Gooey isn't an adjective that is used often or positively in culinary vernacular. For natives of St. Louis, however, "gooey" makes mouths water because we have all grown up hearing "gooey" followed up with "butter cake". Gooey Butter Cake was invented in this Rivertown. Although we don't know the exact baker to have created this rich treat, we do know that it was most likely a German immigrant located in south St. Louis City in the early 1940's. Some speculate the recipe was an accident and others think it was intentional. Either way, this dessert masterpiece spread like a wildfire from the brick buildings of St. Louis and into bakeries nationwide.
Simply put: it's a rich yellow dessert composed of a firm outer crust that holds a sunken cake with a pudding-like consistency. The recipe is surprisingly simple and, because of that, refreshing to make. It is served either cold or at room temperature. Because it is so rich, a little piece goes a long way so, when serving your guests, make sure not to over serve (unless it's Budweiser beer)!
With the basic ingredients for Gooey Butter Cake consisting of butter and sugar, it's no surprise that bakers would modify the recipe into other confectionary delights. Most notably, Gooey Butter Cake Cookies and Gooey Butter Cake Brownies.
Whichever variation you choose, this St. Louis classic will never disappoint!