Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Strawberry Coulis Ribbon

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Oh, friends, if you’re like me, sometimes you just need a dessert that feels like a warm hug but looks absolutely stunning. This ooey gooey butter cake recipe with a vibrant strawberry coulis ribbon promises those irresistible crispy edges and a meltingly soft, sweet center, creating pure dessert bliss. It’s a fantastic choice for family-friendly celebrations, yet simple enough for a Tuesday evening treat, making it one of those easy dinner ideas where dessert steals the show. I’ve tweaked and tested this method countless times to ensure a foolproof, perfect bake every time, even for beginner bakers. You’ll be amazed how quickly you can create this show-stopping cake, turning simple pantry staples into a premium, homemade delight.

ooey gooey butter cake recipe Strawberry Coulis Ribbon

Ingredients for Your Dreamy Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Yellow Cake Mix: 1 box (15.25 oz / 432g) – The secret shortcut for an easy, tender base. (I often use a vanilla cake mix if I want a lighter flavor.)
Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g), melted – For that signature rich, moist texture in both layers. (Use a good quality butter for superior flavor.)
Large Eggs: 4 – Binds and adds richness to both the crust and the gooey topping.
Powdered Sugar: 3 cups (360g) – Creates the perfectly sweet, melt-in-your-mouth gooey topping.
Cream Cheese: 8 oz (226g), softened – The star of the gooey layer, adding essential tang and creamy consistency. (Make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth mixing!)
Fresh Strawberries: 2 cups (250g), hulled and quartered – For the vibrant, naturally sweet strawberry coulis ribbon. (Peak strawberry season yields the best flavor.)
Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (50g) – Enhances the natural sweetness of the coulis.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml), fresh squeezed – Brightens the coulis flavor and helps preserve its color.

For premium/healthy variations: consider using organic ingredients for a cleaner bake, or a gluten-free yellow cake mix for dietary needs. Dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives can also create delicious plant-based options. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, thawed frozen strawberries work wonderfully for the coulis in a pinch.

Step-by-Step Preparation for Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Prep the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, ½ cup (113g) of melted butter, and one egg until just incorporated. The mixture will be thick and crumbly. Press this evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, forming a solid base.
Make the Gooey Topping: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Add the powdered sugar, the remaining three eggs, and the remaining ½ cup (113g) of melted butter. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is fully combined, creamy, and light yellow, about 2-3 minutes.
Whip up the Strawberry Coulis: In a small saucepan, combine the hulled and quartered fresh strawberries, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices. Mash gently with a fork or potato masher, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl for a wonderfully smooth, fruity coulis (it smells divine!). If your coulis seems too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce; if it’s too thick, stir in a tiny splash of water or lemon juice.
Assemble the Cake: Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake crust in the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Gently spread it to the edges with a spatula.
Add the Coulis Ribbon: Dollop spoonfuls of the strawberry coulis over the cream cheese layer. Using the tip of a knife or a skewer, swirl the coulis gently into the cream cheese mixture to create a beautiful, vibrant ribbon effect without fully mixing. I find a light hand makes for the prettiest swirls.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, and the center is still slightly jiggly. The ooey gooey butter cake should have a firm crust and a soft, yielding center.
Cool and Serve: Allow the ooey gooey butter cake to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This is crucial for the gooey center to set properly and for clean slices.

For low-carb options, a keto-friendly cake mix base and sugar substitutes can be used in both the topping and coulis. For vegan bakers, consider using a vegan cake mix, plant-based butter, and cream cheese alternatives to create a delicious, family-friendly dessert.

Best Times to Enjoy and Storage Tips

Situations

Perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
A comforting dessert for weeknights.
Fantastic for potlucks or holiday dessert tables.
Can be packed as a special treat in school lunches (coulis separate).

Serving pairings

A scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Fresh whipped cream.
A dusting of powdered sugar.
A hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk.

Storage and reheating

Store leftover ooey gooey butter cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can be frozen, wrapped tightly, for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for that warm, gooey texture.

Health, Nutrition & Lifestyle Benefits of This Strawberry Coulis Ribbon Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Connect to diet and lifestyle needs

This ooey gooey butter cake offers mindful enjoyment through portion control, acting as a delightful mood booster for any family-friendly occasion.

3-5 points on energy, balance, or nourishment

Comforting Indulgence: Offers a satisfying sweet escape.
Vitamin C Boost: Fresh strawberries in the coulis add essential nutrients.
Energy Source: Provides quick energy from carbohydrates.
Customizable: Easily adapts for gluten-free or plant-based lifestyles.

Naturally weave in terms

This ooey gooey butter cake recipe Strawberry Coulis Ribbon is a wonderful example of easy dessert ideas or quick meal prep recipes if you make the coulis ahead. While not a high-protein snack, it’s a high-joy one, and low-carb options are possible with substitutions for a healthier dessert choice.

How This Recipe Matches Everyday Goals

Link ooey gooey butter cake to reader needs

This ooey gooey butter cake seamlessly fits everyday goals by being budget-friendly, time-saving, and providing a wellness boost through the joy of homemade baking.

2-4 points on convenience, nutrition, or versatility

Convenience: Quick to assemble, perfect for busy schedules.
Versatility: Great for any occasion, from casual to celebration.
Pure Enjoyment: Delivers on taste and texture, ensuring happy eaters.

Pro Tips and Adjustments for Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Technique refinements for better flavor/texture

Don’t overmix the cake mix crust; just combine until uniform.
Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth topping.
Let the ooey gooey butter cake cool completely before slicing for the best gooey texture.

Seasoning and spice adjustments for different palates

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust for warmth.
Stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest to the gooey layer for brightness.

Allergy-friendly or kid-friendly modifications

Nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free if using nut-free ingredients.
Kid-friendly: Kids can help swirl the strawberry coulis ribbon and enjoy smaller, bite-sized squares.

FAQs about Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Is ooey gooey butter cake good for weight loss?

While delicious, ooey gooey butter cake is an indulgent treat. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It’s best savored occasionally for a joyful experience, not as a regular part of weight loss plans. Focus on overall healthy eating habits.

Can I make this ooey gooey butter cake recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the standard yellow cake mix for a gluten-free yellow cake mix in the crust. No other ingredient changes are typically needed for the ooey gooey butter cake recipe itself. This makes it an adaptable, family-friendly dessert for various dietary needs, without compromising on flavor or texture.

Can I use ooey gooey butter cake in meal prep plans?

Yes, this ooey gooey butter cake recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Once cooled, slice and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze tightly wrapped individual slices for up to 1 month; thaw overnight. For reheating, I often pop individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to bring back that warm, gooey texture.

What makes this ooey gooey butter cake recipe so gooey?

The magic lies in the generous proportion of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter in the top layer. Baking it until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly ensures that signature melt-in-your-mouth, ooey gooey texture everyone loves. This specific ooey gooey butter cake recipe is designed for maximum indulgence.

Can I make the strawberry coulis ahead of time?

You certainly can! Prepare the strawberry coulis up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is a great quick meal prep tip, saving you time on baking day for this ooey gooey butter cake recipe. Just give it a quick stir before adding your ribbon.

What if I don’t have fresh strawberries for the coulis?

No problem at all! You can easily use frozen strawberries for the coulis. Thaw them first, then proceed with the recipe as directed. The vibrant flavor of the ooey gooey butter cake recipe Strawberry Coulis Ribbon will still shine through beautifully, offering a burst of fruity sweetness.

Conclusion

This easy ooey gooey butter cake recipe Strawberry Coulis Ribbon truly delivers an unforgettable, simple, and joyful dessert experience for any family dinner. Save this irresistible recipe to your Pinterest board today for future quick meals and family-friendly celebrations!