Lemon Gooey Butter Cake (Printable version)

Tangy, creamy lemon cake with buttery base and irresistible gooey texture.

# List of ingredients:

→ Base Layer

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1 large egg

→ Gooey Lemon Topping

04 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
07 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly with butter.
02 - In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
03 - Transfer dough to prepared pan and press evenly across the bottom using your hands or the back of a measuring cup to create a uniform base layer.
04 - In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
05 - Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on medium-high speed until fluffy and completely smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape down bowl as needed.
06 - Pour the lemon cream cheese mixture over the crust base and spread into an even layer with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly but not liquid—do not overbake.
07 - Let the cake cool completely in the pan, about 1-2 hours. The center will set as it cools. Cut into 12 squares and dust with additional powdered sugar if desired. Serve at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The texture is absolutely magical, somewhere between cake, custard, and cookie, with that signature gooey center that makes people swoon
  • It uses mostly pantry ingredients plus a box of cake mix, so you can throw it together on a whim when dessert cravings hit
  • The bright lemon cuts through all that buttery richness, making each square feel surprisingly light despite being utterly indulgent
02 -
  • Do not overbake this cake, because that slightly jiggly center transforms into the signature gooey texture as it cools
  • Room temperature ingredients blend together more easily, so take your cream cheese and eggs out at least 30 minutes before starting
03 -
  • Use the bottom of a flat measuring cup to press the crust into the pan, creating an even layer without warming the dough with your hands
  • If you want extra lemon flavor, brush the warm crust with a little lemon juice before pouring on the topping

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