Description
A dense, moist, and incredibly simple St. Louis classic dessert featuring a buttery cake mix crust and a rich cream cheese filling, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 8 ounces (1 block / 225g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (60g) extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine cake mix, 1/2 cup softened butter, and 1 egg. Mix until crumbly dough forms.
- Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven but do not turn off the heat.
- In a large bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1/2 cup softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add 3 eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are golden and the center is set but has a slight jiggle.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours (or refrigerate overnight) to allow the filling to set.
- Sift remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar over the cooled cake. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and butter, are at room temperature to prevent lumps. Do not overmix the filling after adding eggs to avoid incorporating too much air. The cake must cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and proper texture. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Protein: 4
Keywords: gooey butter cake, st. louis dessert, cream cheese cake, easy dessert, party dessert, boxed cake mix recipe