Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake, a classic dessert that’s as delicious as it is decadent. This iconic treat from St. Louis features a soft, cakey base topped with a layer of gooey, buttery filling that melts in your mouth. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a sweet treat, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more.

The first time I tried St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake was during a family trip to St. Louis. We stopped at a local bakery, and the baker insisted we try a slice of this local specialty. One bite, and we were hooked! The contrast between the tender cake base and the gooey, buttery topping was pure perfection. It quickly became a family favorite, and we made it a mission to recreate this delightful dessert at home.

Now, baking St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake has become a cherished family tradition. We love making it for holidays, birthdays, and anytime we want to share a special treat with loved ones. The rich, buttery aroma that fills the house while it bakes is irresistible, and the joy on everyone’s faces when they take their first bite is priceless. This cake truly embodies the comfort and warmth of home-baked goodness.

Why You’ll Love St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake

Rich and Buttery: A decadent dessert with a melt-in-your-mouth buttery topping.

Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or just because.
Crowd-Pleaser: A sweet treat that’s sure to impress and satisfy everyone.

Ingredients Notes For St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake

Cake Mix: Using a yellow cake mix simplifies the process and ensures a soft, tender base.
Butter: Both the crust and the topping are rich with butter for maximum flavor.

Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess to the gooey topping.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the topping and gives it a smooth texture.
Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and create the perfect texture.

Recipe Steps:

Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 package of yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and 1/2 cup (1 stick) of melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Make the Topping:
- In another large bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup (1 stick) of melted butter.
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly set. The center should still be a bit gooey.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish.
- Cut into squares and dust with additional powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy the rich, gooey, buttery goodness of St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake!

Storage Options:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for a firmer texture. Allow to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Variations & Substitutions:

Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for a unique flavor.
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for added texture and flavor.

Chocolate Lover’s: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips to the cream cheese topping for a gooey, chocolatey twist.

ST. LOUIS GOOEY BUTTER CAKE

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Ingredients

Scale

1 package yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted, divided

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Mix until well combined. Press into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
In another large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup melted butter.

Pour cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and slightly set. The center should still be gooey.
Allow to cool completely in the baking dish. Cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake!