Growing up in St. Louis, ooey gooey butter cake was a staple dessert. I remember seeing it at friend’s houses, grocery store bakeries and events around town. Living in Dallas, I have learned that it is a St. Louis regional dessert and there are some people not aware of this amazingly delicious, ooey gooey goodness. Gasp! This dessert just takes everything rich and savory and combines them into one delectable, moist bite.

So what is ooey gooey butter cake exactly? Legend has it, in the 1930’s a German baker living in St. Louis was making a cake when he “mistakenly” reversed the proportions of butter and flour. Since it was during The Great Depression, he didn’t throw out the cake, but rather baked it. And the heavenly, buttery dessert was born.

Ooey gooey butter cake is often served as a coffee cake. Because it only requires a few common ingredients, it’s easy to whip up for kids, guests, parties, or just yourself!

Ingredients:

• 1 (18 ounce) package yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 3 eggs, divided
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar, divided

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 F.
• Mix cake mix, butter and one egg.
• Pour into a 9×13 inch pan. Evenly pat mixture to pan.
• In separate large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy.
• Add two remaining eggs. Mix well.
• Carefully mix in 1.5 cups powdered sugar.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes, until top is golden.
• Allow to cool. Dust on remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar.
• Cut into bars and serve.

Variations:

• Chocolate version – Before placing cake in oven, sprinkle on 1 cup of mini chocolate chips over top of cake.
• Pecan crust version – Add one cup of crushed pecan to package of yellow cake package. Mix thoroughly.

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley