Strawberry Gooey Butter Cakes for Two
These Strawberry Gooey Butter Cakes for Two are a delightful treat, featuring a soft and gooey strawberry butter cake base, filled with a creamy, luscious strawberry cream cheese filling. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is the perfect balance of sweet and creamy, making it an irresistible indulgence for any occasion.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below.
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Salted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Freeze-dried strawberries
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Cornstarch
Fresh strawberries
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Gooey Butter Cakes for Two:
Soft, Gooey Texture: These strawberry gooey butter cakes are the perfect combination of soft and gooey, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes each bite irresistible.
Delicious Strawberry Butter Cake Base: The strawberry butter cake base is soft and moist, with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of strawberry flavor that perfectly complements the gooey filling.
Creamy Strawberry Cream Cheese Filling: Filled with a luscious strawberry cream cheese filling, these cakes offer a creamy, tangy contrast that enhances the overall flavor and makes each bite even more indulgent.
Perfectly Sized for Two: These gooey butter cakes are made in a small batch, making them the perfect dessert for two. Whether it’s a date night or a cozy treat for yourself, they’re just the right size for a sweet indulgence.
Served Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream: Topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, the warm gooey butter cake becomes even more decadent, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
Easy to Make: Despite their indulgent taste, these strawberry gooey butter cakes are simple to prepare, making them a quick and easy dessert option that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you're celebrating a small anniversary, a special date, or just craving a sweet treat, these gooey butter cakes are a beautiful and delicious choice.
Strawberry Flavor Perfect for Spring and Summer: The fresh, fruity strawberry flavor makes these gooey butter cakes a great dessert for spring and summer, when strawberries are in season and you’re craving a light, fruity treat.
Great for Valentine’s Day: These strawberry gooey butter cakes are the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert, with their rich, creamy texture and sweet strawberry flavor—ideal for sharing with a loved one on a special day.
Customizable for Different Toppings: While they’re amazing with vanilla ice cream, you can also experiment with different toppings like whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra flair.
Impress Your Guests: These gooey butter cakes are sure to impress anyone you serve them to, with their rich texture, creamy filling, and vibrant strawberry flavor, making them a great option for dinner parties or small gatherings.
Tips for Making Strawberry Gooey Butter Cakes for Two:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure you cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth batter and filling, which helps achieve the perfect gooey texture.
Don’t Over-Mix the Batter: When mixing the strawberry butter cake batter, be careful not to over-mix. Over-mixing can lead to a denser texture, so mix just until the ingredients are combined for a soft, light base.
Use Fresh Strawberries for Extra Flavor: While strawberry jam works well, using fresh strawberries in the filling enhances the flavor and adds a burst of natural sweetness. You can chop the strawberries or mash them slightly for a more textured filling.
Prepare the Pan Properly: Grease the pan well with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking, especially since these gooey butter cakes are soft and can be difficult to remove. Line the bottom with parchment paper for extra assurance.
Check for Doneness with a Toothpick: The cakes are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (with just a few crumbs). The middle should still be soft and gooey.
Allow to Cool Slightly Before Serving: Let the strawberry gooey butter cakes cool for about 5 minutes after baking. They’ll set up a bit, but still stay gooey in the center, making them perfect when served warm.
Serve with Warm Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent touch, serve the gooey butter cakes warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, creamy filling and adds an extra layer of richness.
Customize the Filling: If you love a tangy twist, add a little lemon zest to the strawberry cream cheese filling. It will brighten the flavor and complement the strawberry nicely.
Don’t Skip the Refrigeration Time: If you make the filling ahead of time, let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before adding it to the cake base. This helps it set and gives it the perfect creamy consistency.
Make a Larger Batch and Freeze for Later: These gooey butter cakes are great for making ahead. Simply bake the full recipe and freeze individual servings. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, and serve with fresh ice cream.
How to Store Strawberry Gooey Butter Cakes for Two:
Store at Room Temperature for 1-2 Days: If you plan to enjoy your strawberry gooey butter cakes within a couple of days, store them at room temperature in an airtight container. This will keep them soft and gooey without drying out.
Refrigerate for Longer Freshness: To extend the freshness of your strawberry gooey butter cakes, store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure they are covered well with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing other odors.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage: If you need to store the cakes for a longer period, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 1-2 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Reheat Before Serving: For the best texture when reheating, place your leftover cakes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back their soft, gooey texture. You can also microwave individual servings for 20-30 seconds for a quick reheat.
Serve with Fresh Toppings: If you’ve stored the cakes in the fridge or freezer, reheat them and serve with a fresh scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This adds an extra layer of freshness to the dessert.
Store the Cream Cheese Filling Separately: If you have leftover cream cheese filling, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can reuse it on fresh cakes or even as a spread on toast or muffins.
Don’t Refrigerate with Ice Cream: If you’ve already topped the cakes with ice cream, it’s best to serve them immediately. Storing them with ice cream can result in a messy, soggy texture.
Use Small Containers for Single Servings: To store individual servings of the cakes, cut them into portions and place them in small, airtight containers for easy reheating and serving.
FAQs:
Q: What makes strawberry gooey butter cakes different from regular butter cakes?
A: Strawberry gooey butter cakes feature a soft, strawberry-flavored butter cake base, filled with a creamy strawberry cream cheese filling. The combination of gooey filling and a soft, buttery cake base gives them a unique, melt-in-your-mouth texture that traditional butter cakes don’t have.
Q: Can I make strawberry gooey butter cakes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the strawberry gooey butter cakes ahead of time! Simply prepare and bake them, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving for the best texture.
Q: How do I store leftover strawberry gooey butter cakes?
A: Store any leftover strawberry gooey butter cakes in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1-2 months.
Q: Can I freeze strawberry gooey butter cakes?
A: Yes, you can freeze strawberry gooey butter cakes for up to 1-2 months. Wrap them in plastic wrap and foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Q: Can I make strawberry gooey butter cakes for more than two people?
A: Absolutely! Simply double the recipe and bake in a larger pan. Adjust the baking time as necessary, depending on the size of your pan, until the cake is golden and set in the center.
Q: How do I reheat strawberry gooey butter cakes?
A: For the best texture, reheat strawberry gooey butter cakes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for 20-30 seconds to warm them up quickly.
Q: Why are strawberry gooey butter cakes served with vanilla ice cream?
A: The vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm, gooey strawberry butter cake, making each bite even more indulgent. The cold, creamy ice cream pairs perfectly with the sweet, tangy, and soft dessert.
Q: Can I add other toppings to my strawberry gooey butter cakes?
A: Yes, you can customize your strawberry gooey butter cakes with toppings like whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra sweetness and texture.
Q: Are strawberry gooey butter cakes good for special occasions?
A: Yes! Strawberry gooey butter cakes for two make a perfect dessert for special occasions like date nights, Valentine’s Day, or anniversaries. They are indulgent yet simple, making them the ideal treat for sharing.
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