If there’s one dessert that instantly makes me think of family, it’s gooey butter cake. Growing up in Crete, I didn’t know this American treat yet, but when I first tried it years later, it reminded me of the same warmth and love I felt baking with my grandmother. The strawberry ooey gooey butter cake is a fruity twist on the St. Louis classic. It’s rich, buttery, and so simple to prepare that anyone can make it. In this article, we’ll explore the story behind the cake, its irresistible flavor, how to make it step by step, and why it has become such a favorite across kitchens.
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The Best Strawberry Ooey Gooey Butter Cake For Spring & Summer
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This strawberry ooey gooey butter cake is the perfect blend of buttery richness and fruity freshness. A soft strawberry cake base holds a creamy cream cheese layer dotted with fresh strawberries, baked until gooey and irresistible. Ideal for spring and summer gatherings, this dessert is simple to prepare yet indulgent enough for special occasions.
Ingredients
1 package strawberry cake mix
½ cup (113 g) melted butter
4 large eggs, divided
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
¾ cup chopped fresh strawberries
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 pan or springform pan.
In a bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Press into pan for the crust.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese with remaining 3 eggs until smooth.
Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and mix until creamy.
Gently fold in fresh strawberries.
Pour mixture over crust and bake for 35–40 minutes, until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly.
Cool before slicing, then dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Notes
Best served at room temperature.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual slices and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Variations: swap strawberry cake mix for lemon or chocolate, or use other fresh berries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Table of Contents
The Story Behind Strawberry Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
A dessert with a personal touch
When I first discovered strawberry ooey gooey butter cake, it felt like I had found a dessert that speaks to both my love for simple baking and my passion for sharing food with family. The cake starts with a strawberry cake mix pressed into a buttery base, then topped with a cream cheese and sugar layer that bakes into a soft, slightly jiggly center. Every bite is rich, fruity, and comforting exactly the kind of dessert that turns an ordinary day into something memorable.
It instantly reminded me of my childhood in Crete, where baking was never about perfection but about joy. My grandmother used to say that a good cake should make people smile before they even taste it. This recipe does exactly that, especially with the fresh strawberries scattered throughout. They give the cake a pop of color and flavor that balances the richness of the buttery base.
Unlike complicated desserts, strawberry ooey gooey butter cake doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen or fancy techniques. It’s approachable, easy to mix together, and always delivers. That’s what makes it perfect for busy families, beginner bakers, or anyone who wants a dessert that feels homemade without the stress.
From American roots to everyday kitchens
The story of gooey butter cake traces back to St. Louis, Missouri, back in the 1930s. Local stories suggest it came about by accident when a baker added the wrong proportions of butter to a cake recipe. Instead of failing, it turned into a gooey delight that soon became a Midwestern favorite. Over the years, the recipe spread across the country, and many variations appeared including chocolate, lemon, and of course, strawberry.
The strawberry version is special because it adds freshness to a dessert that’s usually all about buttery richness. The fruit keeps it from being too heavy, making it ideal for spring picnics, summer birthdays, or even Valentine’s Day celebrations. Serve it in a round springform pan for an elegant look or bake it in a simple rectangular dish for sharing at potlucks the result will always disappear fast.
Every time I make strawberry ooey gooey butter cake, I think about how recipes travel and evolve. Even though this dessert wasn’t part of my Greek upbringing, the feeling it creates in the kitchen is familiar. Food has a way of connecting people across places and generations, and this cake is proof of that.
In the next section, we’ll go through the step-by-step process so you can bake it at home with ease.
How to Make Strawberry Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Simple ingredients, big flavor
The beauty of strawberry ooey gooey butter cake is how few ingredients it requires. You’ll only need a boxed strawberry cake mix, butter, eggs, cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and fresh strawberries. Nothing fancy or expensive just kitchen staples that transform into something extraordinary. The boxed cake mix creates a sturdy but soft base, the butter makes it rich, and the cream cheese layer bakes into that irresistible gooey topping. When you add fresh strawberries, the cake gets a burst of freshness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
It’s the kind of recipe you can make on a whim no long prep lists or special tools needed. That’s part of its charm and why it shows up so often at family gatherings.
Baking it step by step
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it warms, prepare your baking pan. A springform pan gives a more polished look, but a 9×13 dish is perfect if you’re making it for a crowd.
The crust comes first. Stir together the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. The mixture will feel thick and sticky, but that’s exactly what you want. Press it into the pan, spreading it evenly to form the base.
Next comes the creamy topping. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining three eggs, one at a time, until the batter looks silky. Slowly mix in the confectioners’ sugar, creating a thick, velvety filling. Fold in chopped strawberries carefully so the pieces stay intact, then spread this layer over the crust.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, but the center will still have a soft jiggle that’s the secret to the gooey texture. Resist the urge to bake it until firm, because that would take away what makes this cake special.
When it comes out of the oven, let it cool before slicing. The gooey center needs time to settle, and waiting ensures clean slices. Just before serving, dust the top with confectioners’ sugar. That final touch not only looks beautiful but also adds a hint of sweetness to every bite.
This method is straightforward enough for beginners but satisfying enough for seasoned bakers. It’s the perfect example of a recipe that feels indulgent without requiring hours of effort. Once you’ve made it, you’ll see why strawberry ooey gooey butter cake is so often the star of the dessert table.
Why Strawberry Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Is So Irresistible
The magic of flavor and texture
Every dessert has something that makes it stand out, and for strawberry ooey gooey butter cake, it’s the perfect balance between textures and flavors. The base is slightly chewy and dense from the cake mix and butter, while the top layer stays soft, creamy, and just a little gooey even after baking. This contrast creates a dessert that feels rich but never overwhelming.
The strawberries bring brightness to the buttery layers, cutting through the sweetness and adding freshness in every bite. They also give the cake a gorgeous pink hue that makes it look festive and fun, whether it’s for a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or a casual summer get-together. That’s why people say this cake isn’t just dessert—it’s comfort food that makes the table feel warmer and more inviting.
Perfect for every occasion
Another reason this cake is loved by so many is its versatility. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough for celebrations. Bake it in a springform pan and dust it with confectioners’ sugar for an elegant centerpiece, or make it in a rectangular dish for easy slicing and sharing at potlucks. Either way, it disappears quickly.
The gooey texture also means it pairs beautifully with extras. A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a few extra fresh strawberries on the side can elevate it to an unforgettable dessert.
Families love it because it doesn’t require much effort, yet the result tastes like it came straight from a bakery. It’s also kid-friendly—sweet without being heavy, colorful without needing artificial decorations, and fun to eat.
Food trends come and go, but gooey butter cake has stayed popular for generations because it delivers pure satisfaction. The strawberry version keeps that tradition alive while giving it a fruity twist. No matter where you serve it, this dessert has a way of bringing people closer, because everyone wants just one more slice.
In the next section, we’ll explore tips, variations, and storage ideas so you can adapt strawberry ooey gooey butter cake to your taste and keep it fresh for later.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
Helpful tips for the perfect cake
Even though strawberry ooey gooey butter cake is beginner-friendly, a few simple tricks can make your results even better. Always use room-temperature cream cheese—it blends smoothly and prevents lumps in the topping. When adding the confectioners’ sugar, mix it in gradually instead of dumping it all at once. This keeps the filling creamy and light.
Another key tip is not to overbake. The cake should still have a slight jiggle in the center when it comes out of the oven. If you bake until it’s firm, you’ll lose the gooey texture that makes this dessert so special. Finally, allow it to cool completely before slicing. It may be tempting to cut it right away, but letting it rest ensures neat, even slices.
Fun variations and storage ideas
Once you’ve mastered the classic strawberry version, try experimenting with flavors. Swap the strawberry cake mix for lemon to create a tangy citrus gooey butter cake, or use chocolate cake mix for a rich, decadent twist. You can also fold in blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped peaches for a seasonal spin. Each fruit brings its own flavor and texture, but the gooey cream cheese layer ties everything together.
As for storage, this cake holds up well if you have leftovers. Keep it covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate it for up to five days. Chilling makes the gooey layer firmer, so if you prefer it soft, let slices sit at room temperature before serving. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in airtight containers and thaw them overnight in the fridge.
These variations and storage tips make strawberry ooey gooey butter cake not only delicious but also practical. Whether you’re baking ahead for a party or keeping a few slices tucked away for later, this dessert is as flexible as it is flavorful.
FAQs About Strawberry Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
What are the ingredients for ooey gooey butter cake?
Classic versions use cake mix, butter, eggs, cream cheese, and confectioners’ sugar. For strawberry ooey gooey butter cake, fresh strawberries and a strawberry cake mix give it a fruity twist that sets it apart.
Are you supposed to refrigerate ooey gooey butter cake?
You can leave strawberry ooey gooey butter cake covered at room temperature for a day or two, but refrigeration helps it last up to five days. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best gooey texture.
What state is known for gooey butter cake?
The original gooey butter cake is a St. Louis, Missouri classic. Today, versions like strawberry ooey gooey butter cake are enjoyed everywhere, proving that this regional specialty has become a nationwide favorite.
What is a Neiman Marcus cake?
Sometimes called a “Texas gooey butter cake,” it’s a sweet variation that uses similar ingredients but adds a slightly different flavor twist. Strawberry ooey gooey butter cake is another creative variation, focusing on fruitiness and color.
Why is gooey butter cake so good?
The appeal comes from its contrast of textures—the soft base and creamy top layer. In strawberry ooey gooey butter cake, the juicy berries brighten the rich filling, making it both indulgent and refreshing.
Why is it called Texas cake?
Texas sheet cake is a different chocolate dessert and not the same as gooey butter cake. Strawberry ooey gooey butter cake is more closely tied to the St. Louis tradition, though both cakes are loved across the U.S.
Conclusion
Strawberry ooey gooey butter cake is proof that the simplest recipes often bring the most joy. With a buttery crust, creamy topping, and bursts of fresh strawberries, it combines indulgence with a light, fruity flavor. Whether you bake it for a family gathering, a holiday table, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake delivers every time.
What makes strawberry ooey gooey butter cake so special is how approachable it is you don’t need to be an expert baker to create something that feels decadent. From its Midwestern roots to its modern fruity twist, this dessert continues to win hearts with every slice. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it has become a favorite for so many families.
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