Homemade Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Without Cake Mix

Indulge in the luscious delight of the Best Gooey Butter Cake Without Cake Mix. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between a soft, buttery cake base and a heavenly cream cheese topping that crackles with every bite. A decadent treat that will have your taste buds singing with joy!

Crafted with love and a touch of nostalgia, this gooey butter cake has earned its place as the star dessert at family gatherings and friend-filled soirees. Its irresistibly sweet flavors and contrasting textures make it a crowd favorite that disappears faster than you can imagine.

Discover the magic of the Best Gooey Butter Cake Without Cake Mix as you savor each slice, appreciating the subtle nuances brought by a hint of butter extract in the cream cheese layer. This simple yet essential addition elevates the dessert to a whole new level, proving that sometimes the smallest details make the biggest impact. So go ahead, bake this delightful treat, and watch it become a cherished part of your baking repertoire.

Quick Benefits

• Irresistible Decadence: Indulge in the perfect balance of soft cake base and crackly cream cheese topping for a truly decadent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Versatile Adaptability: Get creative with flavor variations like citrus zest, chocolate, or pumpkin spice to tailor this classic dessert to your preferences or seasonal cravings.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Enjoy the convenience of preparing this gooey butter cake in advance and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, with flavors and textures improving over time.
• Enhanced Flavor: Elevate the rich, buttery flavor profile of the cake by adding butter extract to the cream cheese layer, providing an extra depth of taste that will keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Without Cake Mix Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: This recipe offers the perfect balance of a soft cake base and a crackly cream cheese topping, creating a decadent treat that’s both sweet and creamy.
• Family and Crowd Favorite: The cake is so delicious that it vanishes within minutes, making it a perfect dessert for family gatherings or when entertaining friends.
• Secret Ingredient: The butter extract in the cream cheese layer adds an extra layer of richness and depth to the dessert, making it truly stand out.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe by adding variations like lemon zest, chocolate, or pumpkin, allowing you to create different flavors to suit your preferences or the season.
• Make-ahead and Long-lasting: The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and its texture actually improves over time as the flavors meld together.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients, making it easy to whip up whenever you’re craving a delicious and indulgent dessert.
• Historical Significance: Gooey butter cake has a fascinating origin story from St. Louis, Missouri, dating back to the 1930s, adding a touch of nostalgia and history to your baking experience.
• Classic Presentation: Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving for a classic touch, and consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful hot-and-cold contrast.
• Ease of Baking: The recipe provides tips for baking, such as using a 9-inch cake pan, parchment paper for easy release, and checking for doneness by looking for golden edges and a slightly jiggly center.
• Tips and Substitutions: Handy tips like using a milk and lemon juice substitute for buttermilk, the benefits of butter extract, and the recommendation to serve the cake at room temperature ensure a successful baking experience.

Ingredients for Homemade Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Without Cake Mix

For the cake

• ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

For the cream cheese layer

• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• ¾ teaspoon butter extract (optional)

How to Make Homemade Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Without Cake Mix

Step 1: Prepare the pan

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch cake or springform pan with parchment paper, ensuring the sides are coated.

Step 2: Prepare dry ingredients

Combine flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl, whisking until well mixed.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream the butter and sugar on high speed for 3 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate eggs and vanilla

Add the eggs one by one, whisking for 30 seconds after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract on low speed until combined.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Pour in the buttermilk and gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until well combined.

Step 6: Pour batter into pan

Transfer the batter to the greased cake pan and spread evenly using a spoon. Set aside to make the cream cheese filling.

Step 7: Prepare cream cheese filling

In a medium-sized bowl, use a hand mixer on medium-high speed to beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Add egg and powdered sugar

Beat in the egg on high speed for 30 seconds, scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on high for 30 seconds after each addition. Add butter extract, if desired.

Step 9: Spread cream cheese layer

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter using a small offset spatula.

Step 10: Bake the cake

Bake for 45-48 minutes until the edges are golden and show slight cracking, while the center remains slightly jiggly.

Step 11: Cool the cake

After turning off the oven, prop the door open for 10-15 minutes. Remove the cake and allow it to cool completely at room temperature for approximately two hours.

Step 12: Serve and store

1. Serve at room temperature. Store covered in the fridge. Garnish with powdered sugar before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have made this delectable gooey butter cake, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen and meld together better after a day, enhancing the overall taste. To maintain the perfect gooey texture, remember to allow the refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

To store the gooey butter cake, cover it well with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the fridge. This dessert is a hit at gatherings and can be enjoyed as a delicious sweet treat throughout the week. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before indulging for the best taste and texture.

Experiment with different variations of the gooey butter cake, such as adding lemon zest or cocoa powder for a unique twist. Dust the finished cake with powdered sugar before serving for a classic touch. Whether served alone, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or alongside fresh berries, this gooey butter cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any event or as a delightful sweet addition to your day.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. To replace the buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup of dairy-free milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. This will mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk in the cake.

If you prefer a lighter version of the gooey butter cake, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese instead of the regular cream cheese. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a sugar substitute to cut down on the overall sweetness without compromising the texture of the cake.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try cutting the gooey butter cake into small squares and skewering them with toothpicks for easy individual servings at a party or gathering. This presentation not only makes it convenient for guests to grab a delicious bite-sized treat, but also adds a fun and elegant touch to your dessert spread.

To take your gooey butter cake to the next level, consider drizzling a warm caramel sauce over the top just before serving. The combination of the gooey cake texture with the sweet and buttery caramel will create a mouthwatering dessert that is sure to impress your guests. You can also sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top for a perfect balance of flavors and an extra touch of sophistication.

FAQs for Homemade Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Without Cake Mix

Can I make this gooey butter cake without butter extract?

While the butter extract is optional, it enhances the rich, buttery flavor of the dessert. If you don’t have it on hand, you can still make a delicious gooey butter cake without it; however, consider adding a bit more vanilla extract to compensate for the flavor.

How do I know when the gooey butter cake is done baking?

The cake is done when the edges are golden and slightly cracked, and the center remains slightly jiggly. It will continue to set as it cools, so be careful not to overbake it.

How should I store leftovers of the gooey butter cake?

Keep leftovers covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the best texture, allow the refrigerated cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk in this recipe?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute. This mixture will help replicate the tangy flavor and acidic properties of buttermilk in the recipe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Best Gooey Butter Cake Without Cake Mix recipe is a delightful indulgence that never fails to impress. The buttery, gooey layers and the perfect balance of sweetness make it a standout dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Experiment with different flavor variations to suit your preferences and get creative with toppings and accompaniments. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and ability to adapt to different tastes and seasons. Embrace the simplicity of the ingredients and the heartwarming history behind this St. Louis classic, and enjoy the process of creating a truly memorable dessert.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a gooey butter cake that will have your loved ones coming back for seconds. With the Best Gooey Butter Cake Without Cake Mix recipe in hand, you’re well on your way to creating a sweet treat that will surely earn you rave reviews. Happy baking!