Name: Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package yellow cake mix; 2 eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (113g) butter, melted; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (113g) butter, melted; 4 cups confectioners sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 5 reviews

If you’re craving something sweet, rich, and downright addictive, you’ve got to try this Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. It’s one of those desserts that instantly feels like a big, warm hug in cake form. Seriously, once you bake it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t discover it sooner. So, pull up a chair and let me walk you through how to make this luscious, buttery treat that practically melts in your mouth.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of what’s needed in your pantry and fridge, making it an easy choice for an impromptu dessert.
Perfect Texture: The combination of cake mix and cream cheese creates that signature ooey gooey center while still maintaining a tender crumb base.
No Fancy Techniques: Mixing with a fork and a stand mixer keeps it straightforward—even if baking isn’t your everyday thing.
Customizable Sweetness: Adjusting confectioners’ sugar lets you dial in the sweetness just how you like it.

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, best ooey gooey butter cake, easy gooey butter cake recipe, how to make ooey gooey butter cake, homemade gooey butter cake - The image shows a tart with two layers: a thick, crumbly golden-brown crust on the bottom and sides, and a smooth, pale yellow creamy filling on top. The top of the tart is dusted with a light layer of powdered sugar. A slice is being lifted from the tart with a silver spatula, revealing the filling's soft texture and the crust’s firm structure. The tart is on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

What I love about this Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is how well these simple ingredients come together to create a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience without a fuss. Let me share some quick tips on picking the best versions for the most delicious outcome.

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, best ooey gooey butter cake, easy gooey butter cake recipe, how to make ooey gooey butter cake, homemade gooey butter cake - Flat lay of a small pile of bright yellow cake mix powder, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of melted golden butter, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a block of fresh cream cheese with a smooth surface, another two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of confectioners sugar, all arranged with perfect symmetry and natural colors, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Yellow Cake Mix: The base of your buttery crust—grab a good quality cake mix, avoid low-fat or diet blends for best texture.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend better, giving your cake a smooth, even crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, inviting flavor—always use pure vanilla if you have it, it really makes a difference.
Butter (melted): Key for richness; melting helps mix smoothly into both layers.
Cream Cheese (room temperature): Creates the ooey gooey center that’s creamy and dreamy—taking it to room temp avoids lumps in the filling.
Confectioners’ Sugar: This sweetens and thickens the filling; adding it gradually helps you control the texture.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve made this Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe a bunch of ways, and honestly, it’s forgiving to customization. You can tweak it to suit your preferences, whether that’s dialing down sweetness, adding a little zest, or going for a special dietary twist.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out vanilla for almond extract—gives the cake a lovely nutty aroma that my family loves.
Dietary Modifications: I’ve tried using gluten-free cake mix with success; just make sure it’s one that works well in baking to keep that delicate balance.
Seasonal Changes: In fall, I add a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into the filling—it adds a cozy warmth that’s perfect for chilly nights.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Cake Layer

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (I use 325°F on convection). In a bowl, toss together your cake mix, two eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Don’t overthink it here—I use a fork to mash it all together until everything is incorporated. It looks a bit crumbly but don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want. Evenly press this into your greased 9×13 pan, smoothing it as flat as you can. This will be the buttery base that supports our signature gooey filling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

Next, bring together the filling. Pop the cream cheese, the remaining eggs, vanilla, and melted butter into your stand mixer. Beat it on medium speed until it’s nice and creamy—no lumps allowed! With the mixer running on low, gradually add the confectioners’ sugar one cup at a time. This slow addition helps avoid a powdered sugar cloud and ensures a velvety mixture.

Step 3: Combine & Bake

Pour your luscious cream cheese filling over the pressed cake layer. Spread it out gently—you want an even top for baking. Bake for 35-45 minutes. Here’s something I learned the hard way: take it out when the edges turn golden brown but the center still jiggles slightly. Over-baking steals the gooey magic! Let it cool completely before slicing so it sets up just right.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Room Temp Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are room temp; it prevents lumps and ensures a smooth filling.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye near the end. A slightly jiggly center means gooey perfection once cooled.
Use a Non-Stick Pan or Parchment: It makes removing the cake a breeze and protects those edges from sticking.
Let It Cool Thoroughly: Patience pays off—the filling firms up beautifully and slices cleanly after cooling.

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I typically keep garnishes simple—just a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a sweet finish without overpowering the cake. Sometimes I toss on a few fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a fancy touch if guests are coming over.

Side Dishes

Ooey gooey butter cake is pretty rich, so I love pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the decadence. A cup of fresh brewed coffee or a cozy chai latte makes the perfect companion to this dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve it on a decorative platter, sometimes sprinkled with edible flowers or finely chopped nuts. It turns this simple cake into a charming party hors d’oeuvre that everyone raves about!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it’s fully cooled, I cover the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the fridge. It lasts beautifully for up to 5 days, and honestly, the flavors sometimes deepen overnight, making the slices even better the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When I’m ready to enjoy again, I thaw it overnight in the fridge. While the texture softens a bit, reheating (more on that next) helps bring back some of the original magic.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat slices is in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes or until just warmed through—this revives the gooey texture without drying it out. I avoid microwaving because it can make the edges tough quickly.

FAQs

What makes this cake “ooey gooey”?

The “ooey gooey” aspect comes from the rich cream cheese and melted butter filling mixed with ample confectioners’ sugar that creates a creamy, slightly soft center contrasted by the denser cake base.
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of cake mix?

You can, but the convenience and texture from the packaged cake mix works best here. Homemade batters may change baking time or texture slightly, so if you try it, watch closely for doneness.
Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?

A stand mixer helps achieve a smooth filling quickly, but you can use a hand mixer or even beat by hand with a sturdy whisk—just make sure the cream cheese is very soft beforehand.
Can Ooey Gooey Butter Cake be frozen before baking?

I don’t recommend freezing before baking as it affects texture. It freezes and reheats beautifully after baking, though!
How do I know when it’s done baking?

Look for golden edges and a center that still jiggles slightly—this means the filling is set but still gooey. Overbaking will dry it out.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart—and my dessert repertoire. It’s the kind of sweet that always brings smiles and “can I have seconds?” requests around the table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s reliably simple, endlessly satisfying, and wholly comforting. Give it a try next time you want to treat yourself or impress friends with a just-right homemade dessert. You won’t regret it!

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe