Lemon Gooey Butter Cake (Printable)
A luscious dessert featuring soft buttery base with creamy lemon topping and irresistible gooey texture.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base
01 - 1 box (15 oz) yellow cake mix
02 - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1 large egg
→ Gooey Lemon Layer
04 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 3½ cups powdered sugar
07 - ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface.
02 - Combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a mixing bowl. Mix until a soft, uniform dough forms.
03 - Press the dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the base layer.
04 - Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fluffy and smooth.
05 - Pour the lemon filling mixture over the prepared base and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are set and the center retains a slight jiggle. Avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey texture.
06 - Let the cake cool completely before cutting into squares. Optionally dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The contrast between that tender cake base and the custard like lemon topping is absolute magic
- It comes together in under 20 minutes but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it
02 -
- Underbaking is your friend here, the center continues cooking as it cools and that slight jiggle means perfect gooey texture
- Room temperature ingredients prevent lumps in the filling, so take everything out at least an hour before baking
03 -
- Grate your lemon zest before juicing the lemon, it is much easier to hold onto
- A light tap on the counter before baking releases any air bubbles in the filling