St. Louis Style Gooey Butter Cake

What is Gooey Butter Cake you ask? It is a super-sweet, rich, St. Louis original treat! I have made this recipe hundreds of times to rave reviews. My fiances coworkers even go as far as to trade work for Gooey Butter Cake! But whats someone from out-of-town, or in my case, relocated Las Vegas, to do? Follow This Recipe! Its super easy...anyone can make it! ENJOY!

St. Louis Style Gooey Butter Cake
St. Louis Style Gooey Butter Cake

What is Gooey Butter Cake you ask? It is a super-sweet, rich, St. Louis original treat! I have made this recipe hundreds of times to rave reviews. My fiances coworkers even go as far as to trade work for Gooey Butter Cake! But whats someone from out-of-town, or in my case, relocated Las Vegas, to do? Follow This Recipe! Its super easy...anyone can make it! ENJOY!

  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Served Person: 10
  • Carbohydrate 1.760325 g
  • Cholesterol 1.47 mg
  • Fat 0.3234 g
  • Fiber 0 g
  • Protein 1.216425 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.20139 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 -12 serving(s) (88g)
  • Sodium 38.5875 mg
  • Sugar 1.760325 g
  • Trans Fat 0.0165375 g
  • Calories 15 calories

Step-by-step

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Lightly grease (or spray with Pam) one deep 9x13 rectangular cake pan. I would suggest a 4 in deep pan, as the cake rises when it is cooking, but a oven-safe disposable coffee cake pan from the grocery store would work fine too.
  • Melt butter. I do this by heating the the microwave on low power for 30 seconds.
  • Empty cake mix into a large bowl.
  • Stir melted butter, along with ONE egg, into the cake mix.
  • PRESS mixture into pan. Mixture will have the consistency of sticky dough. Using a spatula works for me, but pressing with clean fingers will do the trick as well.
  • In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, almond or vanilla extract, confectioners sugar and the remaining two eggs.
  • Beat for three minutes with an electric mixer set on medium high speed, or until smooth with NO lumps.
  • Pour evenly over top of the cake mixture in the pan. Use a spatula to spread.
  • Place a large cookie sheet on the rack below the cake. Sometimes when you use a cake pan with less depth, the cake bubbles and spills over. The cookie sheet will spare your oven!
  • Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes until golden brown on top. Cooking time is estimated, you will really have to watch it here! I always take the cake out when it turns a darkish golden brown.
  • Note that there will be a paper thin sugar "crust" that will form while the cake is baking. It the top layer of sugar hardening, and this is what will turn golden brown. It adds great texture!
  • Allow cake to cool COMPLETELY. This is very important, as the cake will not cut easily until it is completely cool.
  • You will notice that the cake has sunken and set. This is normal.
  • Refrigeration is optional. I personally like it at room temperature.
  • Dust the top with confectioners sugar.
  • Cut cake into bars and serve with or without utensils, but make sure you have plenty of napkins, because this treat will have you licking your fingers! (Cake should be gooey underneath the sugar "crust", so dont over bake!).

My St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake Adventure

As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, not a given. But sometimes, a craving hits you like a ton of bricks, and that's where this recipe comes in. Gooey Butter Cake isn't just a cake; it's a St. Louis institution, a taste of home for those who know it, and a delicious discovery for everyone else. This isn't your grandma's butter cake; this is something richer, more decadent, a true indulgence.

My first encounter with Gooey Butter Cake was at a friend's birthday party. One bite, and I was hooked. The crumbly, buttery bottom gave way to a creamy, almost custard-like top. The sweetness was intense, but balanced perfectly, leaving you wanting more. I knew then and there that I needed to master this recipe, to recreate that magical moment of blissful sugar overload whenever the mood struck.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Despite the seemingly complex texture and flavor, the ingredients are basic, easily accessible, and the instructions straightforward. Sure, there are a few tricks – like using a deeper pan to prevent overflow and making sure the cake cools completely – but these are easy to follow and well worth the effort. Even on my busiest days, I can whip up a batch, knowing that the end result is pure comfort and joy.

I’ve made countless batches of this cake. I've taken it to potlucks, surprised family with it, and even used it as a peace offering (it works remarkably well!). Every time, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The look of pure delight on people's faces as they take that first bite – the way their eyes widen, a blissful sigh escaping their lips – it’s priceless. It's more than just baking a cake; it's sharing a little piece of happiness.

This Gooey Butter Cake has become a staple in my home. It's the perfect dessert for casual gatherings, family celebrations, or even a quiet evening in front of the television. It's the kind of dessert that disappears quickly, leaving behind only happy memories and sticky fingers (hence the napkin warning!). But don't let that intimidate you. Embrace the mess; it's part of the fun.

The recipe itself is a testament to the simplicity of great baking. No complicated techniques, no obscure ingredients, just a perfect combination of classic flavors that delivers an unforgettable taste experience. It’s a recipe that I’ve adapted to my own rhythm, tweaked and perfected over time. My version is a reflection of my own culinary journey, a testament to the joy of sharing homemade goodness.

So, if you're looking for a dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly rewarding, look no further. This St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake is your answer. It’s a cake that transports you back to simpler times, a taste of home, a reminder of the sweet moments in life. Give it a try; you won’t regret it. And don't forget the napkins!

Beyond the Recipe:

Baking this cake isn't just about following steps; it's about creating a connection. It's about the aroma of butter and sugar filling your kitchen, the satisfying act of mixing and pouring, and the warmth that comes from sharing your creation with others. It's a reminder that even the simplest acts of kindness, like baking a cake, can bring immense joy.

This recipe isn't just a recipe; it’s a story. A story of shared moments, cherished memories, and the simple pleasure of good food. It's a recipe that's been passed down, adapted, and perfected over time. And it's a story that I’m happy to share with you.

Try it, and let me know what you think. Let me know if you add your own twist to it! And most importantly, enjoy every gooey, buttery, sugar-dusted bite.