Gooey Butter Cake

Hey fellow foodies, today we're talking about Gooey Butter Cake. Originating from St. Louis, Missouri, this cake is not your average dessert. The bottom layer is a mix between cake and a cookie while the top layer, well let's just say, is the star of the show - it's gooey, soft, and utterly delicious. It's the perfect dessert to bring to any potluck, birthday party, or even a casual get-together. One bite and you'll be whisked away on a sweet, buttery journey. Children love it, adults crave it - seriously, who can resist the combination of cake meet cookie oozing with buttery goodness. Now, let's get to the butter of the matter, shall we?

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Servings: 10
• Yield: 1 9x13 cake

So, are you ready to give it a try? Here's everything you need to bake your own Gooey Butter Cake at home.

Ingredients & Equipment You'll Need

• 1 box of yellow cake mix
• 4 eggs
• 2 sticks of butter, melted
• 1 package of cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 3 3/4 cups of powdered sugar

You will also need a 9x13 baking dish and an electric mixer. The yellow cake mix forms the cookie-like base while the cream cheese and powdered sugar create the gooey layer on top. The vanilla extract adds an additional flavor that compliments beautifully with the butter.

How To Make Gooey Butter Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease your baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix the cake mix, 2 eggs, and one stick of melted butter until everything is thoroughly combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of your baking dish.
3. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Then add the 2 remaining eggs, the second stick of melted butter, and the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is creamy. Pour this over the cake mix layer in the baking dish.
4. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Tips For The Best Results

• Make sure to grease your baking dish well to prevent the cake from sticking.
• Be careful not to overbake. The center should remain gooey.

Storage Tips

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature.
• It can last for up to a week, but trust me - it won't last that long!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
A: Absolutely, it will change the flavor profile somewhat but feel free to experiment.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just make sure it's kept in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze the cake?
A: Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months.

Q: Is there any substitute for cream cheese?
A: While cream cheese is a key ingredient for this recipe, you can use mascarpone cheese instead.

Q: Is it ok to use margarine instead of butter?
A: For the best results, I would stick to real butter. It does make a difference in taste.

Nutritional Facts of Gooey Butter Cake

A single slice of Gooey Butter Cake has about 300 calories, 15 grams of fat, 40 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of protein.

Alright folks, there you have it - Gooey Butter Cake. Luscious and rich, you need to try it at least once in your lifetime. Best served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or just as is. Trust me - this is the stuff that sweet dreams are made of. Happy baking!