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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 84

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Authentic St Louis Gooey Butter Cake

  • 1 1/4 cups Granulated Sugar
  • Shortening (not specified in recipe)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1 (1/4 ounce) package active Dry Yeast
  • Milk (not specified in recipe)
  • 3 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) Butter
  • Light Corn Syrup (not specified in recipe)
  • 1/2 cup warm Water
  • 1 (16 ounce) box Powdered Sugar

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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!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

7 g

Sugar

144g

Fat

42g

Carbs

22g

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Sweets & Sides Desserts The Americas American Vegetarian Baking

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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