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Lemon Gooey Butter Cake

Easy Lemon Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 15 servings
Calories: 355
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Method
 

  1. Stir lemon cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 large egg until a thick dough forms.
  2. Press dough into an ungreased 9x13-inch dish in an even layer and set aside.
  3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then beat in 2 eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  4. Gradually mix in 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 1/2 cup melted butter, then beat for 2 minutes until glossy.
  5. Pour topping over crust and spread to edges. Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until edges are golden and center jiggles slightly.
  6. Cool completely, chill if desired, dust with powdered sugar, and slice.

Notes

The cake needs a full cool-down before you cut it, plan for at least 2 hours on the counter. For the cleanest squares, refrigerate it for an hour before slicing. If you skip the chill, the first piece might be a little messy but will still taste wonderful.