Name: Lemon Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box lemon cake mix; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon; 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar

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If you love luscious, melt-in-your-mouth desserts bursting with citrusy sunshine, Lemon Gooey Butter Cake will be your new obsession. Imagine layers of tangy lemon and creamy, buttery sweetness that practically glow with flavor in every bite. This delightful treat is ridiculously easy to make, thanks to a clever shortcut, but tastes like a bakery’s secret recipe. Whether you’re serving it for a celebration or sneaking a sliver with coffee, Lemon Gooey Butter Cake is guaranteed to steal the show and instantly lift everyone’s mood.

Lemon Gooey Butter Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you—every element here matters. Each one brings something special to the table, from that unmistakable lemon zing to the classic, crave-worthy gooey texture. Prep is a breeze, but the flavors blend in the oven to create dessert bliss.

Lemon cake mix: The ultimate shortcut! It forms the sweet, sunny base and delivers instant citrus flavor for the crust.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps hold the crust together, making every bite tender and delicious.
Large eggs: One for the crust, two for the filling—eggs keep the cake moist, bind everything, and help create that irresistible gooeyness.
Cream cheese, softened: The star of the gooey layer, bringing softness, tang, and creamy texture that make this cake extra decadent.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the lemon’s tartness with a touch of warmth and aroma.
Lemon juice: Enhances the lemon flavor in a fresh, zesty way. Freshly squeezed is best!
Zest of 1 lemon: Packed with oils and fragrance, this little addition takes the citrus flavor over the top.
Powdered sugar: Not just for sweetness—this also creates a silky, indulgent consistency in the creamy layer.

How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by getting your oven preheated to a cozy 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures your Lemon Gooey Butter Cake slices come out clean and neat, every single time.

Step 2: Create the Lemon Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, melted butter, and a single large egg. You’re after a soft, pliable dough—easy enough to press into an even layer at the bottom of your prepared pan. This forms the firm-yet-tender foundation with a blast of lemon flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Mix Up the Gooey Cream Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until velvety and smooth. Add the other two eggs, fragrant vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and that magical zest. Mix until blended, then gradually add the powdered sugar, blending until you have a thick, glossy, sweet-tart filling that’s almost too tempting to resist sneaking a taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Pour the gooey cream cheese mixture right on top of your crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula. The contrast of the thick base and the luscious, silky topping is what sets Lemon Gooey Butter Cake apart from ordinary lemon bars. You’re almost there!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll want the edges just turning golden while the middle has a gentle, inviting jiggle. That’s how you know you’ll get the signature gooey center after chilling. Avoid overbaking—this masterpiece is meant to be a little undone in the middle.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Patience pays off! Cool your cake completely, then pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. This sets the gooey layer and makes it easy to slice into glossy, picture-perfect squares. For a final flourish, dust the top with more powdered sugar if you’d like.

How to Serve Lemon Gooey Butter Cake

Garnishes

Lemon Gooey Butter Cake is already a head-turner, but a light dusting of powdered sugar gives it a frosted, elegant look. For an extra splash of color and flavor, add thin lemon zest curls or a couple of fresh raspberries on each piece—simple touches that invite everyone to dive in.

Side Dishes

This cake is fabulous on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a bright, refreshing twist, serve alongside a fruit salad or even a few candied lemon slices to play up the citrus theme.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try cutting your Lemon Gooey Butter Cake into triangles for a modern look, or use a biscuit cutter for charming circles. Layer small squares with fresh berries in mini dessert cups for an adorable parfait-style treat. No matter how you serve it, the gooey center will always surprise and delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Chilling helps maintain the gooey texture and makes the lemon flavor even more vibrant the next day. These bars stay luscious for up to 5 days—if they last that long!

Freezing

Lemon Gooey Butter Cake freezes like a dream! Slice into squares, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator when a craving strikes, and you’ll have a ready-made treat for unexpected guests or late-night dessert emergencies.

Reheating

While this cake is fabulous chilled, you can bring it back to room temperature for a softer bite. If you prefer a warm, barely gooey center, zap a square in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Just watch the timing—you want warmth, not a bubbling molten center.

FAQs

Can I use homemade lemon cake instead of a mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade lemon cake recipe, use enough to cover the bottom of a 9×13 pan, and proceed with the same instructions. The shortcut with boxed mix just keeps things super simple and reliable.

Is it possible to make Lemon Gooey Butter Cake gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute your favorite gluten-free lemon cake mix for the crust layer. Make sure your powdered sugar and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if you’re baking for someone with allergies.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Double the ingredients and bake in two separate pans for best results. This cake is quite rich, so smaller squares go a long way at potlucks or parties.

How do I know when my Lemon Gooey Butter Cake is done baking?

The edges will be golden and slightly pulling away from the pan, while the center will jiggle gently when you move it. Avoid overbaking—remember, the gooey center is what makes this cake special!

Can I add extra lemon flavor?

Of course! For an extra lemony punch, add a few drops of lemon extract to the gooey layer or finish with another sprinkle of zest over the top. The more citrus, the merrier.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those recipes everyone will ask for after just one bite. Whether you’re a lemon lover or just need a little sunshine on your dessert table, Lemon Gooey Butter Cake delivers gooey, zesty joy every single time. Give it a try—you may never look at lemon bars the same way again!

Lemon Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible decadence of Lemon Gooey Butter Cake, a luscious dessert that combines the zing of lemon with a rich, creamy texture. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Ingredients

Scale

Crust Layer:

1 box lemon cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

Gooey Layer:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Prepare Crust: Mix lemon cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Press into pan for crust.
Prepare Gooey Layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs, vanilla, lemon juice, zest. Mix in powdered sugar until smooth.
Layer and Bake: Pour cream cheese mixture over crust. Bake for 35–40 minutes until set.
Cool and Serve: Cool, then chill for at least 1 hour. Cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar.