This dessert, often referred to as a “Southern classic,” is an indulgent delight with a rich, creamy filling and a soft, buttery crust. Its name says it all—this cake is ooey and gooey in the best way possible. It’s easy to make, and while it might seem simple, the taste is nothing short of luxurious. Let’s take a deeper dive into this beloved dessert!

A Little History:

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake was invented in St. Louis, Missouri, in the 1930s. Legend has it that a baker accidentally mixed up the proportions of ingredients for a traditional cake, leading to the creation of this rich, gooey dessert. Over time, it gained popularity, particularly in the Midwest and South. Today, it’s a staple at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and family reunions.

Ingredients Breakdown:

For the crust:

• 1 box of yellow cake mix: The use of cake mix makes this recipe incredibly simple while still yielding a buttery, moist base. You could experiment with different cake mixes (like butter or vanilla) to change the flavor profile, but yellow cake provides the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
• 1 egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together, giving the crust its structure while still allowing it to remain soft.
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted: Butter brings richness and moisture to the crust, ensuring it bakes up beautifully golden and tender. The melted butter also makes it easier to combine with the dry ingredients from the cake mix.

For the filling:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese is the secret ingredient that gives this cake its signature creamy and dense filling. It adds a slight tanginess to balance the sweetness and makes the filling incredibly smooth.
• 2 eggs: These eggs not only help set the filling as it bakes but also contribute to the overall gooey texture, which is the hallmark of this cake.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a deep, aromatic sweetness to the cake, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• 1 box (16 oz) powdered sugar: Powdered sugar gives the filling its smooth, silky texture. Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar dissolves easily and provides the perfect sweetness without any graininess.
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted: Similar to the crust, the melted butter in the filling ensures that the cake bakes with a rich and moist consistency, helping to achieve that ooey gooey texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions with Detailed Tips:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the optimal temperature to get a golden-brown crust and perfectly set filling.
   • Grease the baking dish: Make sure to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well to prevent the cake from sticking. You could also line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
   • In a medium bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Stir until everything is evenly combined. The mixture will be thick but should press easily into the pan.
   • Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish, creating an even layer. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to gently spread the dough out to the edges of the pan.
2. Make the Filling:
   • In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth. It’s important that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature so that it incorporates smoothly into the mixture without lumps.
   • Add 2 eggs, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and melted butter to the bowl. Use an electric mixer or a hand whisk to beat everything together until smooth. The mixture should be thick but pourable.
   • Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the top, making sure it covers the crust completely.
3. Bake:
   • Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes. Check for doneness by gently shaking the pan—the center should still jiggle slightly but be set on the edges. The cake will firm up as it cools, so be cautious not to overbake.
   • The top should be lightly golden, and the filling should still look gooey in the middle, with just a slight crust forming at the edges.
4. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing. This allows the filling to set and firm up, making it easier to cut and serve. If you cut it while it’s too warm, the gooey filling might run out.
   • Once it’s cooled, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation. You can use a sifter or fine mesh strainer to evenly sprinkle the powdered sugar on top.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve it chilled: For a richer experience, refrigerate the cake after cooling. Chilling it for a couple of hours makes it even gooier and easier to slice.
• Pair with coffee or tea: The cake’s sweetness and richness are balanced perfectly with a hot beverage.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert that combines the warm, gooey cake with the cold, creamy ice cream for a delightful contrast.

Storage:

• Room temperature: If you plan to serve the cake within a couple of days, it can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the cake in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for up to 5 days. You can even freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let the cake cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for freezing.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overbake: The center should remain soft and gooey—this is what makes this cake so irresistible! Keep an eye on the edges, which should be golden brown, but don’t let the center set completely.
• Flavor variations: For an extra flavor boost, you could add chocolate chips, cinnamon, or even a bit of citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the filling.
• Serving size: This cake is rich, so you can cut it into smaller portions if you’re serving it as a treat or for a larger crowd. One 9×13-inch pan can easily serve 12-16 people, depending on portion size.

Conclusion:

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a warm, rich, and indulgent dessert that’s incredibly easy to make yet delivers a deliciously complex flavor. The combination of the buttery cake crust and the soft, creamy filling makes for a cake that’s perfectly sweet, gooey, and satisfying. It’s the ultimate treat for any occasion, and its popularity will undoubtedly make it a favorite in your dessert repertoire!