How to Make the Perfect Ooey Gooey Butter Cake at Home

If you’ve never tasted an ooey gooey butter cake, get ready to meet your newest dessert obsession. With its rich, buttery base and irresistibly melt-in-your-mouth topping, this decadent treat is as indulgent as it sounds. Curious what makes it so legendary? Keep reading — your sweet tooth will thank you.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 large egg
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

For the filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire rack
• Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat your baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside. This ensures the cake lifts out cleanly later.
2. Make the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one egg, and melted butter. Stir until a thick dough forms. It should be dense like cookie dough. If it feels crumbly, use your hands to gently bring it together.
3. Press the base: With clean hands or a spatula, press the dough evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Push it up just slightly at the corners to create a soft edge.
4. Soften the cream cheese: Beat the cream cheese in a clean bowl with a mixer until smooth. This step is key—if your cream cheese is too cold, your filling will be lumpy.
5. Add eggs and flavor: Add the remaining two eggs, one at a time, beating after each. Then mix in vanilla extract and melted butter. The mixture will become shiny and smooth.
6. Add sugar slowly: Gradually add your powdered sugar, mixing on low at first to prevent a sugary cloud. Once incorporated, increase the speed to medium until the mixture is light and creamy.
7. Assemble the cake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over your crust layer. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure it reaches all edges.
8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 38 to 42 minutes. Watch for that golden, crinkly top—like the surface of a brownie. The center will jiggle a little, and that is exactly what you want. Do not overbake.
9. Cool completely: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the dish on a wire rack. The filling will firm up as it cools, but keep that soft, gooey center.
10. Slice and enjoy: Once fully cooled, cut the cake into 12 neat slices. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for a firmer texture.

Nutrition per serving

Recipe Notes

For an autumnal twist, try using spice cake mix and a pinch of cinnamon in the filling. This dessert is perfect for prep ahead. It tastes even better the next day when the flavors settle and the texture sets beautifully.

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Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

With its rich buttery base and a decadent cream cheese topping, ooey gooey butter cake is an iconic Midwestern indulgence that tastes like a warm hug on a cold day. Each bite melts in your mouth, with the perfect balance of sweet and slightly tangy, thanks to layers that contrast a chewy, golden crust with an ultra-soft center.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack, Potluck

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 435 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• For the crust:
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 large egg
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• For the filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, and melted butter for the crust. Stir until fully combined and a thick dough forms.
• Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, using your hands or a spatula to spread it into the corners.
• In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and melted butter. Beat until fully incorporated.
• Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the filling is smooth and free of lumps.
• Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
• Bake for 38 to 42 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crackled. The center should still jiggle slightly when shaken gently.
• Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.
• Slice into 12 squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 435kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 4gFat: 24gSodium: 292mgSugar: 44g

Keyword ooey gooey butter cake, butter cake, cream cheese cake, midwestern dessert, easy cake recipe

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