For a zesty and indulgent dessert that’s both sweet and refreshing, look no further than this Gooey Lemon Butter Cake. Made with a simple lemon cake mix and enhanced with fresh lemon zest, this cake boasts a wonderfully gooey texture that will melt in your mouth. It’s easy to make and the perfect treat for lemon lovers who want something extra special.
Ingredients
- 1 lemon cake mix
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Ingredients for the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- Butter mixture (as per the package instructions for the cake mix)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the lemon cake mix according to the package instructions, typically by adding eggs, oil, and water.
- Stir in the lemon zest to infuse the batter with extra lemon flavor.
- Pour the prepared batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare the butter mixture according to the package instructions, then pour it over the cake batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
Variations
- Topping Ideas: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, drizzle with a lemon glaze or top with whipped cream and fresh berries.
- Mix-ins: Add a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped almonds for a bit of crunch and sweetness.
- Lemon Cream Cheese: For a richer topping, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the cake before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for a warm, gooey texture.
10 FAQs
- Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a cake mix? Yes, you can make a homemade lemon cake batter if you prefer, but the cake mix makes this recipe quicker and easier.
- Can I use a different type of cake mix? You can use vanilla or yellow cake mix if you don’t have a lemon cake mix, but the lemon flavor won’t be as pronounced.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake the day before. Store it at room temperature or in the fridge and reheat before serving.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Can I use a different citrus zest? Absolutely! You can substitute lemon zest with lime or orange zest for a different citrus flavor.
- How do I know when the cake is done baking? The cake should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Can I make this cake without the butter mixture? The butter mixture adds to the gooey texture of the cake, but you can skip it if you’d prefer a lighter cake.
- Can I add fresh fruit to this cake? Yes, fresh berries or slices of lemon can be added to the batter for added flavor and a decorative touch.
- How do I make the cake even more gooey? If you prefer a gooier texture, reduce the baking time slightly, but be careful not to underbake it too much.
- Can I serve this cake cold? While it’s traditionally served warm, you can serve it cold if you prefer, but the gooey texture is best enjoyed when it’s warm.
Conclusion
Gooey Lemon Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the fresh, tangy flavor of lemon with a rich and gooey texture. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients, and the results are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for any occasion, this cake offers the perfect balance of sweetness and zest in every bite.
PrintGooey Lemon Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
This Gooey Lemon Butter Cake is a sweet and tangy dessert that combines the rich flavor of lemon with a buttery, gooey center. Easy to make with a lemon cake mix, it’s perfect for anyone craving a refreshing, indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- 1 lemon cake mix (any brand)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (for butter mixture)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened (for butter mixture)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for butter mixture)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the lemon cake mix according to package instructions (usually adding water, eggs, and oil).
- Stir in the lemon zest to the cake batter for added flavor.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, softened cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth to make the butter mixture.
- Pour the butter mixture over the prepared cake batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is set but still slightly gooey in the center.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- The cake will have a soft, gooey texture in the center, which is the signature characteristic of this dessert.
- If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, add a bit of lemon juice to the batter or the butter mixture.
- Let the cake cool for a bit before slicing to allow it to set.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes