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This Gooey Brown Butter Maple Cake is rich, buttery, and perfectly soft in the center with crisp, golden edges. A simple yellow cake mix forms the base, while the filling blends nutty brown butter, cream cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla into a warm, custard-like layer that bakes into a gooey, irresistible texture. It’s easy enough for a weeknight bake but impressive enough for holidays, gatherings, and cozy seasonal entertaining.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 16 Servings
Course: Dessert
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Base
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 large egg
  • 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter melted
  • 2-3 tbsp pure maple syrup optional but recommended
For the Gooey Topping
  • 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter browned and slightly cooled
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp maple extract optional but enhances flavor
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • pinch of salt

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

  1. Prep
    Preheat oven to 350°F.
    Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper (or lightly grease).
  2. Make the Browned Butter
    Add 1 stick of butter to a saucepan.
    Melt over medium heat, then continue cooking until it foams and turns golden with brown speckles.
    Remove from heat, pour into a bowl, and let cool for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Make the Cake Base
    In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, egg, and melted butter.
    Add 2–3 tbsp maple syrup if using.
    Mix until a thick dough forms.
    Press evenly into the bottom of your pan.
  4. Make the Gooey Filling
    Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
    Add the browned butter, eggs, vanilla, maple extract, and maple syrup. Mix until creamy.
    Slowly add the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt.
    Mix until incorporated but don’t overbeat.
  5. Assemble & Bake
    Spread the gooey filling evenly over the cake base.
    Bake 40–45 minutes.
    Edges should be set. Center should still jiggle slightly, that’s the gooey part!
    Cool completely before slicing.