If you are on the hunt for a dessert that combines tangy brightness with irresistibly rich texture, look no further than this Lemon Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. This cake is a heavenly balance of a soft lemon crumb base topped with a creamy, gooey layer that melts in your mouth, making it a standout treat for any occasion. It’s quick to whip up, wonderfully luscious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let me walk you through how to turn simple ingredients into this unforgettable slice of sunshine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Lemon Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is deceptively simple yet crucial in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the tangy lemon cake mix providing vibrant citrus notes to the smooth cream cheese adding luscious creaminess, every component plays a starring role.
- Lemon cake mix (15.25 ounces): The base flavor powerhouse that brings a bright, zesty lemon flavor and tender crumb.
- Butter (½ cup, melted): Adds richness and helps bind the cake ingredients, ensuring a moist texture.
- Eggs (4, divided): Provide structure and fluffiness; separating the eggs between layers enhances the gooey and cakey contrast.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Key to delivering that signature gooey and creamy top layer with a slight tang.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese layer to luscious perfection.
How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spraying a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray ensures your cake will release easily after baking and helps achieve perfect edges.
Step 2: Make the Cake Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix with the melted butter and two eggs. This combination forms a dense and flavorful cake batter that will be the sturdy yet tender foundation of your cake. Spread this evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish—this layer sets the stage for the gooey topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Gooey Topping
In a separate medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the remaining two eggs, softened cream cheese, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This luscious topping lends the cake its signature gooey texture along with a delightful creamy tang.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture gently over the cake batter in your baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns lightly golden but still jiggles slightly — that gooey texture is exactly what we want!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. If you like, sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar on top for that elegant finishing touch. Cut into 9 or 12 squares, serve, and enjoy the gooey, lemony magic.
How to Serve Lemon Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar is classic and adds just the right touch of sweetness and visual appeal. For extra zing, you can zest a little lemon over the top or add a few thin lemon slices for garnish, bringing a fresh aroma and bright color to each serving.
Side Dishes
Serve your Lemon Gooey Butter Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to compliment its rich texture. Fresh berries or a light fruit salad provide a crisp contrast, balancing the sweet and creamy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the cake into bite-sized cubes and serve them on decorative toothpicks for easy, mess-free eating. You can also layer chunks of this cake between layers of lemon curd and whipped cream in clear parfait glasses for a stunning and modern dessert presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Gooey Butter Cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and creamy. It will stay delicious for up to 5 days, so you can enjoy that luscious gooeyness well beyond the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to retain that perfect texture when you’re ready for a sweet treat.
Reheating
To warm slices of your Lemon Gooey Butter Cake, microwave them on low for about 15-20 seconds, just enough to bring back the luscious gooey feel without drying it out. Alternatively, a quick reheat in a low oven wrapped in foil works well too.
FAQs
Can I use regular yellow cake mix instead of lemon cake mix?
While regular yellow cake mix will work, it won’t provide the distinct lemon flavor that makes this Lemon Gooey Butter Cake Recipe so special. You might want to add lemon zest or lemon extract to mimic the citrusy brightness.
Why does the cake remain gooey after baking?
The gooey texture comes from the cream cheese and powdered sugar mixture baked on top, which doesn’t set like traditional cake batter. This is intentional and part of what makes this cake so deliciously unique.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe uses boxed lemon cake mix, which typically contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, look for a gluten-free lemon cake mix or try a homemade gluten-free cake base.
Can I substitute cream cheese with mascarpone?
Mascarpone can be used as a substitute and will give a slightly different, but still creamy and rich texture. It might be a tad sweeter and less tangy than cream cheese, which alters the flavor profile a bit.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The top should be lightly golden and slightly jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The cake is done baking when the edges are set but the center retains that gooey, soft quality.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even greater joy to eat. Its vibrant lemon flavor combined with creamy, gooey richness makes it a standout dessert whether for a simple family treat or a special occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your favorite go-to cakes to bake and share. So grab those ingredients and start baking – that perfect slice of gooey lemon heaven is just an oven away!
Print
Lemon Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Gooey Butter Cake features a moist lemon-flavored cake base topped with a rich, creamy, and gooey lemon cream cheese layer. With its irresistible sweet tang and luscious texture, it’s an easy-to-make dessert perfect for gatherings or a special treat.
Ingredients
Cake Layer
- 15.25 ounces lemon cake mix
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking your lemon gooey butter cake.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal later.
- Make the Cake Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, melted butter, and 2 eggs. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Spread Cake Layer: Evenly spread the cake batter into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a consistent base layer.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, using an electric mixer, combine the softened cream cheese, remaining 2 eggs, and 4 cups powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add Cream Cheese Layer: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake layer in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Bake until the top is lightly golden; the center will remain gooey.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely. Optionally, dust the top with additional powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve: Cut the cooled cake into 12 squares and serve to enjoy the perfect balance of lemon flavor and gooey richness.
Notes
- This cake is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled to maintain its gooey texture.
- You can substitute the lemon cake mix with a yellow cake mix and add 2 tablespoons of lemon zest for a fresh lemon flavor if desired.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the topping mixture.
- Use cooking spray with flour or butter to prevent sticking in the baking dish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
