Gooey Butter Cake: A Recipe for Decadence
The gooey butter cake. Just the name conjures up images of a rich, buttery, and intensely sweet dessert. This isn't your average cake; it's a Midwestern classic known for its incredibly satisfying texture—a crisp, crumbly bottom giving way to a molten, sugary top. This recipe will guide you through making this irresistible treat, perfect for any occasion or just a simple weeknight indulgence.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields a 9x13 inch cake, perfect for sharing (or not!).
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's get baking! Follow these simple steps for a perfectly gooey butter cake:
Preparing the Crust:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution throughout the crust.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, leading to a tender crust.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough crust.
- Press into Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to create an even layer.
Making the Gooey Topping:
- Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This is key to the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the topping.
- Add Flavor: Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Milk: Gradually add the milk (or heavy cream), beating until smooth and creamy. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Baking and Cooling:
- Pour & Bake: Pour the butter topping evenly over the prepared crust.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden brown and the crust is set. Keep a close eye on it to prevent over-baking.
- Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This allows the topping to set and prevents crumbling.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra gooeyness: Use heavy cream instead of milk in the topping.
- Add some crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top before baking.
- Make it festive: Add extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Enjoy Your Gooey Butter Cake!
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simple steps and delicious results make it perfect for bakers of all levels. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the ultimate gooey butter cake satisfaction! Remember to share your baking triumphs (and failures!) using #gooeybuttercake on social media!
