Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love rich, indulgent desserts, then this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is the one you’ll want to bookmark forever. This beloved treat from St. Louis features a tender, buttery crust topped with a melt-in-your-mouth, creamy filling that’s perfectly sweet and irresistibly gooey. It’s comfort food in its most decadent form and an absolute crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Once you try this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, it’s sure to become your go-to for potlucks, family gatherings, or whenever you crave something a little extra special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Gooey Butter Cake Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a dessert that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that soft, luscious texture and that buttery, sweet flavor that makes this dish so unforgettable.

• Instant yeast (1 teaspoon): Activates to give the base a slight lift and lightness.
• Warm milk (½ cup): Helps to activate the yeast and keep the dough tender.
• Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons, room temperature + 10 tablespoons melted): Adds rich, buttery flavor and moisture, essential for the gooey filling and crust.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup + 1¼ cups): Sweetens the batter and filling perfectly without overpowering.
• Large eggs (3 total) + 1 egg yolk: Give structure and help create that custardy texture.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses warmth and depth of flavor throughout.
• Kosher salt (¾ teaspoon total): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups total): The backbone of the cake’s structure providing just the right amount of chew.
• Light corn syrup (¼ cup): Keeps the filling smooth and shiny, contributing to that classic gooey texture.
• Almond extract (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle nutty note that elevates the filling’s flavor.
• Milk (¼ cup for filling): Helps to blend the filling ingredients and keep it luscious.
• Powdered sugar (¼ cup): For a delicate dusting of sweetness on top once baked.

How to Make Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with nonstick spray, then lightly dust it with flour. This step ensures your gooey masterpiece will release easily after baking and maintain its beautiful structure.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Combine the instant yeast with warm milk (100-110°F works best) in a bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy—this is how you know the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on the dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter and sugar together until they’re light, fluffy, and well combined—about 2 minutes. This sets the foundation for a tender and flavorful crust.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Flavorings, and Salt

Mix in the eggs, egg yolk, pure vanilla extract, and salt. Beat just until combined so the dough stays silky and smooth, building richness and complexity in every bite.

Step 5: Incorporate Flour and Milk Mixture

Add half of the flour and beat until just combined. Then blend in the foamy milk and yeast mixture. Finally, add the remaining flour and beat on low speed until the dough stretches and becomes elastic, which usually takes about 5-6 minutes.

Step 6: Spread the Dough and Let it Rise

Transfer your dough to the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. Cover with a towel and set it in a warm spot to rise until puffy and nearly doubled, about 1 to 2 hours. This step creates that delicate base that holds the luscious filling.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 325°F so it’s ready to bake your cake to gooey perfection.

Step 8: Prepare the Gooey Filling

In the clean bowl of your stand mixer, beat the melted butter, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and salt together until smooth and well combined. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts and mix again until combined. Gradually beat in flour and milk until you have a creamy, pudding-like filling that will create that iconic gooey layer on top.

Step 9: Spread the Filling Over the Dough

Drop spoonfuls of the filling evenly over the risen dough. Using a spatula, gently spread it out in an even layer. Don’t worry if some areas look thicker—it will bake into a decadent, slightly cratered surface that is just part of this dessert’s charm.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden and Gooey

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown while the center remains just a little jiggly. This balance is what guarantees that unbeatable gooey texture the Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is famous for.

Step 11: Finish with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar

Once out of the oven, lightly sprinkle the entire cake with powdered sugar. This adds a subtle sweetness and lovely presentation contrast to the golden top.

Step 12: Cool and Slice

Let the cake rest for a few minutes to set before slicing into generous squares. For cleaner cuts, allow it to cool completely. Don’t panic if the top sinks in places or creates little craters—it’s all part of the gooey cake’s rustic charm and taste!

How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but feel free to get creative! Fresh berries, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream can add freshness and contrast to each bite, enhancing the cake’s rich flavor.

Side Dishes

This Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is quite rich, so pairing it with a hot cup of coffee or tea works perfectly to balance sweetness. For an extra indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit salad for lightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into bite-sized squares and serve as party bites on decorative trays or skewered with toothpicks. You can also layer leftovers in jars with whipped cream and berries to create a layered dessert parfait. The options for sharing this delectable cake are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Gooey Butter Cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigeration is best to preserve the texture and prevent spoilage.

Freezing

You can freeze uncut or sliced Gooey Butter Cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Reheating

To revive the gooey texture, gently warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the cake’s soft interior and buttery flavor just like fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

What makes this Gooey Butter Cake recipe different from regular cake?

This cake has a two-layer structure with a soft yeast dough base and a creamy, buttery, almost custard-like filling baked on top, creating that signature gooey texture unlike typical cakes.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you’ll need to proof it first in warm water before adding it to the mixture, since instant yeast can be mixed directly with the other ingredients.

Is the cake very sweet or overly rich?

The Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is on the richer and sweeter side, but the balance between the buttery base and the sugary filling keeps it from being cloying. Serving with coffee or fresh fruit can help balance the richness.

Why does the top sink or form little craters?

That signature uneven surface happens because the filling sets but remains slightly gooey and soft. It’s a hallmark of an authentic Gooey Butter Cake and perfectly normal.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

It would require special substitutions for the yeast dough and flour, which might affect texture and rise. For best results, try a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast breads, but expect some variation from the classic texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. Whether you bake it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, every bite offers a warm hug of buttery, sweet, and delightfully gooey goodness. Give it a try—you’ll soon understand why it’s a beloved classic that always brings smiles and seconds!

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