Holiday Gooey Butter Cake

Holiday Gooey Butter Cake

Holiday Gooey Butter Cake

The holidays wouldn’t feel complete without this delightful treat! This Gooey Butter Cake is a perfect combination of buttery crust and creamy topping, making it a crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 egg
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) melted butter

For the Topping:

• 1 lb (16 oz) powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

Instruction

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the Crust:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, and melted butter.
• Mix until well combined and press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

1. Prepare the Topping:

• In another bowl, beat the powdered sugar, egg, and softened cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

1. Assemble the Cake:

• Pour and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust layer.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is set and the edges are lightly golden.
• Be careful not to overbake – the center should remain slightly gooey.

1. Cool and Serve:

• Let the cake cool slightly before serving for a warm, gooey texture. Alternatively, allow it to cool completely for firmer slices.

This cake is a warm hug in dessert form, bringing sweetness and nostalgia to your table. Tip: Sprinkle some festive powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra holiday touch!

Here are a few ideas to take your Holiday Gooey Butter Cake to the next level or add some variety:

Flavor Twists

1. Cinnamon Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the cream cheese topping for a warm, spiced holiday flavor.
2. Chocolate Dream: Use a chocolate cake mix for the crust and stir in mini chocolate chips for a double chocolate delight.
3. Peppermint Bliss: Crumble crushed candy canes over the cream cheese layer before baking for a festive peppermint touch.
4. Lemon Lover’s Version: Replace the yellow cake mix with lemon cake mix and add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the topping for a zesty twist.

Toppings and Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Snow: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a snowy holiday effect.
• Berry Bliss: Top with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a bright, tart contrast.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, creamy touch.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair it with a warm cup of cocoa, mulled wine, or your favorite holiday coffee blend
• Serve it à la mode with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an irresistible dessert.

Make It Festive

1. Mini Servings: Bake in a mini muffin tin or ramekins for bite-sized treats.
2. Holiday Shapes: Use a cookie cutter to cut the cake into festive shapes like stars or Christmas trees.
3. Gift-Worthy: Wrap slices in holiday-themed parchment paper or boxes for a thoughtful, homemade gift.

Let me know if you’d like to dive deeper into any of these ideas or need another variation!