Gooey Butter (and Jam) Cake

Everyone knows the first rule of Gooey Butter Cake— it tastes better than it looks.  Typically, I go for desserts that “look pretty,” but for some reason, I LOVE this cake. Maybe it’s because I am from St. Louis, Missouri and this cake is very popular there.  A baker in St. Louis developed this cake during WWII. This cake is so popular in St. Louis, that the local Walgreens stores sell it by the slice.  This cake is rich, GOOEY, and slight crispy on the edges.  If you are familiar with this cake, you know it’s good on its own but today I paired it with some AJC jam. The fall jam served with it helps make this cake feel super seasonal . It also elevates it slightly for those who aren’t so familiar with the messy, gooey, squares.

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to take a picture and use the hashtag #AustinJamCompanyEATS

Gooey Butter Cake:

• 1 stick of butter (the real deal)
• 1 box of yellow cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1 8oz package of cream cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
• 4 cups of powdered sugar
• Any Flavor of Austin Jam Company jam for serving

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350.
2. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Make sure you pan is deep enough, this cake rises.
3. Melt butter.
4. Stir melted butter into the cake mix, then add 1 egg and mix well.
5. Spread the mixture into the pan. Press the dough down flat using a spatula.
6. In a mixing bowl, add cream cheese, almond extract,  powdered sugar, and 2 remaining eggs.
7. Mix well using a stand or hand mixture. There should be no lumps, you want it nice and smooth. Should take about 3-5 minutes on medium to high speed.
8. Pour mixture over the cake dough. Spread evenly.  
9. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes, until golden brown on top. The cooking time is approximate, watch the cake as it gets towards the end of the baking time.  You will start to notice a thin paper like golden crust on top, that’s why you know it’s finished.
10. Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting. If you cut while it’s hot, the squares will fall apart. It takes awhile for it to cool so feel free to cut a little square sample while it’s still hot.  :)
11. Dust with powdered sugar.
12. Serve on a tray with AJC jam. You can do a drizzle, dot on top, or just serve on the side. The jam adds a nice fruity fall flavor to the delicious gooey cake!