Gooey Butter Cake with Cream Cheese Layer Recipe
This Gooey Butter Cake features a rich and buttery cake mix crust topped with a luscious, creamy baked cream cheese layer. Easy to prepare, this decadent dessert offers a perfect balance of gooey sweetness and soft cake texture, ideal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 1 (9x13-inch) cake (approximately 18 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease or lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Pat this mixture evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, continuing to mix until well blended. Slowly add the confectioners' sugar and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake mix crust in the baking dish, spreading gently to cover the crust completely.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. The center will still be slightly gooey but should be mostly firm.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan to allow the topping to set properly. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your gooey butter cake!
Notes
- Allow the cream cheese to soften to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother topping consistency.
- You can dust the top with a little extra confectioners' sugar before serving for added sweetness and decoration.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- The cake is best served at room temperature after cooling, but can be slightly warmed for a gooier texture.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
