Lemon Gooey Butter Cake (Printable)

Tangy, creamy lemon bars with a buttery base and irresistibly gooey center. Easy 1-hour dessert perfect for gatherings.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Base Layer

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
02 - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1 large egg

→ Gooey Lemon Topping

04 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 3½ cups powdered sugar
07 - ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
02 - Combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a mixing bowl. Mix until a soft, thick dough forms.
03 - Evenly press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan using your hands or a spatula.
04 - Beat the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl until completely smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the filling becomes fluffy and smooth.
05 - Pour the lemon mixture evenly over the prepared base layer. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly—this creates the signature gooey texture.
06 - Let the cake cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Optionally dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The texture is absolutely incredible with that soft cake base and creamy custard like topping that melts in your mouth
  • It comes together so quickly but tastes like something from a fancy bakery window display
  • The bright fresh lemon flavor cuts through all that buttery richness in the most perfect balance
02 -
  • Do not overbake this cake because that jiggly center is what creates the signature gooey texture everyone loves
  • The cake must cool completely before cutting or it will not hold those neat square shapes properly
  • Room temperature ingredients blend together much more smoothly so plan ahead for softening
03 -
  • Room temperature cream cheese blends much more smoothly so take it out at least an hour before baking
  • Freshly grated lemon zest makes all the difference in bright authentic flavor that extract cannot match

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