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Strawberry Ooey Gooey Butter Cake | 7 Sweet Reasons You’ll Love It

My name is Inaya, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my kitchen over the years, it’s that desserts tell stories. I grew up in a small English town where Sunday bakes were about love, laughter, and the comfort of something warm from the oven. Fast forward to today, and one of my favorite recipes to share is strawberry ooey gooey butter cake. It’s not just another sweet—it’s a playful twist on a St. Louis classic that feels like a hug in every bite.

I still remember the first time I made strawberry ooey gooey butter cake for friends here in California. The vibrant pink layers drew everyone in, but it was the gooey, custardy center that kept them coming back for seconds. What makes strawberry ooey gooey butter cake so special is its balance: rich, buttery, and indulgent, yet lifted by the brightness of fresh strawberries. It’s the kind of dessert that never fails to make a table feel joyful.

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Strawberry Ooey Gooey Butter Cake | 7 Sweet Reasons You’ll Love It

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A rich and creamy strawberry ooey gooey butter cake that combines a chewy cake crust with a luscious cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or a sweet treat at home.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package strawberry cake mix

  • 1/2 cup (113g) butter, melted

  • 4 large eggs, divided

  • 1 package (8-ounce) cream cheese, softened

  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

  • 3/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries

  • Extra confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×3-inch springform pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  • In a bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until combined. Press into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.

  • In another bowl, beat cream cheese and the remaining 3 eggs until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar until fully incorporated.

  • Fold in chopped strawberries and spread mixture evenly over the crust.

  • Bake for 35–40 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center slightly jiggly.

 

  • Cool completely before dusting with sugar, slicing, and serving.

Notes

Chill the cake before serving for a firmer texture.

Try swapping strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for variety.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze slices for later.

  • Author: INAYA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Table of Contents

The Origin of Gooey Butter Cake

Before diving into strawberries, it’s worth pausing to appreciate the roots of gooey butter cake. The original was an accidental creation in Missouri back in the 1930s when a baker mistakenly mixed up the proportions of butter in a cake recipe. Instead of tossing it out, he baked it anyway, resulting in a gooey, custard-like center that became an instant hit. Since then, this cake has traveled far beyond St. Louis kitchens, winning hearts across the U.S. The traditional version relies on yellow cake mix, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. My strawberry ooey gooey butter cake keeps the same comforting foundation but introduces the sweet, slightly tart flavor of fresh berries.

Why Add Strawberries to Gooey Butter Cake?

Strawberries don’t just add color; they balance the richness of the buttery filling with a burst of freshness. When folded into the cream cheese mixture, the berries soften while baking, creating little pockets of juicy sweetness. This makes the cake not just delicious but visually stunning too. Imagine slicing into a cake that’s both creamy and vibrant, perfect for spring gatherings, baby showers, or simply treating yourself on a weekend afternoon. If you’ve ever made my strawberry shortcake bars or the classic vanilla sponge cake, you’ll know how fruit can elevate even the simplest recipes.

A Hug on a Plate

What makes this dessert truly special isn’t just the ingredients, but the feeling it gives. When you cut into the soft, gooey center, there’s a moment of anticipation, and with the first bite, it feels like comfort in its purest form. For busy women in places like California, Texas, and New York, where life often feels like a rush, a slice of strawberry ooey gooey butter cake can pause time for just a minute. It’s the kind of dessert that says, “you deserve something sweet today.”

What You’ll Need for Strawberry Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it never feels intimidating. The base uses a strawberry cake mix, which saves time and guarantees that beautiful pink color every time. Butter gives richness, while eggs bring structure. The topping is where the magic happens: cream cheese and powdered sugar create a velvety layer that bakes into something between cheesecake and custard. Fresh strawberries tucked inside make the flavor sing, with little bursts of brightness in every bite. These familiar ingredients come together so simply, but the end result feels like something you’d only expect from a bakery display.Strawberry Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

How to Bring It All Together

The process is almost as joyful as eating the cake itself. First, get your oven warm and ready it’s set at 350°F, the sweet spot for baking this kind of dessert. While it heats, I prepare my pan, usually a springform if I want a tall, round presentation, or a rectangular dish if I’m planning to cut neat little squares for a party.

The bottom layer comes together quickly. I stir the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until it forms a soft, dough-like mixture. Pressing it into the pan always feels a little like shaping cookie dough into place. That crust is the foundation that holds up all the gooey goodness on top.

For the filling, cream cheese meets eggs and sugar, transforming into something silky and smooth. At this stage, I fold in fresh strawberries. I love watching the flecks of red swirl through the cream it’s a little preview of how gorgeous the finished cake will look once sliced.

When the mixture is spread over the crust and slipped into the oven, patience is key. Around the 35-minute mark, I check for the telltale sign of perfection: a center that shimmies just a little when I move the pan. That gentle wobble means the cake will be gooey in the middle, exactly as it should be.

Tips for Making It Foolproof

  • Use room temperature ingredients: Cream cheese straight from the fridge won’t blend as smoothly, and you want that filling creamy from the start.
  • Trust the jiggle: Pulling the cake too late robs it of its gooey charm.
  • Get creative with fruit: Strawberries are my favorite, but blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches can bring a fun twist.
  • Cool completely before serving: It sets as it cools, making each slice easier to cut while still keeping that luscious texture.

This recipe has the same inviting feel as my fruit-filled sponge cake and the homestyle berry cobbler, both simple yet memorable desserts that rely on familiar flavors presented in a fresh way.

The Story Behind Gooey Butter Cake

Every cake has a story, and gooey butter cake is no exception. It traces its origins back to St. Louis, Missouri, during the 1930s. Legend has it that a baker accidentally used the wrong ratio of butter and sugar while preparing a coffee cake. Instead of rising tall and fluffy, the result was a dense, gooey dessert that quickly became beloved in local bakeries. What started as a happy mistake is now a Midwestern classic, enjoyed at family gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations. Adding strawberries to the traditional version creates a fresh, fruity spin while keeping the nostalgia alive.

Why Everyone Loves This Cake

What makes gooey butter cake so special is its texture. The crust has a chewiness that feels almost cookie-like, while the filling stays soft and custardy. The combination of rich, buttery sweetness and a gooey center is unlike any other dessert. People who taste it for the first time are often surprised by how something so simple can feel so indulgent. The strawberry version adds a lightness that balances the richness, making it a perfect treat for spring and summer. Much like my summer berry pavlova or the classic tres leches cake, this dessert feels celebratory without being complicated.

Neiman Marcus Cake: A Fancy Cousin

Another cake often mentioned alongside gooey butter cake is the Neiman Marcus cake. Though not identical, the two share a similar layered concept. The Neiman Marcus cake typically features a buttery crust topped with a sweet cream cheese mixture, sometimes enhanced with nuts or coconut. It’s slightly richer and has more of a Southern charm to it. When people talk about these two cakes in the same breath, it’s because they both belong to a category of desserts that blur the line between cake and custard, comfort food and elegance.

And Then There’s Texas Sheet Cake

When you hear “Texas cake,” most likely people are referring to Texas sheet cake. Unlike gooey butter cake, this dessert is a thin, chocolatey sheet cake that’s baked in a large pan and topped with a warm fudge-like icing. While different in flavor and structure, it carries the same spirit of being easy to make, crowd-friendly, and deeply comforting. Both cakes though distinct reflect the way regional baking traditions create desserts that feel like home to those who grew up with them.

A Cake That Brings People Together

Whether it’s the traditional St. Louis version, the fancier Neiman Marcus cake, or the big-hearted Texas sheet cake, these desserts share one important thing: they connect people. Food has a way of carrying memories, and baking something like a strawberry ooey gooey butter cake means you’re not just making dessert you’re continuing a story that began decades ago. And the best part? You get to put your own twist on it.

How to Store Strawberry Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Whenever I make this cake, there are always a few slices left over, and the first question that comes up is: where should it go? Because the filling has cream cheese and fresh fruit, I always tuck mine into the refrigerator. Wrapped tightly or sealed in a container, it stays fresh for about four days, and the flavor actually deepens as it chills. The texture firms up slightly, which I personally love it almost tastes like cheesecake the next day. If you want to keep it longer, freezing works beautifully. Slice it first, wrap each piece well, and you’ll have a ready-made treat waiting in your freezer.

Making Each Slice Extra Special

On its own, this strawberry ooey gooey butter cake is indulgent, but with a little creativity, you can dress it up for different occasions. When serving after dinner, I like to add a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a spoonful of whipped cream. For summer parties, pairing it with vanilla ice cream makes it feel like a celebration. If you want to impress at a brunch, stack cubes of the cake with berries and cream in small glasses for a playful trifle. It’s as versatile as my berry tiramisu cups or the light lemon chiffon cake, desserts that shift effortlessly from casual to elegant.

What exactly goes into Strawberry Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?

Traditionally, it’s made with yellow cake mix, butter, eggs, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. My version simply swaps the yellow mix for strawberry and folds in fresh fruit for a brighter twist.

Do I need to refrigerate it?

Yes. Since this version contains strawberries and cream cheese, keeping it chilled is best. Bonus: it tastes amazing cold.

Where did gooey butter cake come from?

This cake hails from St. Louis, Missouri. A baking accident turned into a local favorite, and it’s now a dessert that feels like a Midwestern trademark.

What is Neiman Marcus cake?

It’s another layered dessert that starts with a crust and adds a rich cream cheese topping. Sometimes it includes extras like nuts or coconut, giving it a more decadent flair.

Why does gooey butter cake taste so irresistible?

It’s all about balance the crust is chewy, the filling is velvety, and the flavors are buttery yet not overwhelming. It melts into comfort with every bite.

And what about Texas cake?

Most people mean Texas sheet cake, a thin chocolate cake baked in a large pan and topped with warm frosting. It’s not the same as gooey butter cake, but both are Southern-style classics known for feeding a crowd with ease.

Strawberry ooey gooey butter cake is more than a dessert it’s a celebration of comfort and creativity. It takes the classic St. Louis favorite and transforms it with the sweetness of strawberries, making each slice feel both nostalgic and refreshing. This cake isn’t just for special occasions; it’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary afternoon into something memorable.

What I love most about strawberry ooey gooey butter cake is how it bridges tradition with a playful twist. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even as a weekend baking project when you want to treat yourself. Whether you serve it chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar or dress it up with whipped cream and berries, it always delivers that “hug on a plate” feeling.

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, visually stunning, and guaranteed to impress, this strawberry ooey gooey butter cake deserves a spot in your recipe collection. Just like my homemade strawberry cheesecake and classic peach cobbler, it’s proof that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be extraordinary. Sometimes, the simplest ingredients come together to create something unforgettable and this cake is exactly that.

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