Best Gooey Butter Cake Without Cake Mix – Irresistibly Rich!

Name: Best Gooey Butter Cake Without Cake Mix
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 cup powdered sugar (for topping)

Published: April 25, 2025

by mimi

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe for the Best Gooey Butter Cake Without Cake Mix is incredibly easy to whip up
The flavor profile combines buttery sweetness with a hint of vanilla, making it a crowd-pleaser
Visually, it boasts a beautiful golden hue that will brighten any dessert table
Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve at parties or enjoy on quiet evenings at home

Every time I bake this cake, my family can’t help but smile and reach for another piece.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for rich flavor; melt it for the batter and topping.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the richness.
Eggs: Fresh eggs give structure to the cake—room temperature works best for easier mixing.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla enhances the overall flavor; avoid imitation for best results.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; measure accurately for perfect texture.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps achieve a fluffy texture in every bite.
Powdered Sugar: Sprinkling on top adds an elegant finish and extra sweetness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. This ensures an easy release after baking.

Mixing the Batter: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it resembles creamy clouds.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract. Your kitchen will smell divine as you mix these ingredients together.

Incorporating Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour and baking powder to the mixture. Stir until just combined—overmixing will lead to tough cake!

Pour into Baking Dish: Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish using a spatula. No need to worry about perfection; rustic is charming!

Create the Gooey Layer: In another bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and remaining melted butter. Pour this mixture over your batter without mixing them together; they’re meant to swirl!

Bake in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until edges are golden brown while the center remains soft and gooey—it should jiggle slightly when you shake it gently.

Let it cool slightly before slicing into squares. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy every gooey bite while savoring those magical moments with family or friends.

This recipe not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also brings people together around your table—because nothing says love like homemade dessert!

You Must Know

The Best Gooey Butter Cake Without Cake Mix is a delightful twist on the classic dessert
Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s sure to impress everyone at your next gathering
This cake is easy to make and even easier to enjoy, making it perfect for any occasion

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare your baking dish while mixing your ingredients; this ensures a smooth process that leads to gooey perfection.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with flavorings like vanilla or almond extract. Adding chocolate chips or nuts can elevate the cake’s texture and flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.

Chef's Helpful Tips

When making the Best Gooey Butter Cake Without Cake Mix, remember to use room temperature ingredients for better blending
Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Always let the cake cool before slicing for cleaner pieces

Sometimes, I catch myself daydreaming about that first bite of gooey butter cake at family gatherings. Everyone smiles as they reach for seconds, and I feel like a culinary superhero!

FAQs

FAQ

What makes this gooey butter cake special?

This recipe uses no cake mix, allowing for a rich homemade flavor that everyone loves.

Can I use different flavors for this cake?

Absolutely! Experiment with lemon zest or cocoa powder for unique variations.

How do I know when my cake is done?

The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly; it will firm up as it cools.

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📖 Recipe Card