St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake is a legendary Midwest dessert that’s as irresistible as its name suggests. With a buttery base topped by a sweet, creamy, slightly underbaked filling, it delivers the perfect balance of soft, chewy, and gooey in every bite. Loved for generations, this cake has transformed from a St. Louis bakery accident into one of America’s most cherished treats.

This recipe keeps things simple while honoring tradition, using a yellow cake mix for the crust and a cream cheese filling that bakes into a custardy, melt-in-your-mouth layer. The magic lies in pulling it from the oven at just the right moment so the center stays soft and gooey while the edges turn golden brown.

Interestingly, Gooey Butter Cake is often served cut into squares, making it a cross between a cake and a bar dessert. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or casual family gatherings, this classic is destined to win hearts and disappear quickly from the plate.

Recipe Yield: 12 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, divided
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the base:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir until a thick dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.

2. Make the filling:
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining egg, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Mix until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides for even blending.

3. Assemble and bake:
Pour cream cheese mixture over the base, spreading it evenly to the edges. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the edges are golden but the center still jiggles slightly.

4. Cool and serve:
Let cake cool completely in the pan before slicing. The center will firm up as it sets, giving the cake its signature gooey texture. Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving if desired.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Don’t Overbake: The key to a truly gooey butter cake is pulling it from the oven when the center is still slightly soft. It will continue setting as it cools.
• Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free filling and creates a velvety texture.
• Upgrade the Flavor: For a more sophisticated twist, add a teaspoon of almond extract or swirl in fruit preserves before baking.