Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love dessert that feels like a warm hug, you absolutely need to try this Gooey Butter Cake. It’s the real deal — a soft, tender yeast cake layered with a irresistibly buttery, sweet topping that melts in your mouth. The contrast between the airy base and the luscious gooey layer turns every bite into pure comfort. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a cozy brunch, or a decadent snack, this Gooey Butter Cake has a way of making any moment special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a cake that’s both tender and decadently rich. Each component plays a crucial role in the final texture and flavor — from the yeast that gives the cake a soft rise to the buttery topping that brings sweetness and gooeyness.

• Milk (3 tablespoons): Use room temperature milk for activating the yeast gently and adding moisture to the dough.
• Warm water (2 tablespoons): Helps the yeast to bloom perfectly so your cake rises beautifully.
• Active dry yeast (1/4 ounce): The magic behind the soft, airy cake layer.
• All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups + 1 cup): Provides structure for both the cake base and the gooey topping.
• Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons + 3/4 cup): Softened butter adds richness and that characteristic buttery flavor.
• Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons + 1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cake and the topping for a perfect balance.
• Eggs (2 large): Adds moisture and helps bind everything together.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Honey (3 tablespoons): Adds a hint of natural sweetness and depth to the gooey topping.
• Vanilla extract (2 1/2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and aroma to the topping.
• Water (2 tablespoons for topping): Keeps the gooey butter layer luscious and spreadable for baking.

How to Make Gooey Butter Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Cake Layer

Start by mixing the milk and warm water in a large bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top. Give it about 5 to 10 minutes until it gets foamy — this shows your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Next, add the flour, softened butter, sugar, egg, and salt, and beat everything on medium-high speed until the batter looks pale and airy, roughly 5 to 7 minutes. This airiness makes the cake so tender. Transfer this mixture to a prepared square pan lined with parchment paper, spread it evenly, and cover loosely. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size; about 90 minutes to two hours. It’s worth the wait!

Step 2: Partially Bake the Cake Layer

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Pop the risen cake layer into the oven and bake it for about 20 minutes until it’s mostly set. This creates a sturdy base that’s ready to support the irresistible gooey butter topping without getting soggy.

Step 3: Prepare the Gooey Butter Topping

While the cake is baking, cream together the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is very pale and fluffy — around 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t rush this step because this lightness makes the topping delightfully airy. Then, whip in the egg, followed by honey, water, and vanilla extract for a touch of sweetness and fragrance. Finally, gently mix in the flour and salt until just combined to keep the topping luscious and gooey, not dense.

Step 4: Finish Baking the Gooey Butter Cake

Once the cake layer is partially baked, dollop scoops of the gooey butter topping over it while it’s still hot in the pan. Spread it gently if you like, but plenty of the magic comes from that rustic, bubbled surface. Return the whole thing to the oven and bake until the edges of the topping start to set but the center remains deliciously wobbly and soft—about 20 minutes. Let it cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to maximize that gooey, buttery experience.

How to Serve Gooey Butter Cake

Garnishes

This cake shines on its own, but you can dress it up beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate touch. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a bright contrast, while a drizzle of warm caramel sauce amplifies the buttery sweetness for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pairing Gooey Butter Cake with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the dessert into a full indulgence. For brunch, a strong cup of coffee or a creamy latte complements the richness, balancing the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into bite-sized squares for a delightful party platter or serve it warm with a side of fresh fruit compote. Wrapping individual slices in parchment and tying with twine makes an adorable gift for friends or family that spreads a little gooey butter happiness!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate it for up to a week. This helps maintain the cake’s moist texture and keeps the buttery topping from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze Gooey Butter Cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving so the buttery layers regain their perfect gooey texture.

Reheating

Warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop slices into a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to revive that freshly baked softness and gooey charm. Be careful not to overheat, or you might lose the tender crumb and luscious topping.

FAQs

Can I make Gooey Butter Cake without yeast?

This particular recipe relies on yeast to give the cake its tender, airy base, so skipping it would change the texture significantly. If you want a yeast-free version, look for recipes labeled specifically as “ooey gooey butter cake” which use baking powder or baking soda instead.

What’s the best pan to use for Gooey Butter Cake?

A square baking pan around 8×8 inches works perfectly, lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make slicing easier. Using a metal pan helps with even baking, but glass pans can work too—just keep an eye on baking times.

Is this cake very sweet?

Yes, Gooey Butter Cake leans on the sweeter side thanks to its buttery topping loaded with sugar and honey. However, it strikes a lovely balance with the more neutral, soft yeast cake underneath, so the sweetness never feels overwhelming.

Can I substitute honey in the topping?

You can substitute honey with maple syrup or corn syrup for a similar texture and sweetness, but honey adds a unique depth of flavor that’s quite special in this cake.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The edges of the gooey butter topping should look set and slightly golden, while the center remains soft and wobbly—this is exactly how it should be to maintain that gooey goodness. Overbaking will dry it out, so if in doubt, it’s better to underbake slightly.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you’ve made and tasted this Gooey Butter Cake, it will become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. The combination of tender yeast cake and that dreamy butter-sugar topping is pure bliss in every bite. So go ahead, bake it soon, share it with loved ones, and enjoy all the cozy, gooey happiness this classic Southern treat has to offer.