Original Gooey Butter Cake Recipe: A Decadent Delight
The gooey butter cake. Just the name conjures up images of rich, buttery goodness, a sweet treat that's both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. This recipe focuses on delivering that authentic, original experience – a cake that's perfectly gooey in the center, with a crisp, crackly top. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to create this irresistible dessert.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses standard baking ingredients, easily found in most grocery stores. Accuracy is key here, so measure carefully!
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Magic Happen
This recipe is broken down into manageable steps, ensuring a stress-free baking experience. Let's get started!
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
Step 2: Baking the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. It shouldn't be completely clean, as we want that gooey center!
Step 3: Creating the Buttery Topping
- While the cake is baking, prepare the topping. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Assembling and Finishing
- Once the cake is baked, immediately spread the butter topping evenly over the warm cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting and serving. This allows the topping to set and the cake to achieve its ideal texture.
Tips for Gooey Butter Cake Perfection
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry cake. Start checking for doneness around 20 minutes.
- Softened butter is crucial: Make sure your butter is properly softened for optimal creaming.
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients ensures even mixing and baking.
- Let it cool completely: Patience is key! Letting the cake cool completely enhances the texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Dessert Experience
This gooey butter cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fresh berries
- A dusting of powdered sugar
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce
This original gooey butter cake recipe is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the process and savor every bite of this decadent dessert! Remember to share your baking experience using #GooeyButterCakePerfection. Happy baking!