Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Tips for a Rich and Moist Dessert

Name: Butter Cake
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (approximately 432 grams) yellow cake mix; ½ cup (115 grams) salted butter, melted; 3 tablespoons (45 ml) vegetable oil; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 block (227 grams) softened cream cheese; ½ cup (115 grams) melted salted butter; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract; 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar, with additional for sprinkling if desired

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

December 29, 2025

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Why You’ll Love This Butter Cake

This butter cake is a delightful treat that brings comfort to any occasion, whether you’re baking for family gatherings or a quick weeknight dessert. Its simple preparation makes it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels, turning basic ingredients into a rich and moist masterpiece. Beyond its ease, the cake’s gooey cream cheese layer adds an irresistible texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.

One of the standout features is how it combines a classic cake base with a creamy topping, creating a harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist. For those watching their diet, it offers options for adaptations, like making it vegan or gluten-free, while still packing in essential nutrients. This recipe’s versatility means it fits into busy schedules, perfect for busy parents, students, or working professionals looking for a homemade option that’s both satisfying and simple.

Additional perks include its nutritional balance, with each serving providing around 546 calories, including healthy fats and proteins. Baking enthusiasts will appreciate the tips for achieving the best results, such as using both butter and vegetable oil to enhance moisture and flavor. Overall, this butter cake recipe inspires joy in the kitchen and creates memorable moments around the table, just as shared on my blog at Kitchen Cooking.

When you try this recipe, you’ll notice how the total preparation and baking time is about one hour, making it accessible even on hectic days. The cake’s ability to be frozen for up to three months adds convenience for meal prep. For more inspiration, check out our easy vanilla cake recipe on the blog.

Key Benefits of This Recipe

It uses everyday ingredients for a quick bake, ideal for novice bakers.
The gooey layer ensures a fun texture that’s not too heavy, appealing to all ages.
You can customize it for dietary needs, keeping it enjoyable for everyone.

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Butter Cake
Key Benefits of This Recipe
Essential Ingredients for Butter Cake
Cake Layer Ingredients
Gooey Layer Ingredients
How to Prepare the Perfect Butter Cake: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparation Tips for Success
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Butter Cake
Mastering Butter Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations
Creative Variations to Try
How to Store Butter Cake: Best Practices
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Cake
Why do some butter cake recipes use both butter and vegetable oil?
Should I use salted or unsalted butter when baking a butter cake?
How do room-temperature ingredients affect the texture of a butter cake?
What is the best way to store butter cake to keep it fresh?
Can I use different cake mixes instead of a yellow cake mix for a butter cake base?
Butter Cake
Ingredients
Instructions
Last Step:
Notes
Nutrition
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Essential Ingredients for Butter Cake

To make this butter cake, gather the ingredients for both the cake layer and the gooey cream cheese layer. This recipe focuses on precise measurements to ensure consistent results every time. Below is a comprehensive list of all needed items, formatted for easy reference.

Cake Layer Ingredients

1 box (approximately 432 grams) yellow cake mix
½ cup (115 grams) salted butter, melted
3 tablespoons (45 ml) vegetable oil
2 large eggs, at room temperature

Gooey Layer Ingredients

1 block (227 grams) softened cream cheese
½ cup (115 grams) melted salted butter
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar, with additional for sprinkling if desired

This structured list ensures you have everything on hand for a smooth baking process. Using room-temperature eggs and softened cream cheese helps with better mixing, leading to a creamy and uniform batter.

Ingredient Category	Key Role	Measurement Notes
Cake Layer	Forms the base structure	All measured for a standard 9 x 13-inch baking dish
Gooey Layer	Adds richness and texture	Use exact amounts to avoid overly sweet or dry results

How to Prepare the Perfect Butter Cake: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this butter cake starts with preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish for even baking. Combine the cake mix, melted salted butter, vegetable oil, and eggs until the mixture is thick and uniform, then spread it evenly in the prepared dish. This step sets the foundation for the cake’s moist texture.

Next, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth, then mix in the melted salted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar, blending well after each addition to ensure a creamy consistency. Pour this gooey mixture over the cake layer and spread it evenly for a perfect two-layer effect.

Bake the cake for about 40 minutes, watching for the edges to turn brown while the center stays slightly jiggly. Let it cool completely before slicing, and dust with extra powdered sugar if you like. For more details on ingredient substitutions, visit our baking essentials guide on the site.

Preparation Tips for Success

Always use room-temperature ingredients to mix smoothly and achieve the best texture.
If making smaller servings, reduce baking time to 20-28 minutes for individual portions.
Remember, a slight sink in the middle after baking is normal and doesn’t affect the taste.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Butter Cake

Adapting this butter cake for different needs is straightforward, allowing it to suit everyone from diet-conscious individuals to those with specific restrictions. For instance, you can swap ingredients to make it vegan or gluten-free without losing the rich flavor. These changes help maintain the cake’s moist crumb and gooey layer.

Protein and main component alternatives include replacing eggs with flaxseed or chia seed gel for a vegan option. Use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of dairy butter to keep it plant-based. For gluten-free versions, select a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it matches the yellow cake mix’s role in the recipe.

Vegetable, sauce, and seasoning modifications might involve adding dairy-free yogurt for extra moisture or using almond milk instead of traditional options. These tweaks, like incorporating citrus notes with lemon zest, enhance the flavor while keeping the cake adaptable. Total preparation stays around one hour, making it easy for busy lifestyles.

When I first made this cake with substitutions for my family, it brought us together over a shared dessert that felt personalized and thoughtful.

Mastering Butter Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your butter cake to the next level involves pro cooking techniques like creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly for a lighter result. Always use room-temperature ingredients for even blending, which helps create that signature gooey layer. Experimenting with flavors, such as adding cinnamon or nuts, can make each bake unique.

For presentation, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or pair it with fresh fruit for a simple yet elegant look. If you’re planning ahead, prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it overnight. This not only saves time but also lets the flavors develop, ideal for baking enthusiasts.

The recipe’s nutritional info, like 71 grams of carbohydrates per serving, reminds us to enjoy in moderation. Combining butter and vegetable oil ensures the cake stays moist, a tip that’s especially useful for travelers or seniors wanting a reliable treat.

Creative Variations to Try

Add spices like nutmeg for a warm twist on the classic recipe.
Incorporate dried fruits for added texture and natural sweetness.
Use different extracts, like almond, to vary the gooey layer’s taste.

How to Store Butter Cake: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps this butter cake fresh and delicious for days. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve its moist texture. For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week, and always bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full gooey effect.

Freezing is a great option; wrap the cooled cake tightly and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a low oven. These methods make it simple for meal prep, especially for working professionals or families.

As a bonus, the cake’s nutritional profile, with 28 grams of fat per serving, holds up well with proper storage. For more on why butter enhances baked goods, check out this external resource.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Cake

Why do some butter cake recipes use both butter and vegetable oil?

Combining butter and vegetable oil in a butter cake recipe helps achieve the best of both worlds. Butter adds rich flavor and a tender crumb, while vegetable oil contributes moisture and prevents the cake from becoming dry. This blend results in a moist, flavorful cake with a pleasant texture that often lasts longer than using butter alone.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter when baking a butter cake?

Most butter cake recipes recommend using unsalted butter to control the exact amount of salt in the cake. However, if the recipe calls for salted butter, it can help balance sweetness automatically. If you only have salted butter, reduce or omit added salt in the recipe to prevent the cake from tasting overly salty.

How do room-temperature ingredients affect the texture of a butter cake?

Using room-temperature ingredients allows them to blend together more evenly and quickly. Butter creames better with sugar, incorporating air that helps the cake rise and creates a lighter texture. Cold ingredients can cause batter to curdle or mix unevenly, which may lead to a denser or uneven cake crumb.

What is the best way to store butter cake to keep it fresh?

Butter cake should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days to maintain its moisture and flavor. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake wrapped tightly for up to one week or freeze it for up to three months. When frozen, wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.

Can I use different cake mixes instead of a yellow cake mix for a butter cake base?

Yes, you can substitute different cake mixes like lemon, chocolate, or strawberry to add unique flavors to your butter cake. Keep in mind that different mixes may affect baking time and texture slightly, so monitor your cake closely while baking and adjust according to how the batter appears during the cooking process.

Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Tips for a Rich and Moist Dessert