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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all-purpose flour and granulated sugar until evenly distributed.
- 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.
- Firmly press the crumbly mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer that slightly climbs the sides.
- Using an electric mixer, cream together sugar and butter on medium speed for approximately three minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg at low speed, blending smoothly to prevent lump formation and maintain a uniform consistency.
- Alternate adding flour and evaporated milk in three separate additions, mixing thoroughly after each to create a smooth batter.
- Gently fold in corn syrup and vanilla extract, stirring until all ingredients are completely integrated.
- Pour the filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Bake for 25 to 33 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly jiggly center, indicating perfect doneness.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack.
- 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