What Dessert Was Made Famous in St Louis: Discover the Delicious Gooey Butter Cake History and Variations

Have you ever wondered which dessert put St. Louis on the culinary map? If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat. St. Louis is home to a delightful dessert that’s not just a local favorite but a beloved classic across the nation.

Overview of St. Louis Desserts

St. Louis features desserts that reflect its rich culinary history and cultural diversity. Offerings show a blend of local ingredients and flavors. The city is home to several iconic treats.

St. Louis Style Gooey Butter Cake

St. Louis style gooey butter cake stands out as a signature dessert. Made with a sweet, buttery crust and a creamy topping, this cake combines cake and custard. Originating in the 1930s, it’s perfect for any occasion.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

Ted Drewes frozen custard represents another St. Louis favorite. Known for its thick texture and rich flavor, this treat comes in a variety of combinations. You can savor it plain or customize it with toppings like nuts, fruits, or chocolate.

St. Louis-Style Toasted Ravioli

St. Louis-style toasted ravioli might seem unconventional, but it’s a beloved dessert option. Stuffed ravioli are breaded and fried, serving as a savory treat. When paired with a sweet sauce, this dish adds an unexpected twist to the dessert lineup.

Strassenfest Kasekuchen

Strassenfest kasekuchen, or German cheesecake, highlights the city’s German heritage. Crafted with cream cheese and a flaky crust, it boasts a light, fluffy texture. You can find variations with fruit toppings for extra flavor.

Gooey Butter Cookie

Gooey butter cookies provide a portable version of the classic gooey butter cake. With a soft texture and rich taste, these cookies make for a delightful snack. Enjoy them fresh or pack them for a sweet treat on the go.

The Iconic Dessert

St. Louis boasts a dessert that’s captured the hearts of many: gooey butter cake. This indulgent treat reflects the city’s rich culinary history, showcasing the blend of local flavors that make it unique.

Origin and History

Gooey butter cake traces its origins to the 1930s in St. Louis. Legend suggests that a German baker accidentally created it by mixing up ingredients for a coffee cake. Instead of a traditional dense cake, he produced a rich, buttery version with a creamy topping. This delightful mistake quickly gained popularity and became a staple in local bakeries.

Ingredients and Preparation

Gooey butter cake consists of simple, yet essential ingredients: flour, butter, sugar, eggs, cream cheese, and vanilla extract.

1. Crust: Combine flour, sugar, and melted butter to create a buttery base.
2. Filling: Mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract for flavor.
3. Assembly: Pour the filling over the prepared crust, ensuring an even distribution.
4. Baking: Bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes, allowing the cake to set while maintaining its gooey center.

Once cooled, you can slice it into squares or rectangles. Enjoy it plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an added touch. This cake remains a beloved favorite at family gatherings, parties, and local events, inviting many to savor its sweetness.

Popular Variations

Gooey butter cake inspires various interpretations, each reflecting local tastes and creativity. Explore these popular variations to appreciate this St. Louis classic in new ways.

Local Favorites

• Gooey Butter Cookies: These portable treats capture the same rich, buttery flavor as the original cake. Made with similar ingredients, they offer a sweet fix for on-the-go enjoyment. Local bakeries often sell them by the dozen, perfect for sharing.
• Gooey Butter Ice Cream: Some ice cream shops have crafted this unique flavor, combining the essence of gooey butter cake with rich, creamy ice cream. This cold dessert experience is particularly popular during warm months, offering a refreshing twist.
• Gooey Butter Cake Bars: These convenient bars maintain the gooey characteristics of the original cake. Sliced into manageable pieces, they provide an easy option for parties and gatherings. Bakeries frequently showcase creative variations of these bars, incorporating flavors like chocolate or pumpkin.

• Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake: This variation enhances the classic recipe by adding chocolate to the filling. It combines the traditional gooey texture with rich chocolate flavor, appealing to chocolate lovers. Many local home bakers experiment with this tasty adaptation.
• Peanut Butter Gooey Butter Cake: This version infuses peanut butter into both the crust and filling. The nutty taste complements the sweetness well, creating a balanced dessert. Many St. Louis cafes popularize this flavor for those craving something different.
• Seasonal Variations: During certain holidays, you might find seasonal flavors like pumpkin or apple for gooey butter cake. These limited-time offerings celebrate the flavors of the season, providing festive options for celebrations.

These variations bring new life to the beloved gooey butter cake, allowing you to enjoy a taste of St. Louis in diverse and innovative forms.

Where to Find It in St. Louis

You can find gooey butter cake and its variations at several local bakeries and restaurants throughout St. Louis. Many establishments take pride in serving this classic dessert, each with its own unique twist.

Famous Bakeries and Restaurants

• Park Avenue Coffee: Known for its traditional gooey butter cake, this bakery offers a rich, buttery version that attracts locals and tourists alike. Try their assorted flavors for a delightful experience.
• Gooey Louie: Specializing in gooey butter cakes, Gooey Louie presents a wide range of inventive flavors, from chocolate to seasonal pumpkin spice. Their commitment to quality makes them a must-visit.
• Treats Unleashed: This bakery stands out for its gooey butter cookies, which are perfect for those on the go. The cookies deliver the beloved flavor in a portable format, making them ideal for snacking.
• Ted Drewes Frozen Custard: While famous for its frozen custard, Ted Drewes also serves a unique twist on gooey butter cake. Check out their gooey butter cake sundae, which combines two St. Louis favorites.

• STL County Fair: Each summer, the fair showcases local vendors, including those featuring gooey butter cake and its variations. Sampling multiple flavors is a tasty part of the fair experience.
• The Great Forest Park Balloon Race: This annual event often features local food trucks and vendors selling gooey butter cake. You can enjoy this dessert while watching colorful balloons fill the sky.
• Local Farmers Markets: Many markets in St. Louis host bakers who offer fresh gooey butter cake, including seasonal variations. Visiting these markets provides an opportunity to enjoy the dessert while supporting local businesses.

Cultural Impact

Gooey butter cake represents more than just a popular dessert; it reflects the unique culinary heritage of St. Louis. This cake connects locals and visitors through shared experiences and traditions, often featuring prominently at celebrations, parties, and family gatherings.

St. Louis’s food scene embraces gooey butter cake, showcasing it in numerous forms. Variations like peanut butter gooey butter cake or chocolate gooey butter cake demonstrate culinary creativity, appealing to diverse taste preferences. Local chefs often put their spin on the classic recipe, incorporating seasonal ingredients and unique flavors.

Community events highlight this iconic dessert. Festivals, such as the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, provide opportunities for local bakers to showcase their versions of gooey butter cake. These events foster community pride and draw food enthusiasts from across the region, many of whom enjoy the treat alongside other local specialties.

Education also plays a role in preserving the legacy of gooey butter cake. Cooking classes and culinary workshops often include lessons on making the cake, allowing participants to explore its history and recipe firsthand. This knowledge not only keeps the dessert alive but also encourages others to create their own versions at home.

The cultural significance of gooey butter cake extends beyond St. Louis to broader conversations about American regional cuisine. Many food blogs and cookbooks highlight its importance, contributing to national recognition. By sharing recipes and stories, you help maintain its status as a treasured dessert that brings people together.

Conclusion

Gooey butter cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a sweet slice of St. Louis history that continues to delight taste buds. Whether you’re enjoying a classic version or one of its many creative adaptations, this treat brings a sense of joy and community.

Next time you’re in St. Louis or at a local gathering, make sure to savor this iconic dessert. You’ll not only indulge in something delicious but also connect with the rich culinary tradition that makes this city so special. So grab a slice and experience the gooey goodness that has captured hearts for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gooey butter cake?

Gooey butter cake is a rich dessert that originated in St. Louis, Missouri, during the 1930s. It features a sweet, buttery crust topped with a creamy filling made from a blend of cream cheese, eggs, and sugar, resulting in a delectably gooey texture.

How did gooey butter cake come about?

Gooey butter cake was created by a German baker who accidentally mixed up the ingredients for a coffee cake. The mistake resulted in a delicious, buttery dessert that became popular in St. Louis and beyond.

What are the main ingredients in gooey butter cake?

The primary ingredients of gooey butter cake include flour, butter, sugar, eggs, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. These components come together to create its signature buttery crust and creamy, gooey filling.

Where can I find gooey butter cake in St. Louis?

You can find gooey butter cake at several local bakeries and eateries in St. Louis, such as Park Avenue Coffee, Gooey Louie, Treats Unleashed, and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.

Are there variations of gooey butter cake?

Yes, there are many delicious variations of gooey butter cake, including gooey butter cookies, gooey butter ice cream, and flavored versions like chocolate and peanut butter. These adaptations reflect local tastes and creativity.

Why is gooey butter cake significant to St. Louis culture?

Gooey butter cake holds cultural significance as it connects locals and visitors during celebrations and community events. It showcases St. Louis’s culinary history and fosters pride, creativity, and shared experiences around food.

How is gooey butter cake made?

Gooey butter cake is made by first preparing a buttery crust, followed by a creamy filling that is poured over it before baking. The key is to bake it just long enough to maintain the gooey center while achieving a delicious flavor.

What events feature gooey butter cake?

Local events such as the STL County Fair and the Great Forest Park Balloon Race often showcase vendors selling gooey butter cake, providing opportunities for bakers to present their unique versions and foster community engagement.