The Marcus Cake Gooey Butter Cake sits at the crossroads of dessert perfection – part cake, part confection, and entirely delicious. This famous St. Louis specialty has gained fans across the country for good reason. With its rich, buttery base and melt-in-your-mouth sweet topping, this cake delivers an experience that few desserts can match.
What makes the Marcus Cake version special is its perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Unlike other gooey butter cakes that can be overly sweet or lack depth, this recipe creates layers of flavor that build with each bite. The crisp edge gives way to a soft center that practically melts on your tongue.
Originating in the 1930s, gooey butter cake has an interesting backstory. As the story goes, a St. Louis baker made a mistake with the proportions of butter in a yellow cake recipe. Rather than starting over, he served the “mistake” – and customers fell in love with it. The Marcus Cake variation perfects this happy accident with additions that enhance the original concept.
You don’t need to be a master baker to create this memorable dessert. The process remains surprisingly simple despite the complex flavors you’ll achieve. In about an hour of total time, with just 15 minutes of hands-on work, you can create a dessert that will impress friends and family. The ingredients are staples you likely already have in your pantry.
Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth, the Marcus Cake Gooey Butter Cake promises to deliver something truly special. Let’s explore what makes this recipe worth the minimal effort required to create such a spectacular result.Réessayer
2. Key Benefits
The Marcus Cake Gooey Butter Cake offers several advantages that set it apart from other desserts, making it worth both your time and effort to prepare.
Simple Ingredients, Amazing Results – This cake relies on basic pantry staples rather than specialty items. You won’t need to make a special trip to the store or search for hard-to-find ingredients. With flour, butter, sugar, and a few other common items, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came from a high-end bakery.
Versatile for Any Occasion – The Marcus Cake Gooey Butter Cake fits perfectly at casual family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even elegant dinner parties. Its rich taste feels special enough for important events while remaining approachable for everyday enjoyments.
Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare this cake up to two days in advance, making it perfect for busy hosts. In fact, many people find the flavors develop and improve after the first day, as the buttery notes deepen and the texture settles into perfect gooeyness.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal – This cake consistently earns rave reviews from guests of all ages. The combination of the cake-like bottom and custard-like top creates a texture contrast that appeals to nearly everyone. Even dessert skeptics tend to fall for its charms.
Easily Customizable – While the classic version stands perfectly on its own, this recipe serves as an excellent base for variations. Add fruit, chocolate, nuts, or spices to create seasonal versions or match specific taste preferences.
Impressive Yet Approachable – Few desserts deliver such impressive results with such a straightforward process. You’ll get the satisfaction of creating something special without the stress of complicated techniques or precise timing.
Comforting Nostalgic Flavors – The buttery, vanilla-forward profile of this cake connects with deeply rooted food memories. It offers the kind of simple, honest pleasure that reminds people of home baking and special family recipes.
These benefits combine to make the Marcus Cake Gooey Butter Cake not just another dessert recipe but a valuable addition to your cooking repertoire. The skills and techniques used here transfer well to other baking projects, making this recipe educational as well as delicious.Réessayer
3. Ingredients
Creating the perfect Marcus Cake Gooey Butter Cake requires two distinct layers—a cake base and a gooey topping. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delightful dessert.
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
For the Gooey Topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3¾ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for a citrus variation)
For Serving:
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries work well)
- High-quality vanilla ice cream
Ingredient Notes:
Cake Mix Selection: While any yellow cake mix works, brands with pudding in the mix create an extra-moist base. The Marcus Cake version specifically works best with a butter-flavored yellow cake mix for enhanced richness.
Cream Cheese Quality: Full-fat cream cheese produces the best results. Low-fat versions contain more water and can make the filling runny rather than pleasantly gooey.
Butter Type: Unsalted butter gives you better control over the salt content. If you only have salted butter, simply omit the added salt in both layers.
Room Temperature Ingredients: The eggs and cream cheese should sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. This ensures proper mixing and a smoother texture in the final cake.
Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar dissolves easily into the gooey layer. Sifting isn’t strictly necessary but helps prevent lumps in the topping.
Extracts: Pure vanilla extract (not imitation) provides the best flavor. The small amount of almond extract adds depth without overwhelming the vanilla notes.
All ingredients should be fresh for optimal results. Check your baking powder (in the cake mix) and make sure your powdered sugar hasn’t absorbed any moisture for the best texture and rise.Réessayer
4. Instructions
Follow these step-by-step directions to create the perfect Marcus Cake Gooey Butter Cake. The process breaks down into manageable stages: preparing your equipment, making the base layer, creating the gooey topping, and baking it all to perfection.
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven for even heat distribution.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. For easier removal, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to use as handles later.
- Gather all ingredients and allow cold items (eggs, cream cheese) to reach room temperature.
Making the Cake Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt (if using).
- Mix everything together using a stand mixer with paddle attachment on low speed, or by hand with a wooden spoon. The mixture will be quite thick and somewhat crumbly – this is normal.
- Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to create a smooth, even layer. Make sure to press the mixture all the way to the edges of the pan.
- Set aside while you prepare the topping. Don’t worry if the base looks dry at this point – it will absorb moisture during baking.
Creating the Gooey Topping
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps, about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Pour in the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and melted butter. Beat until the mixture looks smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to avoid a sugar cloud.
- Once all the sugar has been added, increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 1-2 minutes until the topping becomes slightly fluffy and completely smooth.
- Add salt (if using) and give the mixture one final stir.
Assembly and Baking
- Pour the gooey topping mixture over the cake base, spreading it evenly with a spatula all the way to the edges.
- If adding optional ingredients like white chocolate chips or chopped pecans, sprinkle them evenly over the top now.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are set and golden brown, but the center still looks slightly underbaked and jiggles a bit when you gently shake the pan. This is crucial for achieving the signature gooey texture.
- Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire cooling rack. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, which will take at least 2 hours. The center will continue to set as it cools.
- For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour after cooling before cutting and serving.
Final Touches
- Before serving, dust the top with additional powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
The Marcus Cake Gooey Butter Cake tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to develop fully. If making ahead for a special occasion, prepare it the day before and store in the refrigerator overnight.Réessayer
5. Pro Tips and Variations
After making countless versions of this beloved dessert, I’ve discovered several tricks and variations that can elevate your Marcus Cake Gooey Butter Cake from excellent to extraordinary. These insider tips address common issues and offer creative twists on the classic recipe.
Expert Baking Tips
Perfect Pan Preparation: Butter the sides of your baking pan thoroughly, even if using parchment paper on the bottom. This prevents the gooey layer from sticking as it rises and sets.
Visual Doneness Cues: The cake should have a light golden-brown top with slightly darker edges. The center will still wobble when gently shaken – trust this visual cue even if your instinct says to bake longer.
Cooling Method: For the perfect texture, cool the cake completely at room temperature before refrigerating. Rushing this process can cause the cake to sink too much in the center.
Cutting Clean Slices: Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before cutting. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each cut for photo-worthy slices.
Fixing a Too-Gooey Center: If your cake seems too soft in the center after cooling, refrigerate it for 3-4 hours. The cold temperature will firm up the filling to the perfect consistency.
Reviving Day-Old Cake: If the cake has been refrigerated and seems too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving to restore its gooey quality.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Marcus Cake
Replace the yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix and add ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips to the gooey layer. Reduce the powdered sugar to 3½ cups and add 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the topping for a double-chocolate experience.
Lemon Burst Gooey Butter Cake
Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon zest and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice to the gooey layer. Replace ¼ cup of powdered sugar with ¼ cup lemon curd for bright citrus flavor that cuts through the richness.
Cinnamon Roll Inspired
Add 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to the cake base and 1 teaspoon to the gooey layer. Drizzle the cooled cake with a simple glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla.
Salted Caramel Twist
Add ½ cup of caramel bits to the gooey layer and sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of flaky sea salt on top before baking. After the cake cools, drizzle with 3 tablespoons of warmed caramel sauce.
Pumpkin Spice Variation
Replace ¼ cup of butter in the gooey layer with ⅓ cup of pumpkin puree. Add 1½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice to the topping. This autumn-inspired version pairs wonderfully with coffee.
Coconut Paradise
Add ¾ cup of sweetened shredded coconut to the cake base. For the topping, replace the almond extract with coconut extract and sprinkle another ¼ cup of coconut on top before baking.
Make-Ahead Options
This cake can be prepared in stages for convenience:
- Make the base up to a day ahead, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate
- Prepare the entire cake up to 3 days before serving
- Freeze the fully baked and cooled cake for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator
Try these variations and tips to customize your Marcus Cake Gooey Butter Cake to suit any occasion or preference. Each version maintains the beloved gooey texture while offering a new flavor experience that friends and family will request again and again.Réessayer
6. Serving Suggestions
The perfect Marcus Cake Gooey Butter Cake deserves to be showcased in ways that enhance its rich flavor and unique texture. Here are some serving ideas that will take this already delicious dessert to new heights.
Classic Presentations
Simple Elegance: Serve squares of the cake on small dessert plates with a light dusting of powdered sugar. This minimalist approach lets the cake’s flavor shine without distraction.
Bakery Style: Cut larger portions and serve them in paper liners or wrapped in parchment, just like you’d find in a high-end pastry shop. This presentation makes the cake portable for picnics or bake sales.
Coffee Shop Worthy: Place a slice on a white plate with a small dollop of whipped cream and a mint leaf for a presentation that looks professional yet takes only seconds to arrange.
Complementary Pairings
Fresh Fruit Partners: The richness of this cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries. Try a side of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to add color and a tart contrast to the sweet cake.
Ice Cream Additions: A small scoop of vanilla ice cream beside a warm slice creates a hot-and-cold contrast that brings out the buttery notes in the cake. For more adventurous palates, try coffee or butter pecan ice cream.
Sauce Drizzles: A thin stream of warm chocolate sauce, caramel, or raspberry coulis creates visual appeal and adds another flavor dimension. Use a squeeze bottle to create professional-looking patterns.
Beverage Companions
Coffee Pairings: The cake’s sweetness pairs perfectly with coffee. Try it with a strong black coffee, cappuccino, or espresso to balance the sweetness.
Tea Selections: A robust black tea or chai tea makes an excellent companion. The spices in chai particularly complement the vanilla notes in the cake.
Dessert Wines: For adult gatherings, pair with a small glass of dessert wine. Try a late-harvest Riesling or a tawny port for a sophisticated pairing.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer Serving: During warm months, chill the cake thoroughly and serve with a side of lemon sorbet for a refreshing contrast.
Fall Festivities: In autumn, warm a slice for 10-15 seconds in the microwave and serve with cinnamon-spiced whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Winter Warmth: During cold months, serve slightly warm with a pour of warm vanilla custard sauce for a comforting dessert.
Spring Celebrations: For spring gatherings, arrange slices on a platter with fresh edible flowers and a side of honey-sweetened Greek yogurt.
Special Occasion Ideas
Birthday Alternative: Use this cake as an unexpected substitute for traditional birthday cake. Add a candle to individual slices for a personal touch.
Dessert Bar Star: Cut into smaller pieces and include as part of a dessert bar, where guests can sample multiple treats. Label it as a “St. Louis Specialty” for an educational touch.
Holiday Gift: Bake in small disposable aluminum pans to give as holiday gifts. Include a note with reheating instructions and serving suggestions.
Remember, the Marcus Cake Gooey Butter Cake shines brightest when served at room temperature or just slightly warm. If refrigerated, allow it to sit out for 20-30 minutes before serving to achieve that perfect gooey texture that makes this dessert so special.Réessayer
7. Conclusion
The Marcus Cake Gooey Butter Cake stands as a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something truly remarkable. This beloved St. Louis classic, with its perfect balance of textures and flavors, has earned its place in the pantheon of American desserts for good reason.
What makes this recipe special isn’t complicated techniques or rare ingredients. Instead, it’s the thoughtful combination of everyday components that create something greater than the sum of its parts. The contrast between the firm cake base and the melt-in-your-mouth gooey top layer creates an eating experience that satisfies on multiple levels.
I’ve shared this cake with friends at casual gatherings and served it at more formal dinner parties, and the reaction is always the same – people can’t get enough. They’re often surprised to learn how straightforward the recipe is, given the complex flavors and perfect texture.
The versatility of this cake adds to its appeal. As outlined in the variations section, you can adapt it to suit any season or occasion. From chocolate lovers to fruit enthusiasts, there’s a version of this gooey butter cake for everyone.
Perhaps what I appreciate most about this recipe is its reliability. Even bakers with limited experience can achieve impressive results by following the instructions carefully. The detailed tips provided help you navigate potential pitfalls and ensure success.
Remember that patience plays a key role in this recipe. Allowing proper cooling time lets the cake develop its signature texture. And while it might be tempting to serve it immediately, the flavor actually improves after a day, making this an ideal make-ahead dessert.
As you master this Marcus Cake Gooey Butter Cake recipe, you’ll likely find yourself returning to it again and again. You might even develop your own signature variation. That’s the beauty of these heritage recipes – they provide a solid foundation while leaving room for personal creativity.
I hope this gooey butter cake brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. From first-time bakers to seasoned professionals, this recipe offers something special for everyone who tries it.Réessayer
8. FAQs
What makes a Marcus Cake Gooey Butter Cake different from regular butter cake?
The Marcus Cake version of Gooey Butter Cake features two distinct layers – a firm cake-like bottom and a soft, custard-like top layer. Unlike traditional butter cakes that have a uniform crumb throughout, this cake deliberately maintains that signature gooey center. The Marcus variation specifically emphasizes a perfect balance of sweetness and incorporates high-quality vanilla for enhanced flavor.
Can I make this cake without a cake mix?
Yes, you can make this cake with a homemade cake base instead of boxed mix. For a from-scratch base, combine 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Then add the same butter, egg, and vanilla called for in the original recipe. This homemade version has a slightly different texture but delivers excellent results.
Why is my gooey butter cake too runny in the center?
If your cake seems too runny after cooling completely, it likely needs more baking time. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven. Another common cause is not allowing the cake to cool fully before cutting – the cooling process continues to set the filling. Refrigerating for at least 2 hours after cooling at room temperature will help firm up a too-soft center.
How do I store leftover gooey butter cake?
Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s completely cool before covering to prevent condensation. For best texture when serving leftovers, let the cake come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. You can also freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
Is this cake supposed to sink in the middle?
A slight dip in the center is normal and part of what creates the cake’s signature gooey texture. As the cake cools, the center will settle somewhat. If you notice extreme sinking, your oven temperature might be too high – consider buying an oven thermometer to check accuracy. Also, avoid opening the oven door during the first 30 minutes of baking.
Can I use a different size pan for this recipe?
While a 9×13-inch pan is standard, you can adapt this recipe for different pan sizes. For an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square pan, use half the ingredients and increase baking time by about 5 minutes. For a round 9-inch cake pan, use two-thirds of the recipe. The cake will be thicker, so add 7-10 minutes to the baking time and watch carefully for doneness.
Why did my cake base turn out too hard?
A tough cake base usually results from overworking the mixture or overpacking it into the pan. Mix the base ingredients just until combined and press into the pan with gentle, even pressure. Also, make sure your oven isn’t too hot, as this can overcook the base before the top layer sets properly.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
While traditional gooey butter cake relies heavily on dairy products, you can create a dairy-free version. Replace butter with the same amount of dairy-free buttery sticks. Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The texture will be slightly different, but the cake will still have that signature gooey quality.
How far in advance can I make this for a party?
You can make the gooey butter cake up to 3 days in advance. In fact, many people find the flavor improves after the first day as the vanilla and butter notes deepen. Make the cake, cool completely, and refrigerate until the day of your event. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I add fruit to this cake?
Fresh fruit can add too much moisture to the cake and prevent proper setting. Instead, use dried fruits (like dried cherries or blueberries) folded into the filling, or serve fresh fruit alongside the cake. If you’re set on incorporating fresh fruit, sprinkle a small amount over the cake base before adding the gooey layer, and reduce the amount of butter in the topping by 1-2 tablespoons to compensate for the extra moisture.