History of Gooey Butter Cake

Gooey Butter Cake is a beloved dessert that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people all over St. Louis, Missouri, and beyond. With its gooey, buttery, and sweet texture, this cake has become a staple in the city’s culinary culture.

But where did it all start? What is the history of Gooey Butter Cake? In this article, we will explore the fascinating story behind this iconic dessert, from its accidental creation to its widespread popularity today.

The Accidental Creation of Gooey Butter Cake

The story of Gooey Butter Cake began in the 1930s in St. Louis. Legend has it that a baker was trying to make a traditional cake but accidentally mixed up the ingredients. Instead of using the usual cake ingredients, the baker added too much butter and sugar to the mix. The result was a dense, gooey, and rich cake that was unlike anything anyone had ever tasted before. The cake was an instant hit and quickly became a staple in St. Louis.

The Evolution of Gooey Butter Cake

Over the years, Gooey Butter Cake has evolved and changed to suit different tastes and preferences. In the 1940s, a variation of the original recipe was created, adding cream cheese to the mix to make the cake even richer and more decadent. This variation became known as the “Cream Cheese Gooey Butter Cake” and remains a popular choice today.

The Popularity of Gooey Butter Cake Today

Gooey Butter Cake is now a beloved dessert that is synonymous with St. Louis. It can be found in bakeries, cafes, and restaurants all over the city and has even spread to other parts of the country. In recent years, the cake has gained national attention, with several food critics and celebrities raving about its deliciousness. In 2008, Gooey Butter Cake was declared the official dessert of St. Louis, cementing its place in the city’s culinary history.

How to Make Gooey Butter Cake

If you want to try your hand at making Gooey Butter Cake, here is a simple recipe to follow:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, 1 egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.
3. Pour the cake mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
4. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs and beat until well combined.
5. Add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.
6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake mixture and spread it out evenly.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and the center is set.
8. Let the cake cool completely before cutting and serving.

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