Gooey Butter Cake is a beloved dessert that originated in St. Louis, Missouri. Known for its rich, gooey texture and sweet, buttery flavor, this cake has become a favorite across the United States. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Gooey Butter Cake, the ingredients and preparation methods for both the traditional and modern versions, serving suggestions, and a FAQ section to address common questions and variations.
The History of Gooey Butter Cake
Gooey Butter Cake has humble origins dating back to the 1930s or earlier in St. Louis. Legend has it that the cake was the result of a baking mistake by a German-American baker who accidentally reversed the proportions of sugar and flour in a coffee cake recipe. Instead of discarding the failed attempt, the baker sold it, and it became an instant hit. Over the decades, the recipe evolved, and variations emerged, but the core elements—buttery, gooey, and sweet—remain consistent.
Ingredients for Gooey Butter Cake
Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need to make Gooey Butter Cake:
Base Layer:
- 1 box (18.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Gooey Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Base Layer
- Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Mix Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg until well blended. The mixture will be thick. - Press into Pan:
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Gooey Layer
- Mix Cream Cheese:
In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. - Add Remaining Ingredients:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and melted butter. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy. - Pour Over Base Layer:
Pour the gooey mixture over the base layer in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
- Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. - Cool:
Allow the Gooey Butter Cake to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. This allows the cake to set and develop its characteristic texture.
Step 4: Serve
- Cut into Squares:
Once cooled, cut the Gooey Butter Cake into squares or rectangles of your desired size. - Optional Dusting:
Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a decorative touch.
Serving Suggestions
Gooey Butter Cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Warm or Room Temperature: Enjoy Gooey Butter Cake warm from the oven or at room temperature.
- With Coffee: Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- With Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- For Breakfast: Have a slice with a glass of milk or as a sweet start to your day.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Beat Well: Beat the cream cheese mixture thoroughly to incorporate air and create a lighter texture.
- Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the baking time as oven temperatures may vary. The center should be slightly jiggly when done.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely before cutting into it to allow it to set properly.
FAQ
Q: Can I make Gooey Butter Cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, Gooey Butter Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It can also be refrigerated for longer storage.
Q: Can I freeze Gooey Butter Cake?
A: Yes, Gooey Butter Cake freezes well. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different cake mix flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, or lemon for variations in flavor.
Q: How can I make Gooey Butter Cake more gooey?
A: To make the cake even gooier, reduce the baking time slightly, or slightly increase the amount of cream cheese or butter in the recipe.
Q: Can I add toppings to Gooey Butter Cake?
A: Yes, you can sprinkle chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a dusting of cocoa powder on top before baking for added flavor and texture.
Q: Is Gooey Butter Cake supposed to be refrigerated?
A: Gooey Butter Cake can be kept at room temperature for a day or two but should be refrigerated for longer storage due to the cream cheese content.
Q: Can I make Gooey Butter Cake without a cake mix?
A: While the traditional recipe uses a cake mix for convenience, you can make a homemade version by preparing a basic yellow cake batter from scratch.
Conclusion
Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful dessert with roots in St. Louis that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people across the country. With its rich, buttery flavor and gooey texture, it’s a treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a scoop of ice cream, Gooey Butter Cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Experiment with variations, toppings, and serving styles to make this dessert your own. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or put your own twist on it, Gooey Butter Cake is a classic that never disappoints. Enjoy baking and indulging in this delicious treat!
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