Ultimate St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake
This Ultimate St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake elevates the beloved classic to heavenly heights with a rich yeast dough base that perfectly complements the sweet, creamy topping. Inspired by cherished memories of a quaint bakery in Clayton, Missouri, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between a fluffy cake and the indulgent, gooey butter layer that is both comforting and irresistible. Unlike many recipes that rely on cake mixes, this version uses a homemade dough that adds depth and authenticity, making each slice a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it with a cup of coffee, this cake promises to be a showstopper that everyone will love.
16
Servings
200
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
granulated sugar
1/4 cup (for the dough)
shortening
1/4 cup ((Crisco recommended))
salt
1/4 teaspoon (for the dough)
large egg
1 (for the dough)
dry yeast
1 (1/4 ounce) envelope (for the dough)
warm milk
1/2 cup (for the dough)
all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups (for the dough)
vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (for the dough)
granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups (for the topping)
butter
1 cup (softened, for the topping)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (for the topping)
large egg
1 (for the topping)
light corn syrup
1/4 cup (for the topping)
all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups (for the topping)
water
1/4 cup (for the topping)
vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (for the topping)
powdered sugar
as needed (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, cream the granulated sugar, shortening, and salt together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2
Add the large egg to the mixture, and beat well for about 1 minute until everything is well combined.
3
Dissolve the dry yeast in the warm milk, then add the milk-yeast mixture along with the all-purpose flour and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture.
4
Using a dough hook if possible, mix the ingredients together for about 3 minutes until a soft dough forms.
5
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 1 minute.
6
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
7
After rising, divide the dough into 2 equal pieces. Roll or pat each half into a circle approximately the size of your cake pans (9-inch recommended).
8
Gently transfer each circle into prepared cake pans, pressing the dough up the sides to create a crust that holds in the gooey butter.
9
Prick the dough a few times with a fork to prevent it from bubbling during baking.
10
In a separate large bowl, combine the remaining granulated sugar, softened butter, and salt for the gooey butter topping.
11
Add the egg and corn syrup, mixing until everything is well blended.
12
Incorporate the remaining flour, water, and vanilla extract into the mixture, combining until smooth.
13
Divide the gooey butter mixture into the two prepared cake pans, spreading it evenly over the dough.
14
Allow the cakes to rest for 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
15
Bake the cakes for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping just begins to turn a light golden brown. Avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey texture.
16
Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Once cooled, sprinkle with powdered sugar before slicing.
17
Serve the cakes at room temperature. Store any uneaten portions in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
25g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake?
It is a classic dessert featuring a rich yeast dough base and a sweet, creamy topping, inspired by a traditional bakery in Clayton, Missouri.
Does this recipe use a boxed cake mix?
No, this version uses a homemade yeast dough base instead of a cake mix for a more authentic and deep flavor profile.
How many servings does this gooey butter cake provide?
The recipe makes approximately 16 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What are the nutritional facts regarding fat and carbohydrates?
One serving has 11g of fat and 25g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each slice?
Each slice provides about 1.5g of protein.
What ingredients are needed for the dough?
The dough requires granulated sugar, shortening, salt, a large egg, dry yeast, warm milk, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract.
What is the purpose of the dry yeast in this recipe?
The dry yeast is used to create a soft, bread-like cake base that provides a nostalgic and authentic texture.
What type of shortening is recommended for the dough?
Crisco shortening is the recommended brand for this recipe.
How long should the dough be allowed to rise?
The dough should rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Is a dough hook necessary for mixing?
A dough hook is recommended to mix the dough for about 3 minutes until it becomes soft.
Into how many pieces should the dough be divided?
The dough should be divided into two equal pieces after rising.
What size cake pans are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using two 9-inch cake pans.
Why should I prick the dough with a fork?
Pricking the dough prevents it from bubbling up during the baking process.
What ingredients are in the gooey butter topping?
The topping is made of granulated sugar, softened butter, salt, an egg, light corn syrup, all-purpose flour, water, and vanilla extract.
Can I use any type of corn syrup for the topping?
The recipe specifies using light corn syrup for the gooey butter topping.
How long do the cakes need to rest before going into the oven?
The cakes should rest in the pans for 20 minutes before baking.
What is the correct oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the baking process take?
The cakes bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
How can I tell when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when the topping just begins to turn a light golden brown.
Why is it important not to overbake the cake?
Avoiding overbaking is crucial to maintaining the signature gooey texture of the butter layer.
When should I add the powdered sugar garnish?
The powdered sugar should be sprinkled over the cakes after they have cooled completely on a wire rack.
What is the best temperature to serve the cake?
The cake is best served at room temperature.
How should I store leftover gooey butter cake?
Any uneaten portions should be stored in the refrigerator.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized under Yeast Breads.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
It was inspired by cherished memories of a bakery in Clayton, Missouri.
How much vanilla extract is used in total?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract: 1 for the dough and 1 for the topping.
How much butter is required for the topping?
You will need 1 cup of softened butter for the topping.
What total amount of granulated sugar is needed?
The recipe uses 2 3/4 cups of granulated sugar total (1/4 cup for dough, 2 1/2 cups for topping).
Is there a specific way to prepare the pans?
The pans should be prepared to ensure the dough crust can be pressed up the sides to hold the gooey topping.