Southern Gooey Butter Cake

Southern Gooey Butter Cake

Introduction:

Get ready to fall in love with one of the South’s most indulgent and beloved desserts — the Southern Gooey Butter Cake. With its golden, slightly crisp crust on top and rich, buttery, gooey center, this cake blurs the line between cake and custard in the most delicious way possible. Originally a happy accident from St. Louis, this dessert has since become a staple at potlucks, holidays, and Sunday dinners across America. It’s simple to make, absolutely irresistible, and perfect with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients:

For the crust (base layer):

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)

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• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

For the gooey filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 large eggs

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• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

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2. Prepare the Crust:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg.
   Stir until fully incorporated into a thick dough.
   Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form the crust layer.

3. Make the Filling:
   In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
   Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then pour in the melted butter. Mix well until creamy and smooth.
   Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the filling is thick and silky.

4. Assemble the Cake:
   Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
   The filling should completely cover the crust layer.

5. Bake:
   Bake for 40–45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and slightly crackled, but the center will still look gooey — that’s the signature!
   Do not overbake; it should jiggle slightly when you gently shake the pan.

6. Cool and Serve:
   Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing. You can serve it at room temperature or chilled. Optionally dust the top with more powdered sugar before serving.

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Conclusion:

The Southern Gooey Butter Cake is a melt-in-your-mouth marvel that combines a buttery crust with a sweet, custard-like filling that’s both rich and light. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion and always leaves people asking for the recipe. Best of all, it requires only a handful of pantry staples to make something truly unforgettable. Serve it with fresh berries, a cup of coffee, or enjoy it all on its own — it’s that good!