The Best Gooey Lemon Butter Cake Recipe

An ooey gooey butter cake is a delightful dessert that is loved by most, if not all, people. Especially if it uses good quality butter, the chew and mouth-feel is unmatched amongst any other sweet treat. And if there’s one thing you could add to a heavy dessert that has a higher fat content, it’s a tart and sour citrus flavor that has the ability to cut right through it.

The lemon doesn’t just balance the butter; it elevates it to create an extravagant dessert that will impress even the harshest critics (I’m looking at you dinner host queen and king!). And the best part is, this recipe uses cake mix, so you can breeze through the prep with ease and convenience to give you more time to handle the rest of your to-do list.

Since you are here and love lemon recipes, check out these Chilled Crumbl Lemon Bar Cookies, this Small Batch Lemon Bars Recipe, this fudgy white chocolate brownie recipe or this Small Batch Lemon Curd Recipe.

Ingredients for this gooey butter lemon cake recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this easy gooey butter cake recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements. 

Lemon Cake Base

• Lemon Cake Mix: provides a quick and flavorful foundation with built-in lemon flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: adds richness and moisture.
• Large Eggs: add structure and help hold the base together while keeping it tender.
• Lemon Zest: boosts the bright citrus aroma and adds a soft touch to the lemon flavor.
• Lemon Juice: adds a tart freshness that balances the richness of the buttery base.

Lemony Cream Cheese Layer

• Cream Cheese: creates the rich custard layer that bakes into a creamy topping.
• Large Eggs: help thicken the custard as it bakes.
• Powdered Sugar: adds sweetness and helps to create a gooey center by not adding the extra weight that granulated sugar would.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: brightens the custard with a fresh citrus punch that cuts through the richness.
• Vanilla Extract: adds warmth and depth to the tangy lemon and cream cheese.
• Lemon Zest: enhances the tart lemon flavour and aroma in the gooey filling.

How to make this gooey butter lemon cake recipe

This is how you can make this classic gooey butter cake. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the oven temp, prep time, baking total time, and complete step-by-step instructions! 

1. Start by preheating your oven, lightly grease a 9-inch springform baking pan, and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice with an electric mixer on low speed or a silicone spatula. Stir the cake batter until a thick dough forms, then press it into the bottom of your prepared pan in an even layer to create the crust.

1. Whip the softened cream cheese in a separate large bowl until it’s completely smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until the gooey cream cheese filling is creamy and well combined.

1. Pour the lemony cream cheese mixture over the buttery lemon crust, spreading it onto the cake layer. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the middle of the cake has just a gentle wobble.
2. Let the entire cake cool for at least an hour before unclipping the springform ring. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar on the top layer.

Gooey Lemon Butter Cake Tips and Tricks

• Buy a higher-quality boxed cake mix and brand of butter if you’re able to, so that you get the best flavor.
• Use a kitchen scale instead of a measuring cup to weigh your ingredients for a more accurate measurement.
• Use room temperature cream cheese because it blends smoother and gives your gooey lemon layer a better texture.
• Pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours before slicing for the best results.

Why do you need to make this moist cake recipe?

• This easy cake mix recipe uses only simple ingredients that you might already have or can find at any grocery store.
• It’s an amazing cake for people who are fans of lemon desserts.
• Gooey cakes have an incredible texture that you don’t get from many other desserts.
• The butter and lemon flavors and the different top and bottom layer textures create the most perfect balance ever.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

That’s not a problem. You can use a regular 9×9-inch baking dish instead. You will just need to line it with parchment and leave some overhang on the sides of the pan so you can lift the cake out when it’s finished.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! This cake actually gets better as it sits because the flavors have more time to infuse together. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

How do I store leftovers of this gooey butter lemon cake?

You can either keep leftovers on a serving plate, covered in plastic wrap, or sealed in an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

Can I freeze?

Of course, you can also freeze the slices for longer storage. To do so, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and thaw in the fridge before enjoying. They should last in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Can I make this lemon gooey butter cake gluten-free?

Yes, all you would need is to use a gluten-free lemon cake mix and you’ll be good to go. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice and zest will always be better when you’re trying to get that vibrant, tangy flavor that really makes this dessert shine. However, I do understand that life gets busy, and bottled lemon juice can save you time, so yes, you can use it.

The Best Gooey Butter Lemon Cake Recipe