Okey Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, buttery goodness of traditional cake with a melt-in-your-mouth gooey center that’s simply irresistible.
Originating from St. Louis, Missouri in the 1930s, this sweet treat has gained popularity across the United States for its unique texture and indulgent flavor profile. What makes this cake special is its two distinct layers: a dense cake-like bottom and a custard-like top layer that creates that signature “gooey” experience.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, looking for a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, or simply craving something sweet, Okey Gooey Butter Cake delivers satisfaction in every bite.
The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity—using basic pantry ingredients, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came from a professional bakery. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized with different flavors and add-ins, making it a recipe you’ll return to time and again.
INGREDIENTS
For the cake layer:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the gooey layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional add-ins:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work great)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Zest of one lemon or orange
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The mixture will be thick and somewhat dry, similar to cookie dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form the base layer.
For the gooey layer, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once incorporated, add the melted butter and beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
If you’re using any optional add-ins, fold them into the gooey mixture now. Pour this mixture over the cake layer in the pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
Bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are set and golden brown, but the center still appears slightly jiggly.
Don’t worry—this is the “gooey” part! Overbaking will result in a firmer, less gooey center, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. For the best gooey texture, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While traditional Okey Gooey Butter Cake uses yellow cake mix, you can experiment with chocolate, strawberry, lemon, or any other flavor that appeals to you. Just keep in mind that this will change the final flavor profile of your cake.
2. Why is my cake too gooey or not gooey enough?
The gooeyness depends largely on baking time. If your cake is too gooey, it probably needed a few more minutes in the oven. If it’s not gooey enough, you likely baked it too long.
Remember that the center should still be slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven.
3. How should I store leftover Okey Gooey Butter Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can bring slices to room temperature before serving or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
4. Can I freeze Okey Gooey Butter Cake?
Yes! Cut the cooled cake into squares and place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
5. Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
While Okey Gooey Butter Cake is definitely an indulgent treat, you can make some adjustments. Try using reduced-fat cream cheese, a sugar-free cake mix, or reducing the powdered sugar by up to 1 cup. Just note that these changes will affect both texture and flavor.
CONCLUSION
Okey Gooey Butter Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of American baking history that continues to bring joy to dessert lovers everywhere. The contrast between the firm cake base and the soft, gooey topping creates a textural experience that’s hard to beat.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite add-ins, this cake is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Next time you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe, give this Okey Gooey Butter Cake a try.
With minimal effort and basic ingredients, you’ll create a memorable treat that perfectly balances sweetness with rich, buttery flavor. Happy baking!
