Name: Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package yellow cake mix; 2 eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (113g) butter, melted; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1/2 cup (113g) butter, melted; 4 cups confectioners sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 6 reviews

If you’ve been on the hunt for a dessert that hits every comfort-food note, I’ve got just the thing. This Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe is everything you want in a sweet treat: tender cake, rich cream cheese filling, and that irresistibly gooey center that keeps you coming back for just one more bite. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that makes your kitchen smell amazing and turns casual get-togethers into full-on celebrations. Stick with me — I’ll spill all my tips so you nail it every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Easy pantry staples come together to create a bakery-worthy cake at home.
Cream Cheese Filling: The luscious filling balances sweetness and tang for that perfectly “ooey gooey” texture.
Perfectly Moist Texture: Combining melted butter and cake mix ensures the cake stays tender but holds together.
Beginner Friendly: No fancy techniques needed—just mix, layer, and bake!

Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake, easy cream cheese cake recipe, decadent cream cheese dessert, how to make gooey cream cheese cake, best cream cheese cake for gatherings - The image shows a tart with two layers: a thick, crumbly golden-brown crust on the bottom and sides, and a smooth, pale yellow creamy filling on top. The top of the tart is dusted with a light layer of powdered sugar. A slice is being lifted from the tart with a silver spatula, revealing the filling's soft texture and the crust’s firm structure. The tart is on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe is in the simple but thoughtful ingredients that bring it all together. Each item plays a role to build that moist cake base and the luscious, velvety cream cheese topping you’ll want to savor bite after bite.

Yellow Cake Mix: A classic base that keeps things easy while giving a familiar, buttery flavor.
Eggs: They bind the ingredients and help the cake rise just right.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth—don’t skip this or use imitation; fresh vanilla is worth it!
Butter (melted): Fat equals flavor and moistness; melted works better here for even mixing.
Cream Cheese (room temperature): Soft cream cheese blends perfectly for that signature ooey gooey filling.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens gently and adds a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the cream cheese layer.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

If you’re anything like me, you love making a recipe your own. This Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe is a great base for experimenting. I often sneak in little tweaks depending on what I have on hand or the season.

Variation: Try swapping the yellow cake mix for a spice cake mix in fall for a cozy twist—my family went nuts over that one last Thanksgiving!
Dietary Modification: You can swap the butter for coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor or use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for lactose intolerance.
Seasonal Change: Add fresh berries or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top for extra indulgence during the holidays.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Cake Base

First, preheat your oven to 350°F—though I usually set my convection oven to 325°F to keep that gooey center perfect without overbaking. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, the vanilla, and melted butter. I like using a fork to mash it all together until everything looks evenly combined. The batter won’t be pouring like a typical cake batter — it’s thicker, more spreadable. That’s just right!

Step 2: Press the Cake Layer

Get your cake pan ready by spraying it with non-stick baking spray or lining it with parchment paper. I prefer a 9-inch by 13-inch pan to get that perfect gooey center. Press the cake mixture firmly into the bottom, smoothing it flat with your hands or the back of a spoon. Don’t just drop it in — the firmer and more even, the better your cake’s texture will be.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat together the cream cheese, the remaining 2 eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth and creamy. Then, gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar—about a cup at a time—beating on low to prevent a sugar cloud in your kitchen. When it’s all incorporated, you’ll have a thick, luscious cream cheese batter ready to go.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over your pressed cake layer, smoothing gently. This is the moment it all comes together. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 45 minutes. Here’s my pro tip: When the edges are golden brown but the center still jiggles slightly when you shake the pan, it’s time to take it out. The residual heat finishes the cooking without drying it out.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

This cake needs a good cooling period—at least 20 to 30 minutes—to let the filling set slightly. Serve at room temperature so you get the perfect ooey gooey texture with each bite. If you try to cut it too soon, it can be messy, and you want to savor every luscious forkful!

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Pro Tips for Making Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temp eggs and cream cheese helps everything blend smoother and bake more evenly.
Don’t Overmix the Cake Layer: Once combined, avoid excessive stirring to keep that tender crumb you want in your cake base.
Watch the Bake Time: That slightly jiggly center is your cue to stop baking—perfect ooey gooey texture is all about timing!
Cooling is Key: Give your cake enough time to cool to avoid a runny plate and messy slices when serving.

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple but eye-catching. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds a nice texture contrast and a bit of elegance. Fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, brighten each bite and cut through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake is rich, so pairing with something light is perfect. Try serving alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the flavors. A cup of strong coffee or a lightly brewed tea completes the cozy pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve turned this cake into mini squares served on pretty dessert trays, perfect for potlucks or showers. Drizzling warm caramel or chocolate sauce over each piece adds a touch of decadence everyone loves. You can even layer this cake with fresh fruit and whipped cream in a trifle bowl for a stunning twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Because of the cream cheese filling, refrigeration is essential. The next day, leftovers are still delicious and even a bit easier to slice cleanly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cake a few times by wrapping individual slices in foil and plastic wrap. When you want a treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge — texture holds up remarkably well, though I recommend enjoying within a month for best flavor.

Reheating

To bring back that ooey gooey magic, I gently warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. It revives that melty cream cheese layer wonderfully without drying the cake out.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix for the Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, you can experiment with white, spice, or even chocolate cake mixes for a fun twist. Keep in mind that richer mixes might change the overall sweetness or flavor profile, but it’s a fun way to customize the cake.
Why is my cream cheese filling grainy or lumpy?

This usually happens if the cream cheese isn’t fully softened or if the confectioners’ sugar is added too quickly or at too high a speed. Make sure cream cheese is room temperature and add sugar gradually while mixing on low to get a silky smooth filling.
How do I know when the cake is done without overbaking?

Look for golden brown edges with a slightly jiggly center when you gently shake the pan. This ensures the center stays ooey-gooey. If it’s fully firm, the cake is likely overbaked and might lose that signature texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free yellow cake mix as a substitute but be mindful that texture and rise might differ slightly. Just make sure all your other ingredients are gluten-free certified to avoid cross-contamination.

Final Thoughts

This Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe holds a special place in my dessert rotation because it’s easy, dependable, and downright addictive. Whenever I make it, friends beg for the recipe and kids always ask for seconds (or thirds!). It’s perfect for when you want to wow with minimal fuss. I’m so excited for you to try it out—you’ll soon understand why I call it “the ultimate comfort cake.” Happy baking, friend!