What Is Gooey Butter Cake?
Gooey Butter Cake is a dense cake that originated in St.
Louis, Missouri.
It is typically about an inch tall and made with wheat cake flour, butter, sugar, and eggs.
The cake is dusted with powdered sugar and often served as a coffee cake.
There are two main versions of the cake: the original St.
Louis Bakers’ version made with a yeast-raised sweet dough and a cream cheese and commercial yellow cake mix variant.
The cream cheese variant is easier to make at home.
The cake is best enjoyed fresh and at room temperature or warm.
It became popular during the Great Depression and is now widely available outside of St.
Louis, including at grocery stores and specialized businesses.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Gooey Butter Cake originated accidentally in St. Louis, Missouri, when a baker made a mistake while preparing a traditional coffee cake batter, resulting in a deliciously gooey dessert.
2. Despite its name, Gooey Butter Cake is not actually a cake, but more closely resembles a cross between a cake and a sweet, custard-like bar.
3. Gooey Butter Cake has made its way into popular culture, with references in movies like “The Blind Side” and TV shows like “The Office,” where it even inspired an episode titled “St. Louis.”
4. In 2014, the city of St. Louis officially declared Gooey Butter Cake as its signature dessert, solidifying its place in local culinary heritage.
5. One of the most interesting variations of Gooey Butter Cake is the “Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake,” which adds a rich chocolate layer on top of the traditional gooey base, creating a delectable fusion of flavors.
Origin Of Gooey Butter Cake In St. Louis, Missouri
Gooey butter cake is a beloved dessert that originated in St. Louis, Missouri. This dense cake is made with wheat cake flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. It is typically about an inch tall and has a gooey, buttery texture that is simply irresistible.
The origin of this delectable treat has different stories. One suggests that it was an accidental creation in the 1930s by a German American baker. Legend has it that this baker mistakenly mixed up the proportions of butter and flour, resulting in the unique texture of gooey butter cake.
Another story claims that the cake was born during the Great Depression when baking supplies were scarce. Bakers had to get creative with limited ingredients, and thus, gooey butter cake came to be.
Some key points to remember about gooey butter cake:
- Originated in St. Louis, Missouri
- Dense cake made with wheat cake flour
- Contains butter, sugar, and eggs
- Typically about an inch tall
- Irresistibly gooey and buttery
“Gooey butter cake is a delicious and unique treat that holds a special place in the hearts of St. Louis residents.”
For a more detailed view, here are some bullet points summarizing the information:
- Originated in St. Louis, Missouri
- Dense cake made with wheat cake flour, butter, sugar, and eggs
- Accidentally created by a German American baker or born out of necessity during the Great Depression
- Gooey texture is a result of a baking mishap or creative use of limited ingredients
Note: The blockquote is used for emphasis and to draw attention to the quote about gooey butter cake being a beloved treat in St. Louis.
Ingredients And Preparation Of Gooey Butter Cake
To create this mouthwatering gooey butter cake, you will need the following key ingredients:
- Wheat cake flour
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
To start, combine the butter and sugar to create a rich and buttery base. Then, mix in the flour and beaten eggs to form a dense batter. This batter serves as the foundation of the gooey butter cake.
Once the ingredients are well-combined, pour the batter into a baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake the cake at 350°F for approximately 25 to 30 minutes or until it turns a beautiful golden brown.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and generously dust it with powdered sugar. This not only adds a touch of sweetness but also creates a beautiful presentation.
Gooey butter cake is often enjoyed as a coffee cake, making it the perfect companion to a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.
So, to summarize, the steps to make a delicious gooey butter cake are:
- Combine butter and sugar.
- Mix in flour and beaten eggs.
- Pour the batter into a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve with coffee or tea.
Enjoy this delectable treat!
Variants Of Gooey Butter Cake
There are two main versions of gooey butter cake: the original St. Louis Bakers’ gooey butter cake made with a yeast-raised sweet dough, and a cream cheese and commercial yellow cake mix variant. While both versions are delicious, the cream cheese variant has become the more popular and easier option for home bakers.
In the cream cheese variant, a cream cheese and yellow cake mix base is used, resulting in a slightly tangy and sweet flavor profile. This version also tends to have a softer and gooier texture compared to the yeast-raised version.
Whether you prefer the traditional yeast-raised cake or the cream cheese variant, one thing is for certain – both offer a delightful and indulgent dessert experience.
- The original St. Louis Bakers’ gooey butter cake is made with a yeast-raised sweet dough.
- The cream cheese variant uses a cream cheese and yellow cake mix base.
- The cream cheese variant has a slightly tangy and sweet flavor profile.
- The yeast-raised version has a softer and gooier texture.
Enjoying Gooey Butter Cake Fresh And Warm
Gooey butter cake is best enjoyed fresh and at room temperature or slightly warm. When served warm, the cake becomes even more gooey and decadent, making it difficult to resist. The texture of the cake becomes soft and almost melts in your mouth, creating a truly satisfying experience for your taste buds.
To fully savor the gooey butter cake, it is recommended to pair it with a hot beverage, such as coffee or tea, to balance out the sweetness. The warmth of the drink complements the softness of the cake, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Historical Significance Of Gooey Butter Cake
During the Great Depression, when baking supplies were scarce, bakers had to be creative in making delicious treats with limited ingredients. Gooey butter cake emerged as a popular choice with its simple yet satisfying recipe that could be made with pantry staples.
The gooey butter cake provided comfort and a sense of indulgence, despite the challenging period. Its texture and buttery flavor quickly made it a beloved dessert among St. Louis residents, symbolizing resilience and resourcefulness.
Popularity And Availability Of Gooey Butter Cake
Gooey butter cake is not just limited to St. Louis; it has become a popular dessert across the United States. You can find it in grocery stores, independent bakeries, and specialized dessert shops. Even big companies like Panera Bread and Walgreens have their own versions of this delicious cake to cater to its growing fan base.
Nowadays, you don’t have to be in St. Louis to enjoy gooey butter cake. Walmart even offers its own version, making it accessible to people all over the country. Other regions, like the Philadelphia area and the Jersey Shore, have German-style bakeries that put their own twist on this fabulous dessert. Moreover, upscale restaurants in the Midwest and on the West Coast have recognized the allure of gooey butter cake and added it to their menus, allowing diners to savor its delightful flavors.
In popular culture, gooey butter cake has gained recognition beyond just culinary circles. It even appeared in the SyFy television series Defiance, showcasing its appeal and popularity.
The rich history and irresistible flavors of gooey butter cake have captured the hearts of many. Whether you have a warm slice straight out of the oven or enjoy it at a cozy bakery, this delectable treat continues to bring joy to dessert enthusiasts across the nation.
To summarize:
- Gooey butter cake is widely available across the United States.
- It can be found in grocery stores, bakeries, and dessert shops.
- Even big companies like Panera Bread and Walgreens have their own versions.
- Walmart offers its own version, making it accessible nationwide.
- Other regions, like the Philadelphia area and the Jersey Shore, have their own interpretations of gooey butter cake.
- Upscale restaurants in the Midwest and on the West Coast feature gooey butter cake on their menus.
- It has gained recognition in popular culture, appearing in the SyFy television series Defiance.
- Gooey butter cake continues to captivate dessert lovers nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How would you describe a Gooey Butter Cake?
Gooey Butter Cake is a tantalizing treat with layers that will transport you straight to dessert paradise. Imagine a luscious foundation of moist cake batter forming the base, followed by a heavenly combination of fluffy cream cheese and sugar that adds an airy burst of delight. To complete this indulgence, a delicate, crispy layer emerges on top as it bakes, providing a satisfying contrast in texture. It truly is a slice of heaven that will leave you enchanted with its irresistible charm.
Why is it called Gooey Butter Cake?
The name “Gooey Butter Cake” can be attributed to its unique texture and origin. As the story goes, in the 1930s, a German baker had an accidental mishap while preparing a coffee cake batter. The unintended combination of ingredients resulted in a delightful surprise, transforming the cake into a gooey and pudding-like consistency. Due to this distinct characteristic, the baker aptly named it the Gooey Butter Cake, embracing its gooey nature that has since become a beloved feature of this delectable treat.
Why is Gooey Butter Cake so good?
Gooey Butter Cake is irresistibly delicious due to its unique combination of ingredients and baking process. Its traditional recipe starts with a yeasted crust that provides a light and delicate base. The filling, made with a delightful blend of butter, sugar, eggs, corn syrup, and vanilla, adds a creamy and indulgent texture. Once baked, the cake becomes chewy, rich, and almost pudding-like, reminiscent of a decadent vanilla-filled blondie. This combination of flavors and textures creates a dessert that is simply irresistible and consistently leaves taste buds craving more.
What is another name for Gooey Butter Cake?
Another name for Gooey Butter Cake is Cream Cheese Squares. This scrumptious indulgence is loved under various names including Chess Cake, Chess Squares, Texas Gold Bars, and St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake. No matter what it is called, the cake is an absolute treat for the taste buds.