St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake Recipe - Authentic American Dessert

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 10-12

Introduction

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake is a decadent and indulgent dessert that originated in St. Louis, Missouri. This rich and gooey cake is a beloved treat that is perfect for any occasion.

History

The history of St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake dates back to the 1930s when a German baker in St. Louis accidentally mixed up the ingredients for a coffee cake, resulting in a gooey and delicious dessert. The cake quickly became popular in the region and has since become a staple in St. Louis bakeries and homes.

Ingredients

Dough

0.25 cup warm water (110°F (43°C))
4.5 tsp instant yeast
0.5 cup warm milk (110°F (43°C))
0.33 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
0.25 cup (0.5 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
0.25 tsp salt
2.5 cup all-purpose flour, divided

Gooey butter topping

2.5 cup granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
Dash salt
1 egg
0.25 cup light corn syrup
2.33 cup all-purpose flour
0.25 cup warm water (110°F (43°C))
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
confectioners' sugar, for sprinkling

How to prepare

For the dough, combine water and yeast in the mixing bowl of an electric mixer. Whisk by hand to mix, then let it stand for a few minutes.
Stir in milk, sugar, vanilla, butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour.
Switch to the dough hook and knead on slow speed, sprinkling in as much of the remaining 0.5 cup of flour as needed, until the dough is smooth, about 5 to 8 minutes.
Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 45 to 60 minutes, or until it almost doubles in size.
Meanwhile, prepare the gooey butter topping. Combine granulated sugar, butter, salt, egg, corn syrup, flour, water, and vanilla in the work bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Process for 20 to 30 seconds, or until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. (Alternatively, beat with an electric mixer until well mixed.)
To assemble, generously spray two 9-inch square baking pans with nonstick cooking spray. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Gently punch down the dough. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Press one portion into each prepared pan, pressing lightly to fit.
Use your fingertips to crimp the edges about halfway up the sides of the pan to create a border (this prevents the gooey butter from running underneath). Use a fork to prick a few holes in the dough to prevent bubbling (do not prick the dough all the way through).
Divide the gooey butter into two equal portions and spread it over the dough in each pan. Let it stand, uncovered, for 25 minutes.
Place the pans on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (177°C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes. The topping should be bubbly and golden brown. Do not overbake, as the topping will not be gooey if the cakes are baked for too long.
Remove the pans from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool until the topping settles and the cake is just slightly warmer than room temperature.
Sprinkle the tops with confectioners' sugar.
Serve the cakes warm or at room temperature.
Yield: 2 cakes; 10 to 12 servings each.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the gooey butter topping for a warm and spicy flavor.
Mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure it doubles in size.

- Be sure to crimp the edges of the dough to create a border to prevent the gooey butter from running underneath.

- Do not overbake the cake, as the topping will not be gooey if baked for too long.

Serving Suggestions

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake is delicious on its own, but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to let the dough rise before assembling the cake to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Use a food processor or electric mixer to easily mix the gooey butter topping until smooth.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use margarine instead of butter in the dough and topping for a dairy-free version of the cake.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the corn syrup in the topping for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake on a decorative platter dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake pairs well with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake contains dairy, eggs, and wheat.

Summary

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert with a gooey butter topping that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy this delicious treat with friends and family for a special occasion or as a decadent dessert any time.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a hot summer day in St. Louis, and I had just finished a long day of baking in the kitchen. As I sat down to relax with a cup of tea, I flipped through an old recipe book that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother.

There it was, tucked away in the pages like a hidden treasure - the recipe for St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake. The name alone was enough to pique my interest, but as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew I had to give it a try.

I had never heard of such a cake before, but the combination of a buttery crust topped with a gooey, sweet filling sounded absolutely divine. I could practically taste it just from reading the recipe.

The next day, I set to work in the kitchen, following the instructions to a tee. I mixed the butter, sugar, and flour for the crust, pressing it into the bottom of a baking dish to form a firm base. Then, I whipped up the filling - a decadent mixture of cream cheese, eggs, vanilla, and powdered sugar - and poured it over the crust.

As the cake baked in the oven, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, drawing my family in like a magnet. When it was finally ready, I couldn't wait to take my first bite. The crust was perfectly crisp, while the filling was gooey and rich, with just the right amount of sweetness.

My family and I devoured the cake in record time, each of us declaring it the best dessert we had ever tasted. From that moment on, St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake became a staple in our household, a special treat reserved for birthdays, holidays, and any other occasion worth celebrating.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, each of whom has fallen in love with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Some have even gone so far as to say it's the best dessert they've ever had, which always brings a smile to my face.

As I reflect on the journey that led me to discover St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake, I am filled with gratitude for the way in which food has brought joy and connection to my life. Each recipe I have learned and perfected has its own story, its own special place in my heart.

And so, as I continue to bake and cook, passing down the traditions and flavors of my past to future generations, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

In the end, it's not just about the recipes themselves, but the stories and love that go into each dish. And for me, St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and pleasure that can be found in a simple slice of cake shared with loved ones.