Ooey Gooey Butter Cake From Scratch

When you want an ooey gooey butter cake, but not from a box. This is the one you need to try for bakery level results at home!

Gooey Butter Cake

Of course I have heard of a gooey butter cake, but I just assumed it was a regular cake that was just extra moist. Cool, I love cake in any form. Boy was I wrong! This takes the “ooey gooey” literally and the crispy top crust is out of this world insane. it’s a recipe that simply must be shared and then you go and make it, then go give it away because it’s like a drug! 

Since I hadn’t made one of these before, my friend Matt Groark of Groark Boy’s BBQ, and fellow Next Level Chef contestant from season 2, both decided we wanted to become bakers and start this baking journey. 

That’s not to say I’m new to baking – I’m not – my entire Baking Archive will show that. But I am wanting to get back to my baking era after a long time away, and really dive back into some of those foundational recipes, and some fun ones thrown in. For the first one, we went fun!! And Ooey Gooey Butter Cake was definitely all fun! 

Also, was this Elvis’ favorite cake? I am zero percent shocked or surprised. It’s that good!

Ingredients

The ingredients list here is really simple and easy to find at any grocery store, and you probably have everything in your pantry and fridge. 

If you want to make this recipe the easy way, just use one box of a yellow cake mix or butter cake mix. The “from scratch” ingredients list is below for this gooey butter cake recipe. 

Butter Cake

• Flour
• Baking Powder
• Baking Soda
• Salt
• Butter, room temperature.
• Sugar
• Vanilla
• Eggs
• Milk

Gooey Cream Cheese Topping

• Eggs
• Cream Cheese
• Vanilla
• Powdered Sugar

Tools for the Bake

We’re keeping things simple for this recipe. Here are the tools I used below. 

Lasagna Pan

Buy Now →

Mixing Bowl

Buy Now →

Stand Mixer

Buy Now →

Measuring Cups

Buy Now →

Paddle Attachment with Silicone Scraper

Buy Now →

How to Make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

This is a two step recipe, but not overly complicated. For added success, make sure all refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature. This will ensure that they all mix together evenly, and don’t require extra mixing, causing more gluten formation and a tougher cake. 

Step 1: Create the Bottom Cake Layer

1. Preheat oven to 350. 
2. Mix together the dry ingredients, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. 
3. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, or large bowl with a electric mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Scrape bowl at least once. 
4. Add in one egg at a time, beating well in between each addition. 
5. Slowly add in 1/3 of the flour mixture. Then stream in 1/3 cup of the milk. Repeat this 1/3 process until the batter is complete. 
6. Spread into a non-stick sprayed 9×13 inch baking pan, or my favorite lasagna pan. 

Step 2: Get into the Gooey Topping

1. Clean the mixing bowl and paddle attachment. Then reuse. 
2. Beat the cream cheese until smooth and softened. 
3. Beat in eggs and teaspoon vanilla until smooth. 
4. Slowly mix in the sifted powdered sugar until a thin glaze like frosting forms. 
5. Pour that over the entirety of the butter cake. 
6. Bake on the middle rack until the top turns deep golden brown and crackles, about 35-40 minutes.
7. Place on a wire rack to cool completely before serving. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in other flavors?

Yes, this cake is super adaptable! I will definitely make this again with citrus, especially lemon! You can also make a chocolate version, swap out 1/4 cup of the flour for chocolate/cocoa powder. 

How to Store Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Because this cake is so soft, I would just leave it in it’s baked 9×13 pan. Cover with aluminum foil for up to three days. Not that it will last that long anyway… 

More Easy Baked Treats to Try

Gooey Butterscotch Walnut Bars

Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies

Apricot Orange Twisted Coffee Cake

Print