Gooey Butter Cupcakes – Lets Try!
These Gooey Butter Cupcakes are a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a rich, buttery flavor and soft, gooey texture. If you love the classic gooey butter cake, you’ll adore this handheld version!
With a golden, buttery cake base and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth top, these cupcakes are the perfect indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Whether for a special occasion or an afternoon treat, these cupcakes are sure to impress!
Quick Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 20 mins | 35 mins | Dessert | American | 12 |
Ingredients (with Alternatives)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups | Gluten-free flour blend |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | — |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | — |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (softened) | Coconut oil |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Stevia or erythritol (for low-carb) |
| Eggs | 2 large | ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (for egg-free) |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz (softened) | Ricotta cheese |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups | Monk fruit sweetener (for low-carb) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Almond extract |
| Milk | ¼ cup | Almond milk or oat milk |
Instruments You’ll Need
| Instrument | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Mixing bowls | Any large and medium bowls |
| Electric mixer | Hand whisk |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Digital scale |
| Muffin tray | Silicone cupcake mold |
| Cupcake liners | Greased pan without liners |
| Cooling rack | Clean kitchen towel |
How to Make Gooey Butter Cupcakes
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Begin by creaming together ½ cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
This process will take about 3 minutes with an electric mixer, helping to create a light, airy texture for your cake base.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugar are creamed, add 2 large eggs one at a time. Make sure to beat well after each addition to ensure the batter is smooth.
Then, stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract for added flavor.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt.
This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and ensures your cupcakes rise perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with ¼ cup of milk. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense cupcakes.
Step 5: Make the Gooey Filling
In another bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 2 cups powdered sugar until smooth.
Add in 1 tsp vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. The result will be a creamy, gooey filling that will form the luscious topping for your cupcakes.
Step 6: Assemble the Cupcakes
Line your muffin tray with cupcake liners. Fill each liner with the prepared batter, about ¾ of the way full.
Spoon a dollop of the gooey filling on top of each cupcake. You don’t need to swirl or mix it in—this will create that signature gooey texture when baked.
Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes
Place the cupcakes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 18-20 minutes.
The cupcakes will rise, and the gooey filling will stay soft and slightly runny in the center, which is what makes them so irresistible!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
They will firm up slightly as they cool, but will still have that gooey texture in the center.
Variations to Try
If you’re looking to experiment with different flavors or ingredients, here are some variations to try:
- Gooey Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the batter for a rich, nutty flavor. You can also add chopped peanuts for texture, making these cupcakes a treat for peanut butter lovers.
- Chocolate Gooey Butter Cupcakes: For a chocolate twist, add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the batter along with 1 cup of chocolate chips. The cocoa powder will give the cupcakes a rich chocolate flavor, while the gooey center will still shine through.
- Lemon Gooey Butter Cupcakes: Add 1 tbsp of lemon zest and 1 tbsp of lemon juice to the batter for a citrusy tang. You can even add a few drops of yellow food coloring to give them a vibrant yellow hue.
- Gooey Butter Cupcakes with Berries: Add fresh berries (such as raspberries or blueberries) to the gooey filling or sprinkle them on top before baking. This will add a burst of flavor and a pop of color to your cupcakes.
- Gooey Butter Cupcakes with a Nutty Topping: After baking, top each cupcake with crushed nuts like pecans or almonds for an added crunch. The nutty topping will provide a nice contrast to the creamy, gooey center.
Storing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the cupcakes in the fridge for up to 5 days. The gooey filling may firm up slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.
- Freezer: These cupcakes freeze well for up to 1 month. Store in an airtight container or wrap them individually before freezing. Thaw before serving.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | What Happens | Fix / Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Overbaking the cupcakes | The cupcakes turn dry and crumbly | Check the cupcakes at the 18-minute mark. They should still have a soft, gooey center. |
| Too much or too little filling | The filling overflows or doesn’t set properly | Use the recommended amount of filling and spoon it gently on top. |
| Under-mixing the batter | Lumps or uneven texture | Mix until just combined—no more, no less. |
| Cold cream cheese filling | It doesn’t blend well with the other ingredients | Always use softened cream cheese for a smooth consistency. |
Lets Try!
These Gooey Butter Cupcakes are the perfect balance of rich, buttery goodness with a soft and gooey center.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the fun variations, these cupcakes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
They’re simple to make, yet incredibly indulgent, and are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them with friends and family or keep them all to yourself—they’re that good!
