There are few desserts as iconic and comforting as the gooey butter cake. Originating in St. Louis, Missouri, this dessert is a study in perfect imperfection: a chewy, dense bottom layer topped with a gooey, rich, and intensely sweet filling. It’s a cake that unapologetically embraces indulgence, and its unique texture has made it a legendary potluck and holiday staple. Now, imagine that classic comfort food infused with the tropical essence of coconut. The result? A Coconut Gooey Butter Cake that takes everything you love about the original and transports it to a sun-drenched beach. It’s an irresistible combination of rich butter, sweet cream cheese, and the delightful chewiness of coconut that promises to become your new favorite dessert.
(A section on the history of gooey butter cake and its cultural significance. Discuss its St. Louis origins, the happy accident that led to its creation, and how the recipe has evolved with different flavors. This will provide a rich backstory for the recipe.)
The gooey butter cake is a dessert born from a happy accident. In the 1930s, a baker in St. Louis is said to have made a mistake, adding the wrong proportions of butter and sugar to a coffee cake batter. Instead of a fluffy cake, the result was a dense, rich, and gooey layer on top of a thinner, cake-like crust. The baker, not wanting to waste the creation, sold it anyway, and to his surprise, it was an instant hit. The gooey butter cake, also known as “ooey gooey butter cake,” was born, and its reputation spread far beyond St. Louis.
The original recipe is simple: a bottom crust made from a cake mix, butter, and an egg, and a top layer of powdered sugar, cream cheese, and eggs. Over the years, bakers have experimented with a variety of flavor combinations, from chocolate to pumpkin spice. The coconut version is a natural and beloved evolution, playing on the richness of the cream cheese and butter with the tropical sweetness and texture of shredded coconut. It’s a perfect example of a classic recipe being enhanced with a modern twist.
(A detailed explanation of the two layers of the cake. Discuss the purpose of the bottom “crust” and how the top layer achieves its signature “gooey” texture. This will empower the reader to understand the science behind the recipe.)
The magic of a gooey butter cake lies in its dual personality, created by its two distinct layers.
- The Crust: The bottom layer is a cake mix-based crust that is a bit denser than a regular cake. It’s often made by combining a box of cake mix with melted butter and an egg. This mixture is then pressed into the bottom of the pan. While it’s technically a cake base, it functions more like a sturdy, chewy crust that can hold up to the rich, gooey filling without getting soggy. It’s the perfect foundation for the deliciousness to come.
- The “Gooey” Topping: The top layer is where the cake gets its name. It’s a simple combination of cream cheese, eggs, powdered sugar, and melted butter, with the star ingredient—coconut—folded in. The key to the “gooey” texture is to avoid overbaking. The cake is baked until the edges are set and a beautiful golden-brown, but the center still has a noticeable jiggle. As the cake cools, the center sets into that signature, dense, and oh-so-gooey texture that makes this dessert famous. The shredded coconut adds a delightful chewiness and a burst of flavor that is present in every single bite.
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The Recipe: Coconut Gooey Butter Cake
Yields: 12-16 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Bottom Layer:
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow or white cake mix
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Gooey Topping:
- 1 (8-ounce) block full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups (1 pound) powdered sugar
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra shredded coconut (toasted, if desired)
- A dusting of powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Make the Bottom Layer: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, the egg, and the melted butter. Mix with a spoon or a spatula until a thick dough forms. It will be very sticky. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. You can use the back of a spoon or your hands to press it down firmly.
- Prepare the Gooey Topping: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy.
- Add Remaining Ingredients to Topping: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and beat until well combined. Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until all the sugar is incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Fold in the Coconut: Gently fold the shredded coconut into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula until it is evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the gooey topping mixture evenly over the bottom layer of the cake. Use a spatula to spread it to the edges of the pan.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are golden brown and the center is still a bit jiggly. Do not overbake or it will lose its signature gooey texture.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a very important step, as the cake needs time to set up. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle with toasted coconut.
(A section on variations and perfect pairings. Offer ideas for different cake mixes, additional ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips, and what beverages or side dishes would complement the cake.)
The Coconut Gooey Butter Cake is a delicious stand-alone dessert, but you can easily customize it to your liking.
- Toasted Coconut: For a more intense coconut flavor and a crunchy texture, toast the shredded coconut in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until it is lightly browned and fragrant before adding it to the cake.
- A Tropical Twist: For an even more tropical flavor, add a can of well-drained crushed pineapple to the cream cheese mixture along with the coconut.
- Nutty Goodness: Add a half-cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the bottom crust for a delightful crunch.
- The Perfect Pairing: This rich cake pairs beautifully with a simple glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to cut through its sweetness.
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The Coconut Gooey Butter Cake is proof that a dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to be absolutely unforgettable. It’s a simple, comforting treat that delivers a taste of home with a hint of the tropics. The moment you take that first bite, with its contrasting textures and harmonious flavors, you’ll understand why this gooey wonder has earned its place in the hearts of so many. So go ahead, indulge a little—you deserve it. Sources