Introduction:
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll with the indulgent texture of a butter cake, the Cinnamon Roll Gooey Butter Cake with Cream Cheese Drizzle is perfect for you! This decadent treat offers layers of soft, cinnamon-swirled cake, a gooey cream cheese filling, and a rich cream cheese drizzle. Whether you’re serving this dessert at a holiday gathering, weekend brunch, or simply indulging yourself, this cake is guaranteed to please any sweet tooth.
Overview of the Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. A base of cinnamon-flavored cake sets the foundation, topped with a gooey, rich cream cheese layer. To finish, a tangy cream cheese drizzle enhances the sweet, spiced notes, making every bite heavenly. Although the steps are simple, the result is a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels special yet can be made with pantry staples.
History and Origin:
Gooey butter cake originated in St. Louis, Missouri, during the 1930s, when a baker accidentally mixed the wrong proportions for a cake, resulting in a delicious, gooey texture. Over time, this cake became a regional favorite and has seen many variations. This cinnamon roll twist elevates the classic gooey butter cake, incorporating cinnamon’s cozy warmth and a cream cheese drizzle, reminiscent of the traditional cinnamon roll frosting. The combination results in a fusion of beloved flavors that take a simple dessert to new heights.
Ingredients:
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Gooey Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the cake later.
2️⃣ Prepare the Cake Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.
- Use a spatula or an electric mixer to stir the mixture until a thick dough forms. The dough will be sticky and dense, which is exactly what you want.
- Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure the dough is level and evenly distributed.
3️⃣ Prepare the Gooey Layer:
- In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until well-combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing as you go to prevent clumps, and then add the ground cinnamon.
- Continue mixing until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
4️⃣ Pour Over the Cake Base:
- Take the gooey cream cheese mixture and pour it over the cake base.
- Spread the mixture evenly using a spatula, ensuring it reaches all the edges.
5️⃣ Bake the Cake:
- Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.
- You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and golden brown, but the center should still have a slight jiggle. This jiggle is what gives the cake its signature gooey texture.
- Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
6️⃣ Make the Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese drizzle. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add the milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired drizzling consistency. The drizzle should be smooth and slightly runny, but not too thin.
7️⃣ Drizzle and Serve:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the cream cheese icing generously over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to create beautiful, even lines or a freeform drizzle.
- Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the gooey texture and the irresistible flavor combination!
Serving:
This Cinnamon Roll Gooey Butter Cake can serve 12-16 people, depending on how large you slice the portions. It’s a wonderful dessert for family gatherings, holidays, or as a sweet indulgence during the weekend.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions:
Pair this gooey butter cake with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.
- Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries to add a refreshing contrast.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Variations of the Recipe:
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake base for added texture and crunch.
- Caramel Drizzle: Swap the cream cheese drizzle for a caramel drizzle to create a richer, deeper flavor profile.
- Pumpkin Spice Version: For a seasonal twist, add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the gooey layer for a fall-inspired version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this dessert accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.
- Lemon Zest: For a brighter flavor, incorporate lemon zest into the cream cheese drizzle.
Health Benefits Notes:
While this cake is undoubtedly indulgent, here are some ways to consider its nutritional components:
- Cinnamon: This spice is not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cream Cheese: Though rich in fat, cream cheese provides calcium and vitamin A.
- Portion Control: With such a rich dessert, smaller servings can satisfy a sweet tooth without going overboard.
If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count:
- Consider reducing the amount of sugar in the gooey layer slightly, or use a sugar substitute.
- You can also opt for low-fat cream cheese or a light butter alternative to cut back on fat.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make this cake a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and drizzle the cream cheese icing just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes! You can freeze the cake (without the drizzle) for up to 2 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and add the cream cheese drizzle before serving.
Q: Can I make this recipe without a cake mix? A: If you prefer to make the cake base from scratch, you can substitute the cake mix with a homemade yellow cake batter. Use a basic yellow cake recipe, then add the cinnamon, eggs, and butter as instructed.
Conclusion:
The Cinnamon Roll Gooey Butter Cake with Cream Cheese Drizzle is a heavenly fusion of flavors and textures. With its soft, cinnamon-spiced base, luscious gooey layer, and sweet cream cheese drizzle, it’s a showstopper dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving something sweet, this cake delivers indulgence in every bite. With its simple preparation and versatile variations, it’s bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
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Cinnamon Roll Gooey Butter Cake with Cream Cheese Drizzle
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12-16 servings 1x
Description
A delightful combination of cinnamon roll flavors and gooey butter cake textures. This dessert features a soft, cinnamon-swirled cake base topped with a rich, gooey cream cheese layer and finished with a sweet cream cheese drizzle.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Gooey Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Cake Base: Mix cake mix, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon to form a dough. Press into the baking dish.
- Prepare Gooey Layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until creamy.
- Assemble Cake: Pour the gooey layer over the cake base and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until edges are set and golden, but the center remains slightly jiggly. Let cool completely.
- Prepare Drizzle: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and slightly runny. Drizzle over cooled cake.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- The center of the cake should remain slightly jiggly for that signature gooey texture.
- Add more milk to the cream cheese drizzle if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- For a twist, add chopped nuts or swap the drizzle for caramel.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 47g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 105mg