There’s something magical about the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you whip up the best gooey butter cake without cake mix. Picture this: a warm, buttery confection that oozes sweetness with every forkful, creating a blissful experience that dances on your taste buds and warms your heart. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s an invitation to indulge in a slice of nostalgia.
Whenever I bake this gooey delight, I am transported back to those carefree afternoons spent with my grandmother. She would pull this recipe from her secret stash, and we would laugh and chat as we waited for it to bake. This cake is perfect for celebrations or just because you need a little sweetness in your life. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
- The rich flavors blend beautifully, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess
- Its golden-brown exterior and gooey center make it visually appealing on any dessert table
- This recipe is versatile enough for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings
I remember the first time I made this cake; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Unsalted Butter: Freshly softened butter creates a rich flavor and smooth texture for the cake.
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Granulated Sugar: Use regular granulated sugar for that perfect sweetness balance.
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Eggs: Large eggs at room temperature help create a fluffy batter.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
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All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for structure; sifted flour ensures even mixing.
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Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully without any heavy mixes.
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Powdered Sugar: This sweet dusting gives the final touch of elegance and sweetness.
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Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tanginess to balance out the sweetness perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven!: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to ensure nothing sticks.
Create Your Batter!: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. The mixture should turn pale yellow and smell heavenly.
Add Eggs & Vanilla!: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that delightful aroma.
Mix Dry Ingredients!: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder until combined. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Incorporate Sour Cream!: Gently fold in the sour cream until fully blended into the batter. It will look creamy and luscious—just what you want!
Bake Away!: Pour batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
Now that you’ve mastered making gooey butter cake without cake mix, grab some forks because it’s time to dig in! Enjoy every bite of this indulgent dessert that promises comfort and joy with each mouthful.
You Must Know
- The Best Gooey Butter Cake Without Cake Mix is a delightful treat that balances sweet and buttery flavors
- This cake boasts a rich, gooey texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds
- It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Combine the ingredients in a specific order: mix the butter first, add sugar, followed by eggs, and finally the dry ingredients. This ensures an evenly blended batter.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap vanilla extract for almond extract or add chocolate chips for extra sweetness. You can also throw in some crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds to enjoy that gooey goodness again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and a better rise
- Avoid overmixing the batter; this keeps your cake tender and gooey
- When testing doneness, remember that it may still wobble slightly in the center
The first time I made this cake, I was bombarded with compliments from my friends. It quickly became my go-to dessert for every gathering!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, but all-purpose flour gives the best results for texture and taste.
How do I know when the cake is done?
A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter.
Can I freeze Gooey Butter Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to two months for later enjoyment.
Gooey Butter Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Gooey butter cake is a warm, indulgent treat that combines a rich buttery flavor with a delightful gooey center. This easy-to-make cake will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as it bakes, inviting you to savor each slice. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe offers a balance of sweetness and creaminess that will leave everyone craving more. Whether you’re celebrating or simply treating yourself, this gooey butter cake is sure to bring joy to your dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder; gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the sour cream until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For variations, consider substituting vanilla extract with almond extract or adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
