Decadent St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake
Indulge in the rich flavors of Decadent St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake, an irresistible dessert bursting with sweetness and creamy texture! This classic St. Louis treat comes with a delightful gooey center hugged by a lightly crispy top, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a good dessert. Once you taste this cake, you'll understand why it's often referred to as a 'sweet masterpiece'. Perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to holiday parties—this recipe is incredibly simple and guarantees rave reviews, just like it has for me! So, whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned chef, get ready to enjoy this delightful and memorable dessert that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
317
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (Melted (NOT MARGARINE))
yellow cake mix
18 ounces (One box)
eggs
3 (Large)
cream cheese
8 ounces (Cut into quarters)
almond extract or vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Pure)
confectioners' sugar
4 cups (Powdered)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch deep cake pan, preferably one that's at least 4 inches deep. You can also use an oven-safe disposable coffee cake pan if that’s what you have.
3
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter on low power for about 30 seconds, or until fully melted.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with the melted butter and one egg. Stir until well combined; the dough will be sticky.
5
Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan using your fingers or a spatula.
6
In another large bowl, mix the cream cheese (cut into quarters), almond or vanilla extract, confectioners' sugar, and the remaining two eggs.
7
Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed for about three minutes, or until it's smooth and free of lumps.
8
Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the layer of cake batter in the pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
9
Place a large cookie sheet on the rack below to catch any drips; this is especially helpful if you're using a shallow pan.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the top is a golden brown color. Keep an eye on it; the ideal time is when you see a thin crust forming on top.
11
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This is crucial for cutting the cake properly.
12
After cooling, dust the top generously with additional confectioners' sugar.
13
Cut the cake into squares or bars and serve warm or at room temperature. Don't forget napkins, as this gooey delight is truly finger-licking good!
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
42g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake?
It is a classic St. Louis dessert featuring a sweet, gooey center and a lightly crispy top, often described as a sweet masterpiece.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size pan is recommended for this recipe?
A 9x13 inch deep cake pan is recommended, preferably at least 4 inches deep.
Can I use margarine for the butter?
No, the recipe specifically states to use butter and NOT margarine for the best results.
How should I prepare the butter?
The butter should be melted, which can be done in a microwave-safe bowl on low power for about 30 seconds.
What type of cake mix is needed?
This recipe requires one 18-ounce box of yellow cake mix.
How many eggs are needed for the entire recipe?
You will need a total of three large eggs.
How do I prepare the bottom layer?
Combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg in a large bowl, then press the sticky dough into the pan.
Is the bottom layer dough supposed to be sticky?
Yes, the mixture of cake mix, butter, and one egg will be sticky before you press it into the pan.
How should the cream cheese be prepared for the topping?
The 8 ounces of cream cheese should be cut into quarters before mixing.
What flavor extracts can I use?
You can use either pure almond extract or vanilla extract.
How much confectioners' sugar is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of powdered confectioners' sugar in the cream cheese mixture.
How long should I beat the cream cheese mixture?
Use an electric mixer on medium-high speed for about three minutes until smooth and lump-free.
How do I assemble the layers?
Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the pressed cake batter layer and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Should I use a cookie sheet under the pan while baking?
Yes, placing a large cookie sheet on the rack below is helpful to catch any drips, especially if using a shallow pan.
What is the total baking time?
The cake should bake for 30 to 45 minutes.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is ready when the top turns a golden brown color and a thin crust has formed.
Is it important to cool the cake?
Yes, allowing the cake to cool completely at room temperature is crucial for cutting it into proper squares.
When should I add the extra powdered sugar?
Dust the top generously with additional confectioners' sugar after the cake has cooled completely.
How should the cake be served?
The cake can be served in squares or bars, either warm or at room temperature.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 317 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 17 grams of fat per serving of this cake.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 42 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 2.5 grams of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?
Yes, the recipe is described as incredibly simple and great for novice bakers.
Can I use a disposable pan?
Yes, an oven-safe disposable coffee cake pan can be used if a standard 9x13 pan is unavailable.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: butter, yellow cake mix, eggs, cream cheese, extract, and confectioners' sugar.
What occasions is this cake best for?
It is perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or any special occasion.
What makes the cake 'gooey'?
The cream cheese and powdered sugar mixture creates a rich, creamy, and gooey center during baking.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, you should lightly grease the cake pan before pressing in the bottom layer.