The Best Ooey Gooey Butter Cake (Gluten-Free) Recipe

Introduction

Discover the ultimate comfort dessert with this gluten-free Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. Rich, creamy, and delightfully sweet, it’s perfect for those who want a decadent treat without gluten. With a luscious cream cheese layer on top of a buttery crust, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

A slice of lemon bar dessert sits on a white plate with a green floral pattern around the edges. The lemon bar has three layers: a light golden-brown crumbly crust at the bottom, a thick bright yellow lemon filling in the middle, and a dusting of white powdered sugar on top. A smaller piece of the crust has been cut and is resting on a silver fork positioned at the edge of the plate. The plate is placed on a wooden surface with a partial view of another plate with more lemon bars and a dark glass with a drink on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 15 oz box gluten-free yellow cake mix (can substitute regular cake mix)
  • 1 1/4 sticks butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free yellow cake mix, melted butter, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until well combined; the texture should be a bit crumbly.
  3. Step 3: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust layer.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 3 cups powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.
  5. Step 5: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  7. Step 7: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For cleaner slicing, refrigerate for 1–2 hours before cutting into squares. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving. You may also freeze the cake for about an hour prior to slicing for even neater pieces.

Tips & Variations

  • Use regular yellow cake mix if you don’t need a gluten-free option; it works just as well.
  • For added flavor, try stirring in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the cream cheese layer.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the topping.
  • Chilling the cake before slicing helps prevent the cream cheese layer from sticking to the knife for cleaner cuts.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat slices gently in the microwave to bring back some softness if desired.

How to Serve

A plate filled with several square lemon bars stacked in a slightly messy pile. Each square has two layers: a thicker, golden-brown crust on the bottom and a lighter yellow, soft-looking lemon filling on top. The surface of each bar is dusted heavily with white powdered sugar, giving them a slightly rough texture. The plate is white with an intricate green floral and scroll design along the edge. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be baked a day in advance. Refrigerate after cooling and slice just before serving for the best texture and appearance.

Is this recipe suitable for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes, as written this recipe uses gluten-free cake mix, making it safe for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Just be sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

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The Best Ooey Gooey Butter Cake (Gluten-Free) Recipe

This gluten-free Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert featuring a crumbly cake crust topped with a luscious, creamy butter cheese layer. Perfectly baked to golden edges with a soft, gooey center, it delivers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Ideal for anyone seeking a gluten-free treat or a delicious twist on a classic butter cake.

  • Author: Elena
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 0 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes (excluding chilling time)
  • Yield: 1216 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Crust

  • 1 15 oz box gluten-free yellow cake mix (can substitute regular cake mix)
  • 1 1/4 sticks butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Butter Cheese Topping

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs

Optional Topping

  • Additional powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the cake crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free yellow cake mix, melted butter, one egg, and one teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until well combined; the mixture should be slightly crumbly.
  3. Press crust into pan: Evenly press the crumbly mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust layer.
  4. Prepare butter cheese topping: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the two eggs, half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix until the topping is smooth and fully combined.
  5. Assemble the cake: Pour the butter cheese mixture evenly over the crust, spreading gently to cover the entire surface.
  6. Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still slightly gooey. If the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning.
  7. Cool and chill: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For best results, refrigerate the cake for 1 to 2 hours to set it, which makes cutting cleaner and easier.
  8. Serve: Once chilled, cut the cake into squares. Optionally, dust the tops with additional powdered sugar before serving. For extra clean slices, you may freeze the cake for about an hour before cutting.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the topping.
  • Press the crust firmly to prevent it from falling apart after baking.
  • If using regular cake mix instead of gluten-free, check ingredients for any allergens if needed.
  • Covering the cake with foil partway through baking can help prevent overbrowning on the edges.
  • Chilling the cake before slicing improves the texture and makes it easier to cut neat squares.
  • The cake can be frozen after baking and chilling; thaw slightly before serving.

Keywords: gluten-free butter cake, ooey gooey butter cake, cream cheese dessert, gluten-free dessert, easy butter cake recipe

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