Description

A rich Southern classic featuring a dense, buttery cake base topped with a velvety, sweet cream cheese layer that stays perfectly gooey in the center. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert for potlucks, holidays, or a simple weekend treat.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
¾ cup salted butter, melted
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
5 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder, then stir in the granulated sugar until combined.
Add 1 egg, ½ cup of melted butter, milk, and ½ tablespoon of vanilla to the flour mixture; stir into a soft dough and press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add the remaining 2 eggs and ½ tablespoon of vanilla, beating until no lumps remain.
Slowly beat in the powdered sugar on low speed, then mix in the remaining ¼ cup of melted butter until the batter is thick and glossy.
Pour the cream cheese topping over the base layer and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center has a slight jiggle.
Cool the cake completely in the pan on a wire rack to allow the center to set, then dust with extra powdered sugar before slicing.

Notes

For the most consistent results, ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing to prevent a lumpy topping. Be careful not to overbake; the center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven to maintain that signature gooey texture.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American