The Ultimate Gooey Butter Cake St Louis Style
- Recipe Introduction
- St. Louis Sunshine on a Plate
- Time to Get Gooey
- Key to Gooey Butter Cake : Ingredients
- Let's Talk Texture
- Variations for the Adventurous
- Ingredients & Equipment for the Ultimate Gooey Butter Cake
- Cooking Up a Storm: The Gooey Butter Cake Method
- Recipe Notes for Your Gooey Butter Cake
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever had one of those days? Craving comfort? Then you absolutely need this gooey butter cake recipe! Honestly, it's like a hug in cake form.
It has that incredible buttery, sweet flavour that’s just… chef's kiss .
Brief Overview
The gooey butter cake hails from St. Louis. Legend says it was a baking mishap that turned into pure deliciousness.
It’s a medium difficulty bake taking about 1 hour 30 minutes, but yields 12-16 servings.
Main Benefits
This cake is pure joy! Perfect for sharing with friends or, you know, keeping all to yourself. It’s definitely a treat.
What makes this recipe special is the texture! The base is dense, while the top is dreamy and gooey .
Craving that homemade gooey butter cake experience? Then keep reading!
St. Louis Sunshine on a Plate
Ready to bake a bit of happiness? This recipe brings sunshine from St. Louis right to your kitchen. The best gooey butter cake recipe should be shareable. This one is.
Time to Get Gooey
The recipe starts with a simple base. After the base bakes you will cover it with gooey topping. You'll thank yourself later!
Key to Gooey Butter Cake : Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this magical cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour, plus extra
- ½ teaspoon (3g) baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) salt
- ½ cup (1 stick, 113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces (227g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick, 113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pound (454g) powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
Got all that? Fantastic! Let's get baking.
Let's Talk Texture
One of the amazing qualities is the cake texture. This is a cream cheese gooey butter cake . The cream cheese is a great help for this.
Variations for the Adventurous
Fancy a twist? Try adding lemon zest. Or maybe some melted chocolate. There's a gooey butter cake variation for everyone.
You can make it exactly how you want it. This makes it the quick gooey butter cake option to choose.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Ultimate Gooey Butter Cake
Let's talk about what you'll need to nail this gooey butter cake recipe. I promise it's not as intimidating as it sounds!
Main Ingredients: Get Ready to Bake!
This recipe has two main parts. We have the crust and then the, oh-so-amazing, gooey filling. For the dough , you'll need 1 ½ cups ( 190g ) of all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting.
Don't forget ½ teaspoon ( 3g ) of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon ( 1.5g ) of salt.
You'll also need ½ cup (that's 1 stick , or 113g ) of properly cold and cubed unsalted butter. Trust me, cold butter makes a big difference.
Grab 1/3 cup ( 67g ) of granulated sugar, 1 large egg , and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
For the filling , get ready for some serious deliciousness! You'll need 8 ounces ( 227g ) of softened cream cheese.
Make sure it's properly softened. Add ½ cup ( 1 stick , 113g ) of softened unsalted butter. Plus 2 large eggs and another 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
And the star of the show, 1 pound ( 454g ) of powdered sugar! Finish it off with just a pinch of salt.
Seasoning Notes: The Magic of Flavor
Vanilla is key for that classic flavor. But feel free to experiment! A tiny splash of almond extract in the filling gives it a subtle nutty twist.
You could even zest a lemon for a Lemon Gooey Butter Cake .
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need fancy equipment for this, thank goodness. You'll need a 9x13 inch baking pan . I like to grease mine well.
A stand mixer is handy, but a hand mixer works just fine. Grab your measuring cups and spoons, and a rubber spatula.
Parchment paper is optional. But Honestly, it makes cleanup a breeze. I always use it! Homemade Gooey Butter Cake is worth the effort. But, less washing up is always a win, right?
Cooking Up a Storm: The Gooey Butter Cake Method
Right then, let's dive into making this Gooey Butter Cake . Honestly, it's a proper treat. Think sweet, buttery, and totally moreish! I’ve been baking this for years.
I first stumbled upon it after a friend came back from holiday in the States. She was talking about this amazing St.
Louis Gooey Butter Cake , and it sounded so good, I had to try it. Now, it's a family favourite!
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized!
First things first, mise en place , my friends! That just means get everything ready before you start. Chop your cold butter , soften your cream cheese , and measure all your ingredients.
Trust me, it saves so much faff later. Also, remember to preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) ! Speaking of safety, watch your fingers when chopping that cold butter, yeah?
step-by-step: Baking Bonanza!
- Mix the dough dry ingredients. Cut in the cold butter . This needs to resemble coarse crumbs.
- Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Form the dough. Wrap it and chill for 30 minutes .
- Grease a 9x13 inch pan. Press the chilled dough into the bottom.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Mix in the powdered sugar and salt until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the crust. Bake for 35- 40 minutes . The edges should be set. The center should still be slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely before cutting. Dust with more powdered sugar . Dig in!
Pro Tips: Secrets to Gooey Goodness
Want the Best Gooey Butter Cake Recipe ? Here's a tip: Don’t overbake it! That’s the key. The filling should still have a bit of a wobble when you pull it out.
A common mistake is using warm butter in the dough. Don't do it! Cold butter is the secret to a flaky crust.
You could make the dough a day ahead. Just keep it wrapped in the fridge. Then you're set for a Quick Gooey Butter Cake bake! Why not try some Gooey Butter Cake Variations ? You could add lemon zest for a citrusy zing!
Recipe Notes for Your Gooey Butter Cake
Alright, so you're about to embark on making this dreamy Gooey Butter Cake from Scratch . Ace! Here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure it's a total triumph.
I always say, a little planning goes a long way, yeah?
Serving Like a Pro
Plating and Presentation Ideas : Honestly, this cake looks gorge just dusted with icing sugar. But if you wanna be a bit fancy, try cutting it into squares and serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Fresh berries are always a winner too.
Complementary Sides or Beverages : A cup of strong coffee is my go-to with this St Louis Gooey Butter Cake .
The richness of the cake balances perfectly with the bitterness of the coffee. Tea works too! Earl Grey, anyone?
Keeping It Fresh
Refrigeration Guidelines : Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. It'll stay good for about 3-4 days.
Honestly though, it never lasts that long in my house!
Freezing Options : Yes, you can freeze it! Cut the cooled easy gooey butter cake recipe into squares, wrap 'em individually in cling film, then pop 'em in a freezer bag.
It'll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions : If you freeze it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can enjoy it cold (which is lush), or warm it up slightly in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
Just be careful not to overheat it.
Tweaking the Recipe
Dietary Adaptations : Wanna try a vegan version? Use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives, and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water). Sorted.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps : In autumn, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or mixed spice to the filling. It'll give it a lovely warming flavour. Maybe try apple sauce for an extra kick.
The Nitty Gritty: Nutrition Basics
Simplified Nutrition Information : Right, let's keep it real: this cake is a treat, not a health food. One slice is roughly 350-400 calories.
I tell you: it's all about enjoying a bit of what you fancy, innit?
Key Health Benefits : Well, aside from making you incredibly happy, not many! But seriously, baking can be therapeutic, and sharing this best gooey butter cake recipe with friends and family is good for the soul.
So there you have it! With these extra tips, you're well on your way to baking a homemade gooey butter cake that'll have everyone begging for more.
Don't be scared to experiment and have fun. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't my gooey butter cake as gooey as it should be? Did I bodge it?
The most common reason for a less than-gooey cake is overbaking. Remember, the center of your gooey butter cake should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven it will continue to set as it cools.
Also, be sure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened for the filling, otherwise it won't achieve that smooth, gooey texture.
Can I make gooey butter cake ahead of time, and how should I store it?
Absolutely! Gooey butter cake is a great make-ahead dessert. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best gooey texture nobody likes a fridge cold cake!
My crust is tough! What did I do wrong with the gooey butter cake base?
A tough crust usually indicates overworking the dough or using butter that wasn't cold enough. Be gentle when mixing the dough for the base, and make sure your butter is properly chilled and cubed before incorporating it. Chilling the dough for the recommended time is also crucial for a tender crust.
Is there a healthier version of gooey butter cake? I want my cake and eat it!
While it's tough to make gooey butter cake truly "healthy" due to its rich nature, you can make some modifications. Consider reducing the amount of sugar slightly, using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup (though this will affect the flavor), or swapping some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour.
Remember, it's still a treat, so moderation is key!
Can I add different flavors to my gooey butter cake? Fancy something different than the original.
Definitely! Gooey butter cake is a great base for experimentation. Try adding lemon zest and juice for a lemon version, swirling in melted chocolate for a chocolatey treat, or even adding pumpkin puree and spices for a fall inspired bake. Get creative and put your own twist on this St. Louis classic!
The Ultimate Gooey Butter Cake St Louis Style
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 0g |
