Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe – The Cozy, Melty Bar You’ll Make Again and Again

Introduction
The kitchen smells like brown butter and warm vanilla the moment this Baked Ooey Gooey Butter Cake comes out of the oven, and I swear it makes the whole house pause. I’ve made this Ooey Gooey Butter Cake on rainy afternoons and for last-minute potlucks, and it always brings that warm, sticky comfort you want after a long day. If you love other gooey desserts, take a peek at this Apple Butter Cake for another cozy bake.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, so you can have dessert ready without fuss.
• Comforting homemade flavor that smells like grandma’s kitchen.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Great for any occasion — potlucks, brunch, or a midnight snack.
• Always a crowd-pleaser; everyone sneaks a second piece.

(Also, if you adore buttery cakes, you might enjoy this Butter Pecan Cake too.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 box (16.5 oz) yellow cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 12 tablespoons butter, melted (1 1/2 sticks) — use unsalted butter so you can control the salt.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened — room temperature makes it blend silky.
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar

I like to leave the cream cheese out for about 30 minutes so it softens fully; then it whips into a pillow-smooth topping. If you’re into gooey chocolatey things, you’ll also love this Gooey S’mores Fudge Brownies for a weekend bake.

How to Make It

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray so the bars release easily.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla by hand. The batter will seem crumbly at first, and then it comes together into a pliable dough. Press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base. You should feel the slight give under your fingers.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 3 cups powdered sugar until smooth. It should look glossy and thick, like frosting that still wants to spread.
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture gently over the cake base. Use a spatula and smooth to the edges; if you swirl it a bit, the top bakes into lovely golden waves.
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes. You’ll smell vanilla and butter as it bakes, and the edges will turn golden brown while the center remains slightly gooey. A toothpick in the center will come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
6. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting into squares. The cooling step helps the gooey center set to the perfect, chewy texture.

For another sweet and nut-forward twist, try the flavor ideas I mention below or see how other easy bars come together in this Ooey Gooey Pecan Pie Bars.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saver: Melt the butter in the microwave while the oven preheats, and let the cream cheese soften on the counter so you can mix quickly.
• Fix for a common mistake: If your topping looks cracked after baking, don’t worry — cooling will help it relax. Chill briefly before slicing so pieces stay neat.
• Flavor twist: Stir in 1 cup mini chocolate chips, or fold in a handful of chopped pecans for crunch and warmth. If you love peanut butter, pair slices with a smear of your favorite spread like in this Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie.

Serving Ideas

Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm goo. For a cozy Sunday, pair a square with strong coffee or a milky latte. For holiday tables, offer plates of a few squares with berries and whipped cream on the side, and watch how fast they disappear. The Ooey Gooey Butter Cake shines when shared, so slice into small squares for a casual buffet or cut larger pieces for indulgent dessert plates.

Storing & Leftovers

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The texture stays soft and slightly gooey.
• Freeze: Wrap squares individually and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Reheat: Warm a square in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive that melting center without drying it out.
• Leftover idea: Turn chilled squares into ice cream sandwiches with a thin cookie or brownie layer — delicious and playful.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! It often tastes even better the next day after the flavors settle.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! Use what you have — for instance, try light cream cheese or a different cake mix flavor. This Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is very forgiving.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the pan while it’s warm and aromatic is my favorite, though chilled slices are great too.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges and a slightly jiggly center. That fragrant vanilla-butter smell is your best guide.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is one of those simple joys that turns an ordinary day into something a little sweeter. It reminds me of family dinners on Sundays, when everyone hovered in the kitchen waiting for the first warm square. So make a pan, share it with someone you love, and let the sticky-sweet comfort do the rest. Try this Ooey Gooey Butter Cake and then make it your own — swap in chips, nuts, or a drizzle of caramel, and enjoy every melty bite.

Conclusion

If you want to explore other classic takes on this style of cake, check out the original inspiration in this Gooey Butter Cake Recipe: Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. For a well-known Southern version, see Paula Deen’s take here: Original Gooey Butter Cake Recipe | Paula Deen.

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

A warm, sticky butter cake that combines cream cheese and buttery flavors for a gooey dessert perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cake Base Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix 16.5 oz
• 2 large eggs
• 12 tablespoons butter, melted Use unsalted butter for control over salt.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Topping Ingredients

• 1 package cream cheese, softened 8 oz, room temperature makes it blend smoothly.
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla by hand until it forms a pliable dough.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base.

Topping

1. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 3 cups powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Spread the cream cheese mixture gently over the cake base, smoothing to the edges.

Baking

1. Bake for 40–45 minutes until edges are golden brown and the center remains slightly gooey.
2. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

For added flavor, stir in 1 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans. Serve warm or chilled, and consider pairing with ice cream or coffee.