When it comes to indulgent desserts, few are as irresistible as Ooey Gooey Cake. This sweet, sticky treat has won the hearts of many dessert lovers with its buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. However, did you know that Ooey Gooey Cake is also known by other names depending on the region? Let’s dive into the origins, recipe, and alternative names for this delicious dessert, along with some serving suggestions.
What is Ooey Gooey Cake?
At its core, Ooey Gooey Cake is a St. Louis original, made with simple ingredients like butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. It’s often baked with a dense base, typically from a yellow cake mix, topped with a gooey cream cheese layer. The result is a rich dessert that is somewhere between a cake and a bar.
One of the most common alternative names for Ooey Gooey Cake is Gooey Butter Cake. In some regions, it is also referred to as Chess Cake. These variations often include slight modifications to the recipe but retain the signature gooey texture. You can find a detailed Ooey Gooey Butter Cake recipe that stays true to the original version.
The Origins of Gooey Butter Cake
The creation of Gooey Butter Cake is attributed to a baking mistake in St. Louis during the 1940s, where a baker accidentally added too much butter to a coffee cake recipe. Instead of discarding the batch, it was sold and quickly became a local sensation. Today, this dessert is a staple in St. Louis bakeries and has spread to other regions, each adding its twist to the recipe.
For a different twist on cakes, you might want to explore other comforting desserts like coconut cookies or lemon crinkle cookies that also deliver a punch of flavor and sweetness.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Cake
Making Ooey Gooey Cake at home is incredibly simple and requires just a few basic ingredients. Here’s a quick and easy recipe to try:
Ingredients
- Yellow cake mix
- Butter (melted)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Eggs
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- Mix the yellow cake mix with melted butter and one egg. Press this mixture into the greased pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, remaining eggs, and powdered sugar. Spread this mixture evenly over the cake base.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden brown. Let it cool before cutting into squares.
If you’re looking for other great desserts with a similar rich texture, check out this strawberry cupcake recipe for a fruity twist.
Variations of Ooey Gooey Cake
There are several ways to personalize Ooey Gooey Cake by adding different flavors or textures:
- Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake: Replace the yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix to make a richer version.
- Pumpkin Gooey Cake: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the cream cheese mixture for a fall-themed variation.
- Gluten-Free Gooey Cake: Substitute a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
Looking for a tangy, lighter option? Try baking a lemon cream cheese dessert for a perfect balance between rich and refreshing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Another Name for Gooey Butter Cake?
In addition to Gooey Butter Cake, this dessert is sometimes called Chess Cake, particularly in the southern United States.
Is Gooey Butter Cake Specific to St. Louis?
Yes! Gooey Butter Cake originated in St. Louis and remains closely tied to the city’s culinary history.
What Makes the Cake Gooey?
The cream cheese and butter mixture in the topping is what gives this cake its signature gooey texture, as the center stays slightly undercooked for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Conclusion
Whether you call it Ooey Gooey Cake, Gooey Butter Cake, or Chess Cake, one thing is clear: this dessert is pure indulgence. With its rich, buttery texture and numerous flavor variations, it continues to be a crowd-pleaser across the country. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on one of the most delightful desserts to come out of St. Louis!