The Perfect St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Midwest bakers have perfected the St.

Louis gooey butter cake, changeing simple ingredients into a decadent culinary experience.

This dessert represents pure indulgence with its contrasting textures and irresistible sweetness.

Soft, tender layers meld into a rich, creamy landscape that beckons dessert lovers.

Each slice promises a delightful balance between dense cake and silky, luxurious topping.

Generations of families have cherished this regional specialty, passing down recipes that capture comfort and tradition.

Local kitchens buzz with excitement when preparing this beloved treat, filling homes with warm, inviting aromas.

Prepare to savor a slice of Midwestern magic that will leave you craving more.

Why St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake Is Pure Nostalgia on a Plate

• Indulge in Buttery Bliss: Experience a rich, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that combines crispy crust with a silky smooth filling, creating a decadent texture that delights every bite.
• Quick and Simple Creation: Whip up this St. Louis classic with basic pantry ingredients and minimal baking skills, perfect for novice bakers seeking an impressive yet effortless treat.
• Sweet Celebration Perfection: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend desserts, this gooey butter cake brings comfort and joy with its nostalgic, homemade charm that everyone will adore.

What Makes This Cake Dense, Sweet, and Melt-in-Your-Mouth

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundational texture for the cakes base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crumbly cake base.
• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich flavor and helps bind the base ingredients together.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth filling texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Contributes richness and helps create a creamy filling consistency.
• Large Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the filling.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds moisture and creates a silky smooth filling.
• Light Corn Syrup: Enhances sweetness and provides a glossy, gooey texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness.

• Confectioners Sugar: Provides a sweet, powdery topping that adds visual appeal and extra sweetness.

How to Bake a Gooey Butter Cake Like a Missouri Native

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch square baking dish with butter.

Step 2: Create Crust Base

• Flour
• Sugar

Toss butter cubes into the mixture, using a pastry cutter or fork to create small crumbly pieces.

Step 3: Form Crust Layer

Press the crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, slightly extending up the sides.

Step 4: Mix Cake Filling

• Sugar
• Butter

Mix on medium speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add egg while mixing on low speed, blending smoothly to avoid lumps.

Step 6: Add Dry and Liquid Components

• Flour
• Evaporated milk

Add one-third of each ingredient at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 7: Final Filling Preparation

• Corn syrup
• Vanilla extract

Ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 8: Assemble and Prepare for Baking

Spread the filling evenly over the prepared crust. Dust generously with confectioners’ sugar.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25 to 33 minutes. Look for set edges while monitoring the center.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips to Nail That Crackly Top and Buttery Center

• Chill Butter Perfectly: Remove butter from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to achieve ideal softness for smooth mixing.
• Crumb Consistency Matters: Press crust mixture gently but firmly to create a compact, even base that won't crumble when serving.
• Prevent Overmixing: Stop blending ingredients as soon as they combine to maintain a tender, delicate cake texture.
• Check Baking Doneness: Watch for golden edges and a slightly jiggly center, which indicates the classic gooey butter cake consistency.
• Powdered Sugar Pro Tip: Sift confectioners' sugar over the cake for an elegant, even dusting that prevents clumping.

How to Keep Your Cake Fresh and Soft for Days

• Refrigeration: Store cooled St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out. Keep refrigerated to maintain its soft, delicate texture.
• Room Temperature: Let cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to restore its signature gooey consistency. Cold cake tends to become firmer, so gentle warming helps revive its original delightful texture.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, place slices in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle fresh confectioners' sugar on top just before serving to refresh the cake's sweet finish.

Coffee, Ice Cream, and More to Pair With Gooey Cake

• Brew Creamy Coffee Companion: Pair this rich, sweet cake with a smooth cappuccano or latte. The coffee's robust flavor cuts through the cake's sweetness, creating a balanced dessert experience that feels luxurious and comforting.
• Sip Complementary Dessert Wine: Select a late harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti. These sweet wines match the cake's sugary profile, enhancing the buttery texture while providing a delightful alcohol-infused contrast.
• Create Vanilla Ice Cream Fusion: Top warm cake slices with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy texture against the warm, gooey cake creates a sensational temperature and flavor combination that elevates the entire dessert.
• Mix Fruity Beverage Blast: Serve alongside a chilled strawberry or raspberry spritzer. The light, tangy drink provides a refreshing counterpoint to the cake's dense, sweet character, making each bite feel more dynamic and exciting.

New Twists on a Classic Midwest Dessert Favorite

• Chocolate Chip Paradise: Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cake batter for a rich, decadent chocolate version. Fold chips gently to distribute evenly throughout the filling before baking.
• Tropical Coconut Bliss: Replace a portion of flour with shredded coconut in the crust. Add coconut extract to the filling and top with toasted coconut flakes for an island-inspired treat.
• Seasonal Berry Burst: Mix fresh raspberries or blueberries into the filling just before baking. Scatter additional berries on top after cooling and dust with extra powdered sugar for a fruity transformation.
• Nutty Caramel Dream: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the crust mixture. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled cake slices for an indulgent nutty caramel experience.

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 58 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake brings pure Midwestern comfort to dessert tables across America. Sweet cream cheese and buttery layers melt together, creating an irresistible treat locals cherish and visitors crave.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.25 cups granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 1.75 cups butter (softened at room temperature)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 0.67 cup evaporated milk

Additional Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup light corn syrup
• Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius) and generously grease a 9×9-inch (22×22 centimeter) square baking dish with unsalted butter.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all-purpose flour and granulated sugar until evenly distributed.
3. Cut cold butter into small cubes and integrate into the flour-sugar mixture, using a pastry cutter or fork to create a crumbly texture with pea-sized butter pieces.
4. Firmly press the crumbly mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer that slightly climbs the sides.
5. Using an electric mixer, cream together sugar and butter on medium speed for approximately three minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
6. Incorporate the egg at low speed, blending smoothly to prevent lump formation and maintain a uniform consistency.
7. Alternate adding flour and evaporated milk in three separate additions, mixing thoroughly after each to create a smooth batter.
8. Gently fold in corn syrup and vanilla extract, stirring until all ingredients are completely integrated.
9. Pour the filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
10. Bake for 25 to 33 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly jiggly center, indicating perfect doneness.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack.
12. Once cooled, dust generously with confectioners’ sugar and slice into square servings.

Notes

• Preserve leftovers by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
• Refrigeration can extend cake’s freshness, but bring to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
• Experiment with flavor variations by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or swirling in cream cheese for extra richness.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, paired perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or cold glass of milk.
• Dust generously with powdered sugar just before serving to create a stunning visual and sweet finish.
• Kitchen tip: Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing of the cake squares.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 33 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Midwestern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg