Dating back to the 1930s in St. Louis, Missouri, the Gooey Butter Cake has evolved from a happy baking accident into a beloved American dessert. While many know it as the Neiman Marcus Cake, this rich, buttery creation combines the perfect balance of a dense cake base with a cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth. This version has been perfected over generations, offering the ideal combination of sweetness and texture that made it a department store sensation.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix (432g/15.25oz)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113g/4oz)
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 2 packages (16oz/452g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar (480g/16oz)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (5ml)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, and melted butter.
- Mix until the ingredients form a thick, smooth dough – it will be quite stiff.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform layer. Use your fingertips or the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure even distribution.
Creating the Filling
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid clouds of sugar dust.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base, spreading it evenly to the edges.
Baking and Cooling
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature (about 2 hours).
- Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/24th of cake):
- Calories: 285
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 29g
- Protein: 3g
Timing:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 40-45 minutes
- Cooling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest texture
- Don’t overbake – the center should still be slightly jiggly when done
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best results
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal
- Chill the cake for cleaner slices
- Use an electric mixer for the filling to achieve the perfect smooth consistency
Variations and Substitutions
- Chocolate Version: Replace yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cake mix
- Fruit-Topped: Add fresh berries or fruit compote before serving
- Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the filling
- Holiday Version: Add pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to the base
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did my cake crack on top?
A: Cracking usually occurs from overbaking or too high oven temperature. Check your oven temperature with a thermometer and don’t overbake.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months when wrapped properly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Q: Why is my filling runny?
A: This could be due to using warm ingredients or overcreaming the cheese. Ensure ingredients are room temperature and don’t overbeat.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Yes, use an 8×8-inch pan and reduce baking time to 30-35 minutes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Bring to room temperature before serving
- Make up to 2 days ahead for parties
- Cut into squares before freezing for easy individual servings
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to serve
This recipe combines the convenience of a cake mix with the richness of a cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s both impressive and surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any special occasion where you want to wow your guests with minimal effort.