Name: Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package yellow cake mix; 2 eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (113g) butter, melted; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (113g) butter, melted; 4 cups confectioners sugar

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If you’re looking for a dessert that’s pure comfort in every bite, you’ve got to try this Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe. It’s one of those magical cakes that’s buttery, rich, and melts in your mouth with every forkful. I promise, once you make this, you’ll be hooked — there’s just something about that creamy cheese filling paired with the slightly crunchy cake base that’s downright irresistible.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have but combines them for a rich, comforting finish.
Texture Contrast: The cake base bakes up firm yet tender, while the cream cheese filling stays soft and delightfully gooey.
Easy Technique: No fancy equipment or multiple bowls—just straightforward mixing and layering.
Perfect Timing: Baking just until the edges brown but the center jiggles keeps it luscious every time.

Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake, cream cheese cake, gooey dessert recipes, easy cream cheese cake, indulgent cake recipes - The image shows a tart with two layers: a thick, crumbly golden-brown crust on the bottom and sides, and a smooth, pale yellow creamy filling on top. The top of the tart is dusted with a light layer of powdered sugar. A slice is being lifted from the tart with a silver spatula, revealing the filling's soft texture and the crust’s firm structure. The tart is on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients in this Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe come together in a way that’s both classic and foolproof. Each one plays a vital role—from the buttery cake mix base to the creamy filling sweetened just right to complement that tangy cream cheese.

Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake, cream cheese cake, gooey dessert recipes, easy cream cheese cake, indulgent cake recipes - Flat lay of a small pile of bright yellow cake mix powder, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of melted golden butter, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a block of fresh cream cheese with a smooth surface, another two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of confectioners sugar, all arranged with perfect symmetry and natural colors, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Yellow cake mix: A quick shortcut providing the perfect soft cake texture and buttery flavor without having to start from scratch.
Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness; room temperature eggs help the batter blend smoothly.
Vanilla extract: It amps up the flavor, giving the cake and filling those lovely warm notes you crave in dessert.
Butter: Melted butter adds moistness and richness essential for both the cake and the filling layers.
Cream cheese: The star ingredient in this recipe, it provides tang, creaminess, and that ooey gooey texture you’re here for—make sure it’s softened for smooth mixing.
Confectioners’ sugar: Gives sweetness while keeping the filling perfectly smooth and creamy.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I’ve played around with adding a few tweaks depending on mood or occasion—you totally can too!

Adding cinnamon or nutmeg: I sprinkle a teaspoon of cinnamon in the cake mix sometimes to give a warm, cozy twist that complements the cream cheese beautifully.
Swap the yellow cake mix for spice cake: Once, I swapped in a spice cake mix, and the taste was more autumnal and lovely—definitely worth trying if you want a seasonal variation.
Fruit topping: Fresh berries or a drizzle of fruit compote add a bright contrast that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Dietary mods: For gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix; for less sugar, start by reducing half the confectioners’ sugar and adjust to taste.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Cake Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (though if you’re using a convection oven, I recommend 325°F). In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 room-temperature eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the melted butter. I like to use a fork to mash and mix everything until well combined—it helps avoid overworking the batter while making sure it’s uniform in texture.

Step 2: Press the Cake Batter Into the Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch pan or spray it with baking spray, or better yet, line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. Press the cake batter evenly across the bottom. I like to get it as flat and uniform as possible—you want that base nice and compact to hold the filling perfectly.

Step 3: Whip Up That Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Filling

In your stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, the remaining 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and melted butter on medium speed until the mixture is light and creamy. Now, slowly add the confectioners’ sugar—one cup at a time—on low speed; this keeps the sugar from puffing up everywhere and ensures a smooth, luscious filling.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour the creamy filling right over the pressed cake batter. It will spread somewhat as you do this, but that’s exactly how it should be. Bake for about 35-45 minutes. Here’s my golden rule: take it out when the edges are beautifully browned but the center still jiggles slightly — this keeps the cake moist and luscious. Overbaking can dry it out, so keep a close eye near the end!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the cake cool completely (I usually wait about an hour). This helps the filling set just enough, while preserving that ooey gooey texture I’m always chasing. Cutting it too soon makes it a bit messy, so patience is key here!

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Pro Tips for Making Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are room temp—it helps the filling blend smoothly without lumps.
Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter: Mixing the cake batter until just combined keeps it tender and prevents it from becoming tough.
Watch Your Baking Time: Pull the cake slightly early if needed; residual heat will finish it off without drying it out.
Let It Cool Completely: Resist the temptation to cut immediately — the filling firms up as it cools, making for easier slices.

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake, cream cheese cake, gooey dessert recipes, easy cream cheese cake, indulgent cake recipes - The image shows a slice of a two-layer dessert on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a light golden crust with a firm texture. Above it is a creamy pale yellow layer, smooth and thick. The top is dusted with white powdered sugar that looks soft and powdery. A silver fork with a simple, detailed design is stuck vertically into the slice. In the blurry background, there is a glass bottle filled with white milk. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is a light dusting of powdered sugar or some fresh raspberries for a pop of color and tartness. Sometimes, I’ll drizzle a bit of caramel sauce or melted chocolate over the top to add a little extra decadence—because why not, right?

Side Dishes

This cake stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to turn it into an event, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs wonderfully. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich hot chocolate rounds out the experience perfectly on chilly days.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m serving this for a party or special occasion, I love slicing it into small squares and arranging them on a pretty platter with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for a touch of elegance. Layered mini versions made in muffin tins also make adorable single-serve treats that disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers covered tightly in the fridge—this cake stores well for about 4-5 days. Pro tip: let it come to room temperature before serving again to enjoy that gooey texture.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen slices wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. When defrosted overnight in the fridge, the cake retains its texture nicely. Just pop it back in the oven at low heat for a few minutes to revive that fresh-baked warmth.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually warm individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This helps the filling soften up again, making your leftovers taste freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make this Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version, ensuring it’s a blend meant for cakes. The rest of the ingredients stay the same. Just keep an eye on baking time, as gluten-free mixes often bake a bit differently.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! A hand mixer works great for whipping the cream cheese filling—just beat it on medium speed until smooth and creamy. You can also stir vigorously by hand, but it takes a little extra elbow grease.
How do I know when the cake is done?

Look for bubbled edges that turn golden brown while the center stays slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan. That’s the sweet spot before it overbakes and loses moistness.
Can I make this cake ahead of time for a party?

Yes! This cake actually tastes great the next day once chilled and slightly warmed. You can bake it the day before, store it in the fridge, and then bring it to room temperature or gently reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Ooey Gooey Cream Cheese Cake Recipe has become one of my ultimate go-to desserts when I want to impress without stress. It’s just so dependable, comforting, and downright delicious every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much you love that creamy, buttery center paired with the tender cake crust. Seriously, this cake is like a warm hug on a plate — your friends and family will thank you!