Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Without Cake Mix is a homemade version of the classic dessert, made from scratch with basic ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and cream cheese.
This Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Without Cake Mix eliminates the need for a cake mix, giving you a more personalized and fresher taste.
The result is a rich, buttery cake with a creamy, slightly gooey topping, which is both indulgent and comforting.
The Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Without Cake Mix is incredibly delicious, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture with a soft, dense center and a golden crust.
I often make Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Without Cake Mix for special occasions like family gatherings, birthdays, or potlucks.
It’s the perfect dessert to impress guests or satisfy a sweet craving. Its irresistible flavor makes it a crowd favorite for any celebration!
Why You’ll Love This Gooey Butter Cake?
You’ll love this gooey butter cake for its irresistible combination of rich, buttery flavor and soft, gooey texture that melts in your mouth.
It’s a decadent treat that manages to be both comforting and indulgent, with a buttery crust and a creamy, sweet filling that creates the perfect balance of textures.
The homemade touch adds an extra layer of satisfaction, ensuring each bite is bursting with genuine, from-scratch goodness.

How To Prepare Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Without Cake Mix?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Yield: 12 servings
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Spatula or spoon
- Cooling rack (optional)
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
How To Make Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Without Cake Mix
1. For the Cake:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ tsp salt.
2. Add ½ cup of melted butter, 1 large egg, ½ cup packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
2. For the Topping:
1. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth. Add 2 large eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the cream cheese and beat until well combined.
2. Gradually mix in 3 ½ cups of powdered sugar and 6 tablespoons of light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the topping mixture evenly over the prepared cake batter in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it gently if needed.
3. Baking:
1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but slightly jiggly (it will firm up as it cools).
2. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares. You can also refrigerate it to chill the cake further, which enhances the gooey texture.
Tips For Success
1. Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy topping.
2. When combining the ingredients for the cake, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in a denser texture rather than a light, airy cake.
3. Ensure you measure your ingredients correctly, especially the flour and powdered sugar. Too much flour can make the cake dry, while too little sugar can affect the flavor balance.
4. Bake the cake until the edges are golden and the center is just set. The cake should still have a slightly gooey texture in the middle when done.
5. Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into clean squares.
How To Make With More Delicious
To make your Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Without Cake Mix even more delicious, try adding a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla for an extra layer of flavor.
You can also top the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries for a fruity contrast. For a richer taste, substitute the butter with browned butter, which adds a nutty depth.
If you enjoy a little crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cream cheese layer before baking.
These small tweaks can elevate the flavor and texture, making your Gooey Butter Cake even more irresistible!
How Long Does Gooey Butter Cake Last?
Gooey butter cake can last for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. If you want to extend its freshness, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
For longer storage, you can freeze it; wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature or reheat gently in the microwave.
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Conclusion
This homemade Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Without Cake Mix delivers all the indulgent, buttery goodness you crave, without the need for a pre-made cake mix.
Its perfect blend of rich crust and creamy, gooey filling makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. With its simple preparation and decadent flavor, this cake is sure to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.
Enjoy every delicious bite and share the joy of this classic Southern treat with friends and family!

Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Without Cake Mix
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Spatula or spoon
- Cooling rack (optional)
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ tsp salt.
- Add ½ cup of melted butter, 1 large egg, ½ cup packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
For the Topping:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth. Add 2 large eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the cream cheese and beat until well combined.
- Gradually mix in 3 ½ cups of powdered sugar and 6 tablespoons of light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the topping mixture evenly over the prepared cake batter in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it gently if needed.
Baking:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but slightly jiggly (it will firm up as it cools).
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares. You can also refrigerate it to chill the cake further, which enhances the gooey texture.