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A slice of homemade gooey butter cake on a vintage plate, with a golden crust, creamy yellow center, and a dusting of powdered sugar on top.

Gooey Butter Cake

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Louis-style Gooey Butter Cake with a tender, buttery crust and a melt-in-your-mouth gooey topping. Perfect for special occasions or cozy afternoons, this homemade version is rich, nostalgic, and utterly indulgent.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Midwest
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Classic Cake Base:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour - Gluten-free 1:1 blend for GF version
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar - Erythritol for keto
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg - Room temperature
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter - Melted; plant-based for dairy-free version
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Gooey Topping:
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese - Softened; dairy-free alt okay
  • 2 large eggs - Room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter - Melted
  • 3.5 cups powdered sugar - Use 3 cups for less sweet version

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan (Metal preferred for crisper edges)
  • Electric mixer (Hand or stand mixer for smooth filling)
  • Mixing bowls (One for base, one for filling)
  • Measuring Set (Cups and spoons for accurate baking)
  • Cooling rack (For proper air circulation)
  • Rubber spatula (For smooth spreading)
  • Parchment paper (Optional, for easy cleanup)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch pan with butter or spray. Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Stir in melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix until dough forms. It should be thick and crumbly.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a slight raised edge.
  5. Beat softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and fluffy (2–3 mins).
  6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Add vanilla and melted butter; mix to combine.
  7. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt. Beat until smooth and pourable.
  8. Pour topping over base and spread evenly to edges.
  9. Bake for 40–45 mins until edges are golden and center jiggles slightly.
  10. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 100gCalories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 620IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

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