Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Carne Diem
Origin: American Midwest
Jump to RecipeGooey Butter cake has quickly become one of our go to desserts since moving back to the Midwest. This rich and decadent dessert is super easy to make and can be made in your oven or even on your smoker or pellet grill. This chocolate gooey better cake with marshmallow and graham cracker is one of the best ooey gooey butter cake recipes we have found.
Table of contents
History of Gooey Butter Cake
Gooey Butter Cake is another classic example of a St. Louis native messing up a recipe and it turning into something fantastic. The origin of this dessert is believed to have been in the 1930's when a St. Louis baker accidentally mixed up his ratios of flour and butter. The result was actually something they enjoyed so they began selling it at their shop. Gooey Butter Cake became a huge hit in St. Louis and, similar to fried ravioli, become another example of a happy accident resulting in a dish that became iconic across the city.
How to make Smores Gooey Butter Cake
For this version we make a smores version of the famous St. Louis dessert. This version can be made in your oven but is also a great dessert to make on your smoker or grill for that classic smores taste.
To make this Smores Gooey Butter Cake you will need chocolate cake mix, eggs, butter, powdered sugar, cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, vanilla, marshmallows and Graham crackers.
Prepare the crust for the Chocolate Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Making the crust is super easy. In a bowl simply mix together the chocolate cake mix, 1 beaten egg, and melted butter. Mix together until smooth.
Spread the chocolate butter cake crust on the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Spread to all of the edges and corners.
Apply the marshmallow layer
Next it is time to spread the marshmallow layer for you Smores Gooey Butter Cake. Spread the marshmallow fluff in an even layer over the chocolate butter cake crust.
Prepare the Sweet Cream Layer
To make the cream cheese layer for the gooey butter cake you will need 1 box of powdered sugar, vanilla extract, 8 ounces softened cream cheese, and 2 eggs.
Beat the eggs together with the powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and free of lumps. Next mix in the softened cream cheese and mix until smooth.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the marshmallow layer.
Finally, top the dessert with about ¼ cup of marshmallows. Of course we won't tell if you want to increase the amount of marshmallows.
Cooking your Smores Gooey Butter Cake
Now it is time to cook your chocolate gooey butter cake with marshmallows. Prepare your oven or smoker by preheating to 350 degrees. You can use any smoker for this recipe but be prefer to make the gooey butter cake on a pellet smoker, as it gives a more subtle smoke flavor. If using a smoker to cook your dessert choose a mild wood such as apple or cherry.
Cook the St. Louis gooey butter cake for 40-45 minutes, turning half way through. The center of the dessert may still have a little jiggle to it but the edges should be set and slightly browned.
Once done cooking, remove the smoked gooey butter cake from the smoker or oven and top with the crushed Graham crackers. If desired you can top with some chocolate shavings as well.
Allow the gooey butter cake to cool before serving. The dessert can be stored in the refrigerator overnight prior to serving if needed.
When you are ready to serve, cut the Smores Gooey Butter Cake into squares and get ready to enjoy your smoked dessert.
For more great grilled and smoked desserts, be sure to check out our Grilled Peaches with Amaretto Whipped Cream, RumChata French Toast, and Bourbon Maple Pecan Pie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Like most foods made famous in St. Louis, the recipe for gooey butter cake was a result of messing up a recipe. The recipe was "created" in the 1030's when a local St. Louis baker accidentally mixed up his ratios of flour and butter. This "mistake" became a huge hit in St. Louis and the rest is history.
Leftover gooey butter cake is ok to be left at room temperature for about 2 days, beyond that it should be refrigerated.
No, gooey butter cake is a very simple dessert to make.
No, gooey butter cake is rich and delicious but it is not healthy. With most recipes ranging from 300-600 calories per serving even Paula Dean may blush at the nutritional facts of this dessert.
Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. If you tried and enjoyed our recipe, please share with others and please leave us a comment and review. We also love to see your pics so don’t forget to tag us @Carne_Diem_Culinary or #CarneDiemBlog. To be notified of future recipes please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest, or sign up for our e-mail notifications. Until next time, Carne Diem!
📖 Recipe
Smores Gooey Butter Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box Chocolate Cake Mix Without pudding
- 1 stick Melted Butter
- 1 Egg Well beaten
- 8 ounce Cream Cheese
- 1 box Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 eggs
- 2 Graham Crackers Crushed
- 1 jar Marshmallow Fluff
- ¼ cup Marshmallows
Instructions
- In a bowl mix together the chocolate cake mix, 1 beaten egg, and melted butter. Mix together until smooth.
- Spread the chocolate butter cake crust on the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Spread to all of the edges and corners.
- Spread the marshmallow fluff on to of the chocolate layer.
- In a bowl combine the powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 eggs. Beat together until combined, then beat in the softened cream cheese.
- Spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the marshmallow layer. Add the marshmallows to the top of the dessert.
- Preheat your oven or smoker to 350 degrees. Bake the Gooey Butter Cake for 40-45 minutes turning half way through. The center may still have a little giggle but the edges should be set.
- Remove the gooey better cake for the oven or smoker. Sprinkle the crushed Graham crackers on top of the dessert and allow to cool fully before serving.
Nutrition
Comments
No Comments