1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. Set aside.
2. Make the Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until fully combined and a thick dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Use your fingers or the back of a spatula to ensure it’s smooth and evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- In another mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes.
- Add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue mixing until the filling is smooth and thick.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the filling over the crust in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Tap the dish gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
5. Bake the Cake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. The top should be golden brown, but the center should remain slightly jiggly—it will set as it cools.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the dish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cake has cooled, slice it into squares or rectangles.
- Optionally, dust the top with additional powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best texture.
Tips for the Perfect Ooey Gooey Butter Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Don’t Overbake: The cake is meant to be gooey, so resist the urge to bake it until it’s completely firm in the center.
- Customizations: Try experimenting with flavored cake mixes like chocolate or lemon for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for longer storage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is the epitome of comfort food, combining simple ingredients to create an extraordinary dessert. The rich and buttery flavor paired with the melt-in-your-mouth texture makes it a showstopper. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to please a crowd. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll understand why it’s a timeless favorite!