Lemon Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

If you, like me, swoon over any dessert that manages to be both decadently rich and cheerful as sunshine, Lemon Gooey Butter Cake is about to become your new obsession. This crowd-pleaser is everything a treat should be: plush with tangy lemon flavor, marvelously sweet, and sporting a luscious, creamy layer that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, treating yourself on a weeknight, or bringing dessert to a party, this cake steals the spotlight every time. Bright, zesty, and oh-so-satisfying, Lemon Gooey Butter Cake is truly an unforgettable classic you’ll crave again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Lemon Gooey Butter Cake is how it transforms simple pantry staples into an unforgettable dessert. Each ingredient plays an important part, whether it’s creating that soft, buttery crust or the creamy, lemony topping that gives the cake its signature gooeyness.

• Lemon cake mix: The box mix gives you a jumpstart on delicious lemon flavor and a perfectly textured base.
• Unsalted butter, melted: For a rich, melt-in-your-mouth crust, be sure to fully melt the butter before combining.
• Large eggs: The eggs bind everything together and help create that dreamy, gooey filling.
• Cream cheese, softened: Room temperature cream cheese blends effortlessly for a smooth, creamy topping.
• Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla rounds out the flavors and enhances that buttery lemon profile.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the texture, especially that glorious top layer.
• Zest of 1 lemon: Don’t skip the zest—it adds fresh, vibrant citrus notes that wake up the whole cake.
• Optional powdered sugar for dusting: A pretty, classic finish and just the right touch of extra sweetness.

How to Make Lemon Gooey Butter Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. Prepping the pan now prevents sticking and ensures your Lemon Gooey Butter Cake pops out perfectly sliced and picture-ready every time. If you have parchment paper handy, lining the pan will make serving even easier.

Step 2: Create the Lemon Crust Layer

In a medium bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, melted butter, and 1 large egg. Mix with a spatula or hand mixer until the dough comes together—don’t be afraid if it’s a little thick! Press this soft dough mixture evenly into your prepared pan to create the crust. This sunny, lemony base is what supports all that gooey goodness to come.

Step 3: Make the Gooey Lemon Filling

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s velvety smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, your teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the fresh lemon zest, beating until everything looks light and blended. Gradually add the powdered sugar (start slow to avoid sugar clouds!), mixing well until the filling is glossy, creamy, and pale yellow—like a lemon cloud.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Cake

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, smoothing it out with a spatula to make sure it’s evenly spread. Pop the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. The edges will turn golden and the center should stay just a touch gooey—resist overbaking, as that rich, soft center is what sets Lemon Gooey Butter Cake apart! Cool the cake completely in the pan before adding the finishing touches.

Step 5: Cool, Dust, and Slice

Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar to give your cake a snow-dusted look and delightful sweetness in every bite. Use a sharp knife (wipe between slices for clean edges) to serve. Now, all that’s left is to enjoy!

How to Serve Lemon Gooey Butter Cake

Garnishes

A shower of powdered sugar is classic, but you can take things up a notch with some extra lemon zest, thin lemon slices, or even a swirl of whipped cream. Each garnish adds a burst of flavor or color that really makes your presentation pop, letting everyone know this isn’t just any dessert—it’s Lemon Gooey Butter Cake at its finest.

Side Dishes

While this cake is certainly the star of the show, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a handful of fresh raspberries can be sublime. A cup of hot tea, herbal or black, makes a lovely accompaniment, cutting the richness just enough and letting those lemony notes shine.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re sharing at a party, cut the cake into small, bite-sized squares and arrange them on a tiered platter for a playful touch. For a brunch or bridal shower, try serving in cupcake liners with a tiny sprig of mint. Lemon Gooey Butter Cake is so adaptable—whatever the occasion, it always looks (and tastes!) special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover Lemon Gooey Butter Cake, simply cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer slices into an airtight container. The cake keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days, retaining its signature gooey texture and vibrant flavor.

Freezing

Lemon Gooey Butter Cake freezes surprisingly well! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then in foil, and pop them into a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re craving something sweet, just thaw slices overnight in the fridge—or enjoy slightly chilled straight from the freezer for a firmer texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your Lemon Gooey Butter Cake slightly warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat or you’ll lose that distinct gooeyness! For a room temperature treat, simply let slices sit out for 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade lemon cake mix instead of boxed?

Absolutely! If you prefer baking from scratch or want to control the ingredients, a homemade lemon cake mix works beautifully. Just make sure it’s the equivalent of a 15.25 oz box so the proportions stay balanced and the crust turns out perfectly tender.

Why is my Lemon Gooey Butter Cake too runny in the center?

This cake should be slightly gooey in the middle but not wet. If it’s too runny, it may need a bit more bake time. Ovens can vary, so check that the edges are golden and the center barely jiggles. Also, let it cool completely—it firms up as it cools!

Can I add more lemon for extra zing?

You sure can! Stir 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice into the filling for a brisk pop of tartness or add extra zest for even more citrus aroma. Taste as you go, and adjust to your lemon-loving heart’s desire.

Is Lemon Gooey Butter Cake best cold or at room temperature?

Both are delicious, but many fans love it slightly chilled, when the gooey layer is extra creamy and the flavors bright and sharp. At room temperature, it softens up and tastes a bit richer—a true choose-your-own-adventure dessert!

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free lemon cake mix in place of regular. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can set everyone up for a safe and scrumptious treat.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one dessert that guarantees smiles and second helpings, it’s this Lemon Gooey Butter Cake. Its sunny citrus flavor, creamy filling, and effortless charm make it a bake you’ll return to for every occasion—or no occasion at all. Give it a try, share a slice with someone special, and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your own kitchen!

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