Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Ooey gooey butter cake, also known as St. Louis gooey butter cake, is a beloved Midwest dessert with a rich history and an even richer flavor. While no one knows its exact origin, the most popular story dates back to the 1930s in St. Louis, Missouri.
According to legend, German-American baker Herman Danzer was preparing a coffee cake when he accidentally mixed up the amounts of butter and flour in the batter. Instead of throwing it away, he baked the cake and discovered it had a rich, buttery base with a sweet, gooey topping.
The story goes that Danzer invited fellow bakers to taste his unexpected creation. Together, they spent the day recreating the recipe, and after the first bite, one baker reportedly declared, "This sure is gooey!" The name ooey gooey butter cake stuck.
Although this story has been passed down for generations, there is no historical evidence confirming it. After Herman Danzer passed away, his family no longer had access to his original recipes, making it impossible to verify the tale. Several other origin stories exist, but one thing remains certain: ooey gooey butter cake has become a St. Louis classic that dessert lovers continue to enjoy today.
Ingredients for Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
This easy ooey gooey butter cake recipe comes together with just a few pantry staples.
- Yellow cake mix
- Eggs
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
Together, these simple ingredients create the signature buttery crust and rich, creamy topping that make this dessert so irresistible.
Why Is It Called Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
The name says it all! Unlike a traditional cake, ooey gooey butter cake has two delicious layers. The bottom is soft, buttery, and cake-like, while the top is rich, creamy, and perfectly gooey with a lightly crackled finish. The combination of buttery cake and sweet cream cheese filling creates a dessert that's impossible to resist.
If you're a fan of desserts with creamy fillings, you'll also enjoy our Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches or Ice Cream Cake, both perfect for sharing at summer gatherings.
How to Store Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Once your ooey gooey butter cake has cooled completely, cut it into bars and store them in an airtight container.
- At room temperature: Up to 3 days.
- In the refrigerator: Up to 7 days.
For the best flavor and texture, let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Still have a sweet tooth to be satisfy, try one of our favorite recipes below!
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Equipment
- 13x9 baking dish
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl with stand mixer
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 package (13.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F. Spray 13x9 baking dish or line with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix cake mix, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ½ cup melted butter until incorporated. Transfer to baking dish and spread flat.
- Place cream cheese, remaining eggs, vanilla, and melted butter in bowl of the stand mixer. Beat at a medium speed until creamy. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, on low speed, until all sugar has been added. Pour cream cheese mixture over cake mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until edges are golden brown and the center is just set.
- Allow to cool completely before serving. Store cake in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
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