Gooey Butter Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that originated in St. Louis, Missouri. It features a dense and chewy base topped with a gooey and creamy layer. The moist, exquisite texture and sweet, buttery flavor of this cake are legendary. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a brunch treat, Gooey Butter Cake is a delicious and popular delicacy.
Ingredients: | |
1 | 1 box (18.25 ounces) yellow cake mix |
2 | 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted |
3 | 3 large eggs |
4 | 1 teaspoon vanilla extract |
5 | 8 ounces cream cheese, softened |
6 | 4 cups powdered sugar |
7 | Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional) |
Step-by-step cooking instructions of Gooey Butter Cake:
Step-1 350 °F/175 °C should be the oven’s temperature. butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step-2 Combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, 1 egg, and vanilla extract in a sizable mixing basin. Stir thoroughly to mix. It will be a thick mixture.
Step-3 Press the cake mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan, forming a solid base.
Step-4 Cream cheese that has been softened should be smoothed out in another mixing dish. Mix well before adding the final 2 eggs.
Step-5 While continuing to whisk the mixture of cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy, gradually add the powdered sugar.
Step-6 With a spatula, evenly distribute the cream cheese mixture over the cake’s base.
Step-7 Bake in a preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is somewhat wobbly.
Step-8 The cake must cool completely on a wire rack inside the pan when it has completed baking.
Step-9 You may give the cake a last flourish by sprinkling powdered sugar on top once it has cooled.
Step-10 Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your handmade Gooey Butter Cake’s gooey, buttery deliciousness!
Nutritional value of Gooey Butter Cake:
Depending on the recipe and serving size, gooey butter cake’s nutritional contents can change. However, here is a general overview of the approximate nutritional values for a typical serving of Gooey Butter Cake:
1 | 400 to 350 calories per serving. |
2 | 18 to 25 grams of fat overall. |
3 | Saturated fat, 10-15 grams |
4 | 60.0 mg/dL for cholesterol |
5 | carbs: 45 to 55 grams |
6 | 30–40 grams of sugar. |
7 | Protein: 3 to 5 grams. |
8 | Fiber: 0–1 grams. |
Background History of Gooey Butter Cake:
The American city of St. Louis, Missouri, is where gooey butter cake first appeared. The cake is believed to have been accidently invented in the 1930s by a St. Louis baker who made a mistake while producing a conventional coffee cake.
The story goes that a German-American baker, John Hoffman, was trying to make his regular coffee cake recipe but accidentally mixed up the proportions of ingredients, specifically the butter and flour. Instead of starting over, he decided to improvise and baked the cake anyway. The result was a cake with a dense and chewy base, topped with a gooey and creamy layer.
To his surprise, the “mistake” cake was an instant hit among his customers. Its unique texture and sweet, buttery flavor captivated the taste buds of St. Louis locals. The cake immediately traveled to nearby homes and other bakeries due to its overwhelming popularity.
Over time, Gooey Butter Cake became a beloved regional specialty and a symbol of St. Louis cuisine. It became a staple in local bakeries and family recipes, with different variations and flavors emerging.
Although the exact origin of the cake’s name is unknown, it is generally accepted that it is related to both its gooey texture and main ingredient, butter. The name “Gooey Butter Cake” perfectly captures the essence of this delightful dessert.
Today, Gooey Butter Cake is a well-known and cherished dessert, not only in St. Louis but also beyond. It has gained popularity across the United States and even internationally, with variations and adaptations being created by bakers and home cooks alike.
The accidental creation of Gooey Butter Cake by John Hoffman has left a lasting legacy, and the cake continues to be enjoyed by dessert enthusiasts seeking a delectable treat that represents the charm of St. Louis’s culinary history.
Advantages of Gooey Butter Cake | |
1 | Delicious Taste: Thanks to its rich, sweet, and buttery flavor, gooey butter cake is a delicious treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. |
2 | Unique Texture: The dense, chewy cake base and the gooey, creamy top come together to provide a special texture that is rich and delicious. |
3 | Versatility: Gooey butter cake can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be served as a dessert on its own, paired with ice cream or whipped cream, or even enjoyed as a coffee cake or brunch treat. |
4 | Regional Specialty: Gooey Butter Cake is deeply rooted in the culinary history of St. Louis, Missouri, giving it a sense of tradition and cultural significance. |
Disadvantages of Gooey Butter Cake | |
1 | High Calorie Content: Gooey Butter Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert, which means it can be high in calories. It is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. |
2 | High Sugar and Fat Content: Due to its buttery and sweet nature, Gooey Butter Cake typically contains a significant amount of sugar and fat. Individuals with dietary restrictions or health concerns may need to limit their consumption. |
3 | Lack of Nutritional Value: While Gooey Butter Cake is a delicious treat, it is not considered a nutritious food choice. It is low in fiber and essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. |
4 | Allergen Sensitivity: Gooey Butter Cake often contains ingredients like wheat, dairy (cream cheese), and eggs, which can be allergens for some individuals. It may not be suitable for those with specific dietary restrictions or allergies. |
Compare with similar meal of Gooey Butter Cake:
While there are no exact replicas of Gooey Butter Cake, there are several desserts that share similar characteristics or flavors. Here are a few examples:
1 | Chess Pie: Chess pie is a common Southern delicacy with a sweet and gooey filling that is created with eggs, sugar, butter, and a tiny bit of vinegar. It has a rich and custard-like texture, similar to the gooey layer of Gooey Butter Cake. |
2 | Blondie’s: Blondie’s are often described as the blond version of brownies. They are dense and chewy bars made with a buttery, vanilla-infused batter. Blondie’s can have a gooey and moist texture, reminiscent of the base of Gooey Butter Cake. |
3 | Tres Leeches Cake: A sponge cake is soaked in three different kinds of milk (evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream) to make the dessert known as “tres leeches” in Latin America. A comparable textural feel to gooey butter cake is provided by the moistened, slightly gooey cake. |
4 | Sticky Toffee Pudding: The British dessert known as “sticky toffee pudding” consists of a moist sponge cake layered with dates and covered with toffee sauce. The toffee sauce creates a coating that is gooey and sticky, evoking the gooey topping on gooey butter cake. |
5 | Coffee Cake: Coffee cake is a rich, buttery cake that is frequently eaten as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee, albeit its texture is different. Coffee cakes can have a dense and moist texture, making them a delicious alternative to Gooey Butter Cake. |
Mostly questions asked about Gooey Butter Cake
1: What is Gooey Butter Cake?
A: Rich and decadent, gooey butter cake has a solid, chewy base and a gooey, creamy topping. Missouri’s St. Louis is where it began.
2: How did Gooey Butter Cake get its name?
A: The cake is named for its gooey texture and its primary ingredient, butter.
3: Can I make Gooey Butter Cake from scratch?
A: Use items like flour, butter, cream cheese, sugar, and eggs to make gooey butter cake from home. There are several recipes available online.
4: Is Gooey Butter Cake supposed to be served warm or cold?
A: Gooey Butter Cake can be enjoyed both warm and cold. Some people prefer it warm, while others like it chilled. Personal taste is what matters.
5: Can I freeze Gooey Butter Cake?
A: You can freeze gooey butter cake, yes. Before freezing, take care to thoroughly wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It should defrost in the refrigerator before being served.
6: Can I add different flavors to Gooey Butter Cake?
A: Yes, you may try out different flavors by including components like pumpkin, lemon, or chocolate in the cake’s base or gooey top.
7: How long does Gooey Butter Cake last?
A: Gooey Butter Cake can be kept for up to two days at room temperature. It can last for up to a week if refrigerated. However, it is best enjoyed within a day or two of baking for optimal taste and texture.
8: Can I substitute ingredients in Gooey Butter Cake to make it healthier?
A: While replacements are possible, keep in mind that they might change the cake’s flavor and texture. Reduce the quantity of sugar or substitute healthier sweeteners, use whole grain flour, or add healthier fats like avocado or coconut oil for a version that is more nutritious.
9: Can I use a different type of cake mix for Gooey Butter Cake?
A: While the traditional recipe calls for a yellow cake mix, you can experiment with different flavors like chocolate or spice cake mix to create unique variations of Gooey Butter Cake.
10: Can Gooey Butter Cake be made gluten-free?
A: You may use a gluten-free cake mix or a handmade gluten-free cake foundation recipe to make gooey butter cake gluten-free. Additionally, be sure that every component is free of gluten.