Gooey butter cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that originated in St. Louis and has become famous for its soft, buttery base and irresistibly gooey topping.
Over the years, this classic treat has inspired all kinds of delicious variations, including chocolate, pumpkin and chocolate peppermint.
Whether you're a longtime fan or trying it for the first time, there’s a recipe here to satisfy every craving. Scroll through and discover your new favorite way to enjoy gooey butter cake.
Why You'll Love Gooey Butter Cakes
- Some varieties start with a cake mix, which makes faster dessert.
- One bowl + one pan = minimal cleanup.
- Rich, buttery flavor with that signature gooey top layer.
- Easy to slice and transport and share for holidays, parties, or potlucks.
Classic St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake
St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake is a rich, buttery dessert with a soft, chewy base and a sweet, gooey topping that melts in your mouth. This classic Midwest treat is loved for its simple ingredients, indulgent texture, and unforgettable flavor. It’s the perfect mix of crisp edges and a soft, custard-like center.
Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake
Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake takes the classic St. Louis favorite and adds a rich, chocolatey twist. With a fudgy, moist base and a sweet, gooey topping, this dessert is perfectly balanced between creamy and chewy. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream with a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Gooey Butter Cake Bars (From Scratch )Â
Gooey Butter Cake Bars made from scratch deliver all the rich, buttery flavor of the classic dessert in an easy-to-eat bar form. With a soft, cakey base and a sweet, gooey topping, these bars are perfectly portable and just as indulgent. Their creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Gooey Butter Cake Bars (From Scratch )
Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake
Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake includes a spiced cake base (made with a box mix) and topped with a custardy pumpkin pie–inspired layer. Easy, festive, and perfect for fall.
And seriously so good. One recipe tester said she'd rather eat this cake than pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving.
Gild the lily with whipped cream or a shower of powdered sugar.
Philadelphia German Butter Cake
Philadelphia German Butter Cake is a rich, buttery dessert known for its dense, moist crumb and sweet, creamy topping. Unlike the St. Louis version, it features a tender cake base topped with a smooth, custard-like layer that’s both gooey and flavorful. This classic treat offers a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery goodness.
Philadelphia German Butter Cake
Gooey Butter Cake Questions
What is gooey butter cake made of?
Classic gooey butter cake has two layers: a cake base (often made with a yellow cake mix or simple scratch batter) and a rich topping made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and eggs. Variations swap in chocolate, pumpkin, or other flavors, but the gooey texture is always the star.
Is gooey butter cake a pie or a cake?
It’s definitely a cake. The bottom bakes into a soft, slightly chewy crust, while the top stays gooey, almost like a custard layer. Think of it as part cake, part bar, part custard—but not pie.
Can I make gooey butter cake ahead of time?
Yes! Gooey butter cake actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. You can bake it a day in advance, cool completely, and store covered at room temperature or in the fridge.
Gooey Butter Cake freezes really well. Slice into bars. Wrap with plastic wrap or wax paper. Tuck those into a freezer safe container. You're good for three months. Find out more desserts you can freeze.
How should I store gooey butter cake?
Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Do I need a cake mix to make gooey butter cake?
Not at all. While many versions use a yellow or chocolate cake mix for convenience, you can also make it completely from scratch with flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. Both options give you that signature gooey topping.
When should I serve gooey butter cake?
It’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, and parties because it slices easily into squares or bars. Serve it at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar or with whipped cream if you’re feeling extra fancy.
PIN TO SAVE FOR LATER
Recipe Notes
Try each version of gooey butter cake and let me know which one you loved most. From the classic to fun twists, there's something for everyone.
sharyn says
How do I bake this cake in a large countertop oven? Cooking times seem to be different than a conventional oven.