Description
This Gooey Butter Cake with Brown Butter is a rich, buttery dessert featuring a golden yellow cake crust infused with nutty brown butter and a sweet, creamy cream cheese filling dusted with powdered sugar. Perfectly baked to achieve a gooey top with a slight crust, this 16-serving cake combines classic comfort with a delicious twist.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box golden butter recipe yellow cake mix
- ½ cup salted butter
- 2 eggs
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar (1 pound)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt and cook the ½ cup salted butter while watching carefully. Stir occasionally until it turns a golden brown color and releases a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
- Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with the box of yellow cake mix. Add two eggs and mix until a dough forms. Using a spatula, press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9x9 pan.
- Prepare the Filling: In another large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 4 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust in the pan. Leave a small rim around the edges clear to allow the crust to rise during baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The top will develop a slight crust but remain gooey underneath—not jelly-like.
- Cool and Garnish: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish the top with additional powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
- Watch the butter carefully while browning to avoid burning; remove from heat as soon as it turns golden and fragrant.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother filling.
- Do not overbake; the cake should have a gooey center with a slight crust on top.
- If you prefer, sprinkle additional powdered sugar just before serving for an attractive finish.
- For best results, use a 9x9 inch square pan; different pan sizes may alter baking time.
