Gooey butter cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that’s a beloved staple in St. Louis, Missouri. With its dense, buttery base and a gooey, custard-like topping, this cake is the ultimate comfort food for any sweet tooth. In this guide, we’ll dive into the history of gooey butter cake, share an authentic recipe, and provide tips to make it at home. Let’s explore this delightful treat!

What Is Gooey Butter Cake?

It is a two-layered dessert that originated in St. Louis. It features a dense, cake-like bottom layer made with butter and flour, topped with a gooey, creamy layer of eggs, sugar, and cream cheese. Often dusted with powdered sugar, this cake is known for its rich texture and sweet, buttery flavor, making it a favorite at bakeries and family gatherings.

The History of Gooey Butter Cake

Gooey butter cake traces its roots to 1930s St. Louis, where a baker accidentally mixed up a recipe, creating a happy mistake. According to St. Louis Magazine, the dessert was popularized by German-American bakers, with the Heimburger Bakery often credited for its spread. Today, it’s a symbol of St. Louis pride, often sold at local spots like Gooey Louie.

Here’s why it’s loved by so many:

  • Unique Texture: The contrast between the dense base and gooey top is irresistible.
  • Rich Flavor: Butter and cream cheese create a decadent, indulgent taste.
  • Versatility: It can be flavored with chocolate, lemon, or pumpkin for variety.
  • Cultural Icon: It’s a St. Louis tradition, with over 500,000 sold annually at local bakeries, per Visit St. Louis.

Ingredients

  • For the Base:
    • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 large egg
  • For the Gooey Topping:
    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 4 cups powdered sugar
    • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • For Garnish:
    • Powdered sugar for dusting

Steps to Prepare

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. Make the Base: In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a thick dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Prepare the Topping: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and melted butter, mixing well. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until creamy. Pour over the base layer.
  4. Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the edges are golden but the center remains slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking for that signature gooey texture.
  5. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar. Cut into squares and serve.

Pro Tips

  • Don’t Overbake: The center should be slightly underdone for that gooey texture, as advised by AllRecipes.
  • Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smooth, creamy topping.
  • Add a Twist: Mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest to the topping for a citrusy kick.
  • Serve Fresh: It’s best enjoyed the same day, though it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Variations

Want to experiment with gooey butter cake? Try these delicious variations:

  • Chocolate : Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the topping.
  • Pumpkin : Mix 1 cup canned pumpkin and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice into the topping.
  • Lemon : Add 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest to the topping.
  • Nutty : Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.

Where to Enjoy

  1. Gooey Louie: A local favorite known for its classic and flavored versions.
  2. Park Avenue Coffee: Offers over 70 varieties of gooey butter cake.
  3. Russell’s on Macklind: A bakery with a loyal following for its traditional recipe.

Can’t visit St. Louis? Make it at home with our recipe, or order online from bakeries like Gooey Louie.

Fun Facts

  • Gooey butter cake is often called “chess cake” in some St. Louis neighborhoods, per Serious Eats.
  • It gained national fame after being featured on Food Network in 2018.
  • St. Louis hosts an annual Gooey Butter Cake Festival, attracting over 10,000 visitors each year, according to Explore St. Louis.

Conclusion:

Gooey butter cake is a St. Louis classic that’s rich, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this dessert delivers every time. Try our recipe, experiment with flavors, and share your gooey creations with friends and family. What’s your favorite way to enjoy gooey butter cake? Let us know in the comments!

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