Lemon Gooey Butter Cake (Printable)
A luscious tangy treat featuring soft buttery base and creamy lemony topping with irresistible gooey texture
# What You'll Need:
→ Base Layer
01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
02 - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1 large egg
→ Lemon Filling
04 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 3½ cups powdered sugar
07 - ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly with butter.
02 - Combine yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a mixing bowl. Stir until a soft, uniform dough forms.
03 - Press the dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan using your hands or a spatula.
04 - Beat cream cheese until completely smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fluffy and well combined.
05 - Pour the lemon filling over the base layer and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly when shaken.
06 - Let cake cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The texture is absolutely ridiculous like eating a lemon cloud that somehow decided to become cake
- It uses a cake mix shortcut but nobody will ever guess because the result tastes completely homemade
02 -
- Overbaking is the death of this cake, so pull it out when it still jiggles slightly in the center
- The powdered sugar on top is optional but highly recommended for that bakery finish
03 -
- If your cream cheese isn't softened enough, cut it into small cubes and let it sit for 15 minutes before beating
- Run a knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for the cleanest squares