Chewy Butter Cake Squares

Discover the Irresistible Charm of These Two-Bite Dessert Delights

Imagine a dessert so perfectly portioned, so incredibly flavorful, that it melts in your mouth and leaves you craving just one more. That’s precisely what our Gooey Butter Cake Bites offer! These aren’t just snacks; they are two-bite masterpieces of pure indulgence. Each mini cake features a wonderfully dense, buttery cake layer at its base, generously topped with a lusciously gooey, sweet cream cheese mixture. Baked to golden perfection and then lightly dusted with confectioners’ sugar, they are truly heavenly.

The best part? This sensational treat starts with a simple boxed cake mix, making it incredibly easy to prepare without compromising on taste or texture. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can create such a show-stopping dessert. Get ready to bake, share, and delight in every single bite!

What Exactly is Gooey Butter Cake? A Midwestern Classic Explained

For those unfamiliar with the magic of gooey butter cake, prepare yourselves for an experience unlike any other! Gooey butter cake is a beloved culinary staple that originated in the American Midwest, particularly in St. Louis, Missouri. It’s a dessert that perfectly balances simplicity with incredible richness, making it a favorite for generations.

At its core, a traditional gooey butter cake features a distinct two-layer structure: a dense, slightly chewy cake-like base (often made with a yeast dough or a cake mix) and a thick, incredibly rich, and delightfully gooey cream cheese topping. When baked, the bottom layer forms a sturdy yet tender foundation, while the top layer transforms into a sweet, custardy, and wonderfully “gooey” confection. This unique combination of textures in every bite—the firm cake and the soft, melt-in-your-mouth topping—is what truly sets it apart and makes it so incredibly special and addictive. Our bite-sized version captures all the essence of this classic in a convenient, party-perfect package.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Gooey Butter Cake Bites

There are countless reasons to adore these mini marvels, but here are just a few that make them a must-try:

• Effortlessly Delicious: Starting with a boxed cake mix streamlines the process, making these bites incredibly easy to whip up, even for novice bakers.
• Irresistibly Gooey Texture: The contrast between the dense cake base and the sweet, custardy cream cheese topping is simply divine, offering a unique mouthfeel with every bite.
• Perfectly Portioned: Their two-bite size makes them ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying a controlled sweet treat without overindulging.
• Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Gooey butter cake is a universally loved classic, and these mini versions are guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: They can be prepared in advance and stored, making entertaining a breeze.
• Versatile Serving Options: Delicious warm, at room temperature, or chilled, offering flexibility for any occasion.

Essential Ingredients for Your Gooey Butter Cake Bites

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delectable treats. You’ll find most of these staples in your pantry or local grocery store. For the best results, ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature, as this will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy topping.

• Boxed golden butter cake mix (a 15.25-ounce box works perfectly)
• Unsalted butter, melted (we’ll need ½ cup for the base)
• Large eggs (3 eggs, divided between the base and topping)
• Cream cheese, softened to room temperature (one 8-ounce package is ideal)
• Pure vanilla extract (for that warm, aromatic flavor)
• Kosher salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
• Confectioners’ sugar (also known as powdered sugar, for the topping and dusting)
• Two 24-cup mini muffin pans (or enough to accommodate 48 bites)
• Nonstick cooking spray or mini muffin liners

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Gooey Butter Cake Bites

Creating these delightful Gooey Butter Cake Bites is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfectly baked, wonderfully gooey results every time!

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pans: Begin by preheating your oven to a consistent 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. While the oven heats, prepare your mini muffin pans. Line two 24-cup mini muffin pans with mini paper liners, or if you prefer, generously spray each cup with nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial for easy removal of your baked bites.
2. Craft the Cake Base: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the dry golden butter cake mix with ½ cup of melted butter and one large egg. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until they are just combined and form a thick, dough-like crust mixture. Be careful not to overmix. Take about 1 tablespoon of this mixture for each mini muffin cup and press it down evenly into the bottom. Aim for about one-quarter full for each cup, creating a solid, uniform base.
3. Whip Up the Gooey Topping: Now, for the star of the show! In the bowl of an electric mixer equipped with the whisk attachment, or using a reliable hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it is completely smooth and free of any lumps. This is key for a silky topping. Next, incorporate the remaining two large eggs, the vanilla extract, and the kosher salt. Continue beating until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is luxuriously creamy.

4. Sweeten and Fluff the Topping: With the mixer running on low speed, gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to the cream cheese mixture until it is just incorporated. Once all the sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to high and continue beating for a few minutes. This process will transform the topping into a smooth, slightly fluffy, and airy consistency that’s perfect for baking.
5. Fill the Muffin Cups: Carefully divide the creamy topping mixture evenly among all the prepared mini muffin cups. Each cup should be filled completely full, requiring about one heaping tablespoon of the topping mixture. Ensure an even distribution for uniform baking and presentation.
6. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the filled muffin pans to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops have started to rise, the edges appear set and lightly golden brown, but the centers still exhibit a slight, desirable wobble when gently jiggled. This wobble is crucial for achieving that signature “gooey” texture.
7. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let the Gooey Butter Cake Bites cool completely at room temperature while still in the pan. Resist the urge to remove them early, as cooling in the pan helps them set properly and prevents them from falling apart.

8. Chill for Optimal Gooeyness: Once completely cooled, carefully transfer the individual bites to an airtight container or arrange them on a platter covered tightly with plastic wrap. Place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until you are ready to serve. Chilling enhances their dense, gooey texture, making them even more enjoyable.

9. Serve with a Flourish: Just before serving, give your Gooey Butter Cake Bites a final elegant touch by dusting them generously with additional confectioners’ sugar. These treats are traditionally served chilled, which truly brings out their signature gooey texture and rich flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Gooey Butter Cake Bites Every Time

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate smoothly into the batter, preventing lumps and ensuring a consistently creamy topping.
• Don’t Overmix the Base: Mix the cake base ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in a tougher crust.
• Evenly Press the Crust: Take the time to press the crust mixture evenly into each muffin cup. A uniform base ensures consistent baking and a stable foundation for the gooey topping.
• Mind the “Wobble”: The slight wobble in the center of the topping when the bites are done baking is your cue for perfect gooeyness. Overbaking will make the topping more cake-like and less gooey.
• Cool Completely and Chill: Patience is a virtue here! Allow the bites to cool completely in the pan before chilling them in the refrigerator. Chilling helps the topping firm up just enough to achieve that ideal dense, gooey, and set texture.
• Dust Just Before Serving: Confectioners’ sugar can dissolve over time. For the prettiest presentation, dust the bites right before you serve them.

Exciting Flavor Variations to Try

While the classic Gooey Butter Cake Bite is perfect as is, feel free to experiment with these delicious variations:

• Lemon Zest: Add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese topping for a bright, citrusy lift.
• Almond Extract: Substitute half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a subtle, nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Swirl: Gently fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese topping before dividing it into the muffin cups.
• Seasonal Spices: During fall, add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese layer for a warm, cozy twist.
• Coconut Lover’s Dream: Mix a few tablespoons of shredded coconut into the cake base or sprinkle some on top of the cream cheese layer before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gooey Butter Cake Bites

Here are answers to some common questions you might have:

• Can I use a different type of cake mix? Yes! While golden butter cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with yellow cake mix or even a vanilla cake mix for a similar result.
• Can I make these in a standard muffin pan? Yes, you can! The baking time will need to be adjusted. They will be larger, so monitor them closely, likely baking for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble.
• Do these need to be refrigerated? Yes, due to the cream cheese topping, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and texture.
• Can I freeze Gooey Butter Cake Bites? Absolutely! See the storage section below for detailed freezing instructions.
• My topping isn’t gooey enough, what went wrong? This usually happens if they were baked too long. The topping should still have a slight wobble when removed from the oven.

More Sweet Two-Bite Treats to Explore

If you love these Gooey Butter Cake Bites, you’ll adore these other delightful two-bite desserts from our collection:

• Mini Chocolate Fudge Cream Pies: Experience the easiest little cream pies featuring a tender, buttery crust and the dreamiest, creamiest fudge filling imaginable!
• Mini Cinnamon Rolls: Unlock big fun and yum with these adorable Mini Cinnamon Rolls. All it takes is one can of jumbo cinnamon rolls to create this bite-sized breakfast bliss!
• Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites: Indulge in moist and flavorful pumpkin-packed fritter bites, perfectly caramelized in a sweet sugar glaze for an utterly irresistible fall treat!
• No-Bake S’mores Cracker Bites:The sweet and salty harmony of these S’mores Cracker Bites is simply irresistible! Featuring all your favorite s’mores flavors, this is an easy, no-bake delight everyone will cherish!
• Sticky Bun Bites: Filled with aromatic cinnamon sugar and crunchy crushed pecans, then coated in a sweet, sticky pecan-studded glaze, these Sticky Bun Bites are truly melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Muddy Buddy Bites: Boasting the same fantastic taste as the original, these Muddy Buddy Bites deliver all the crunchy, peanut-buttery goodness without any of the mess. You’ll have a ball with these scrumptious treats!
• Easy Fudge Brownie Bites: So easy to make, incredibly fudgy, and gone in just two heavenly bites! These are far superior to any store-bought bites and ready in under 30 minutes. What’s not to adore?

How to Serve and Store Your Gooey Butter Cake Bites

These versatile little cakes are delightful whether enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled. The colder they are, the denser and gooier the topping becomes, offering a slightly different but equally satisfying experience.

To store your mini gooey butter cakes, place them in an airtight container. They will remain fresh at room temperature for up to two days. For extended freshness and to maintain that signature gooey texture, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure the container is truly airtight to prevent them from drying out.