Gooey butter cake is a decadent treat that comes together easily in a 9- x 13-inch baking dish.

Made with a simple list of ingredients (hello, boxed cake mix!

), this decadent treat comes together super easilyall in a trusty9- x 13-inch baking dish.

Southern Living Gooey Butter Cake cut into bars to serve

Credit:Molly Bolton

When you combine the two together into one bite, it’s the perfect pairing.

And the best part of all?

Gooey butter cake is incredibly easy to whip up.

Southern Living Gooey Butter Bars ingredients

Credit:Molly Bolton

What Is Gooey Butter Cake?

Gooey butter cake might be short in stature, but it’s certainly over-the-top decadent in flavor.

Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Southern Living Gooey Butter Cake making the cake layer

Credit:Molly Bolton

Coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.

Add the eggs, one at a time.

Southern Living Gooey Butter Cake pressing the cake layer into the pan

Credit:Molly Bolton

Beat in melted butter and vanilla until combined and smooth.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed, until combined.

Allow the cool completely before cutting into squares.

Southern Living Gooey Butter Cake making the cream cheese layer

Credit:Molly Bolton

Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Wait to cool completely before cutting into bars.

These are also delicious chilled, so popping them in the fridge isn’t a bad idea.

Southern Living Gooey Butter Cake spreading the cream cheese layer on the cake layer

Credit:Molly Bolton

Bring to room temperature before serving.

It may also be the result of overbaking.

Southern Living Gooey Butter Cake after baking

Credit:Molly Bolton

Southern Living Gooey Butter Cake sliced into bars to serve

Credit:Molly Bolton