A rich, buttery cake with a gooey, sweet topping. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
- For the Cake Base:
- 1 box (18.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- For the Gooey Topping:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box (16 ounces) powdered sugar.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Mix well until a thick batter forms. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Make the Gooey Topping:
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup melted butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the 2 eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake base.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The center may still be slightly gooey, which is desired.
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting and serving.
- Serve:
- Optional: dust with extra powdered sugar before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use real butter instead of margarine.
- You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of almond extract to the topping for a different flavor profile.
- If you would like to add a nut topping, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cream cheese mixture before baking.
- Make sure your cream cheese is very soft, this will help create a smooth topping.
- Cooling the cake is very important, as the topping will continue to firm up as it cools.