Cinnamon Roll Gooey Butter Cake with Cream Cheese Drizzle

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.

Cinnamon Roll Gooey Butter Cake with Cream Cheese Drizzle

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• Author: Wendy Balderas
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12-16 servings 1x

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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.

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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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