust:** Let the cake cool completely in the pan before dusting generously with powdered sugar.
13. **Cut and Serve:** Cut into squares and serve. Prepare for a truly decadent experience!
**Tips for Success:**
* **High-Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients, especially butter and cream cheese, will significantly enhance the flavor of the cake.
* **Creaming Butter and Sugar:** Thoroughly creaming the butter and sugar for the base is essential for a light and tender cake.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the base or the topping can result in a tough cake.
* **Monitor Baking Time:** Keep a close eye on the cake while it’s baking to prevent overbaking.
## Recipe 3: Chocolate Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
For chocolate lovers, this recipe adds a rich chocolate twist to the classic Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Base:**
* 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* **For the Gooey Topping:**
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 box (16 oz) powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Make the Base:** In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Mix until just combined.
3. **Press into Pan:** Press the base mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
4. **Make the Gooey Topping:** In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
5. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. **Add Powdered Sugar and Cocoa Powder:** Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating on low speed until smooth and well combined.
7. **Pour Over Base:** Pour the gooey topping evenly over the cake base.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
9. **Cool and Dust:** Let the cake cool completely in the pan before dusting generously with powdered sugar.
10. **Cut and Serve:** Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the chocolatey ooey gooey goodness!
**Tips for Success:**
* **Good Quality Cocoa Powder:** Use a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
* **Sift Cocoa Powder:** Sifting the cocoa powder will prevent lumps in the topping.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly.
## Recipe 4: Lemon Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
This recipe adds a bright and zesty lemon flavor to the classic Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, perfect for spring and summer.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Base:**
* 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* **For the Gooey Topping:**
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 box (16 oz) powdered sugar
* 2 tablespoons lemon zest
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Make the Base:** In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Mix until just combined.
3. **Press into Pan:** Press the base mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
4. **Make the Gooey Topping:** In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
5. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. **Add Powdered Sugar, Lemon Zest, and Lemon Juice:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice, beating on low speed until smooth and well combined.
7. **Pour Over Base:** Pour the gooey topping evenly over the cake base.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
9. **Cool and Dust:** Let the cake cool completely in the pan before dusting generously with powdered sugar.
10. **Cut and Serve:** Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the lemony ooey gooey goodness!
**Tips for Success:**
* **Fresh Lemon Zest and Juice:** Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best flavor.
* **Adjust Lemon Flavor:** Adjust the amount of lemon zest and juice to your preference.
* **Lemon Extract (Optional):** For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon extract.
## Recipe 5: Pumpkin Spice Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Perfect for the fall season, this recipe combines the warm flavors of pumpkin spice with the classic Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Base:**
* 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* **For the Gooey Topping:**
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 box (16 oz) powdered sugar
* 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
* 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Make the Base:** In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Mix until just combined.
3. **Press into Pan:** Press the base mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
4. **Make the Gooey Topping:** In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
5. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. **Add Powdered Sugar, Pumpkin Puree, and Pumpkin Pie Spice:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice, beating on low speed until smooth and well combined.
7. **Pour Over Base:** Pour the gooey topping evenly over the cake base.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
9. **Cool and Dust:** Let the cake cool completely in the pan before dusting generously with powdered sugar.
10. **Cut and Serve:** Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the pumpkin spice ooey gooey goodness!
**Tips for Success:**
* **Use Pumpkin Puree, Not Pie Filling:** Ensure you’re using pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
* **Adjust Pumpkin Spice:** Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to your preference.
* **Cinnamon (Optional):** You can add a pinch of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth.
## Variations and Creative Twists
Once you’ve mastered the basic Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, the possibilities for variations are endless. Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:
* **Peanut Butter:** Add peanut butter to the topping for a peanut butter and chocolate combination (or just peanut butter!).
* **Salted Caramel:** Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cake after baking.
* **Coconut:** Add shredded coconut to the topping.
* **Berries:** Top with fresh berries after baking.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add espresso powder to the topping for a coffee-flavored cake.
* **Nutella:** Swirl Nutella into the topping before baking.
* **M&Ms or Chocolate Chips:** Sprinkle M&Ms or chocolate chips over the topping before baking.
## Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with the best recipes, baking can sometimes be unpredictable. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:
* **Cake is Too Dry:** This is usually caused by overbaking. Keep a close eye on the cake and remove it from the oven when the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
* **Topping is Too Runny:** This can be caused by not using full-fat cream cheese or by not cooling the cake completely. Ensure you’re using full-fat cream cheese and allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
* **Cake is Too Tough:** This is usually caused by overmixing the batter or the topping. Mix until just combined.
* **Cake Sticks to the Pan:** Ensure you grease and flour the baking pan thoroughly.
## Serving and Storing Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is best served at room temperature. It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If storing in the refrigerator, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.
## The Final Word: Indulge in Ooey Gooey Perfection
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of rich flavors, delightful textures, and the joy of baking. Whether you choose the convenience of a cake mix or the satisfaction of a from-scratch creation, this cake is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to indulge in ooey gooey perfection! Happy baking!
## Nutrition Information (Approximate, per serving):
* Calories: 400-500
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 100-150mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Sugar: 40-50g
* Protein: 3-5g
*Please note that the nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*