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Sugar Cookie Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

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4.4 from 9 reviews

This Sugar Cookie Gooey Butter Cake combines a soft and tender sugar cookie cake base with a rich, creamy cream cheese layer that melts into the cake as it bakes, creating a delightfully gooey texture. The crackly top and nostalgic sugar cookie flavor make it a perfect cozy dessert, especially when served warm with vanilla ice cream and powdered sugar.

  • Author: Zara
  • Prep Time: 20 Min
  • Cook Time: 45 Min
  • Total Time: 1 H & 19 M
  • Yield: 9-12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Sugar Cookie Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8oz (1 block; 250g) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 2 1/2 cups (300g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp (4g) vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 1/2 tsp (2g) almond extract
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp (1g) cake batter extract
  • Large pinch of salt
  • 3 tbsp Christmas sprinkles

Sugar Cookie Cake Layer:

  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp (4g) baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp (2g) salt
  • 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt or sour cream, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (220g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113g) salted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 eggs, at room temperature
  • 3 tbsp (60g) maple syrup
  • 1 tsp (4g) vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 1/2 tsp (2g) almond extract
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp (2g) cake batter extract
  • 1/4 cup Christmas sprinkles

For Serving:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Extra Christmas sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10.5x7.5-inch or 8x8-inch baking dish or pan with butter and set it aside.
  2. Prepare the sugar cookie cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy using a handheld electric mixer or by hand. Add the egg yolks and beat until well combined. Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste or extract, almond extract, cake batter extract if using, and a large pinch of salt. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Fold in 3 tablespoons of Christmas sprinkles until evenly distributed. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Prepare the sugar cookie cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt or sour cream, granulated sugar, melted and cooled butter, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla bean paste or extract, almond extract, and cake batter extract if using until fully combined and smooth. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and gently mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined and smooth without any dry flour spots. Fold in 1/4 cup of Christmas sprinkles.
  4. Assemble the cake: Pour the sugar cookie cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread it out to an even layer. Then, dollop the sugar cookie cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in spoonfuls. Using an offset or regular spatula, gently spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the batter, leaving a small border around the edges. It does not need to be perfect.
  5. Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes. The cake is done when the edges have set and turned golden, the top appears crackly and lightly golden, and the center is still slightly jiggly.
  6. Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, and extra Christmas sprinkles for garnish if desired. Enjoy the gooey, soft sugar cookie goodness!

Notes

  • Use soft Christmas sprinkles (like softies) to prevent the colors from bleeding into the cream cheese layer.
  • The cake is best served warm to enjoy its gooey texture; leftovers can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Allow the butter to cool slightly before mixing into the batter to prevent curdling or melting other ingredients.
  • Ensure all eggs and dairy are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
  • If you don't have cake batter extract, it can be omitted without affecting the overall flavor greatly.

Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/sugar-cookie-gooey-butter-cake-recipe/