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Authentic St Louis Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Craving the legendary gooey butter cake from a St. Louis bakery? This recipe recreates the authentic experience, unlike those cake mix versions! We're talking a flaky, yeast-raised dough bottom generously topped with a rich, buttery, and incredibly gooey custard. This recipe is as close as you'll find to the real deal, capturing the taste of a beloved Clayton, MO bakery.

Prep Time 45 mins
Cook Time 130 mins
Calories 433.2 kcal
Protein 10g
Rating 4.0 (16 Reviews)
Authentic St Louis Gooey Butter Cake

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Authentic St Louis Gooey Butter Cake

  • Granulated Sugar
  • Shortening
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Egg
  • Dry Yeast
  • Milk
  • All Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • Light Corn Syrup
  • Water
  • Powdered Sugar

How to Make Authentic St Louis Gooey Butter Cake

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water (105-115°F). Add sugar and salt; stir until combined. Add the eggs and melted butter and mix until well combined.
  2. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place the dough in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan and press it evenly into the bottom of the pan. Let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  5. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  6. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  7. Gradually add the flour and mix until combined.
  8. Pour the batter evenly over the risen dough.
  9. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and set and the bottom is fully baked.
  10. Let the cake cool completely before cutting and serving. Enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

7 g

Sugar

144g

Fat

42g

Carbs

22g

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Time To Make Course Preparation Occasion For Large Groups Breads Holiday Event Coffee Cakes Dietary Yeast Brunch Number Of Servings 4 Hours Or Less