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Gooey Butter Cake: A Decadent Classic
Molly

Gooey Butter Cake: A Decadent Classic

A St. Louis-born masterpiece with a crumbly golden top and melt-in-your-mouth fudgy center. This rich, buttery cake relies on a perfect balance of fat, sugar, and flour for its signature gooey texture.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 48 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: CITRUS DESSERTS
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (any non-dairy)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13" pan with butter and line with parchment paper.
  2. Cut butter into 1/4" cubes and let sit until softened (15-20°C).
  3. Whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons cornstarch to prevent clumping.
  4. Using a hand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes at medium speed).
  5. Sift in flour in 2 batches, alternating with 2 teaspoons baking powder and vanilla, mixing just until incorporated.
  6. Scrape bowl with a flexible silicone spatula to eliminate streaks.
  7. Press dough into prepared pan using fingertips or the back of a spoon to form an even layer.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and slightly firm to the touch, rotating pan halfway through baking.
  9. Cool completely before slicing.
  10. Cut into 12 portions using a sharp knife.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 1gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 150mgSugar: 17g

Notes

Line the 9x13" pan with parchment paper and grease generously with butter for easy removal.
At higher altitudes, reduce oven temperature by 25°F for the first 10 minutes, then return to 350°F.
Use European-style butter for a richer flavor.
For non-dairy milk, use almond, oat, or soy milk (unsweetened).
Store in an airtight container to maintain moisture for up to 4 days.

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