When it comes to indulgent, buttery desserts, few can rival the richness of butter cakes. Two of the most famous regional varieties in the U.S. are the St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake and the Philadelphia Butter Cake. Despite their similar names, these two cakes have distinct differences in texture, ingredients, and preparation. In this article, we’ll explore what sets them apart and why both deserve a place on your dessert table.
What is St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake?
The St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake has been a staple in the Midwest since the 1930s. Legend has it that a baker in St. Louis accidentally used the wrong proportions of ingredients, leading to the creation of a gooey, sweet masterpiece. Today, it’s a beloved dessert across the city, known for its soft, rich texture and intense sweetness.
This cake starts with a dense, buttery base made from butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. But the star of the show is the gooey top layer, often made from a mixture of butter, sugar, and sometimes cream cheese. This gooey layer sets it apart from other butter cakes. If you’re curious to learn more about the origins of this delicious cake, check out the history of Gooey Butter Cake to explore its beginnings in St. Louis.
What is Philadelphia Butter Cake?
On the other hand, Philadelphia Butter Cake, sometimes referred to as German Butter Cake, is rooted in the city’s German-American baking traditions. This cake also features a rich, buttery flavor but differs in its texture and preparation. Unlike the St. Louis version, Philadelphia Butter Cake uses a yeast-based dough, giving it a firmer, bread-like base.
The topping is where the decadence shines through. Philadelphia Butter Cake has a thick, buttery layer on top that is slightly firmer than its St. Louis counterpart. It’s often served in bar form, making it a convenient treat to enjoy on the go. If you want to try making it yourself, check out this guide to Philadelphia Butter Cake.
Key Differences Between St. Louis and Philadelphia Butter Cake
Though they share similar names, the differences between these two butter cakes are significant:
- Base: The St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake has a soft, cake-like base, often made from cake mix or yeast, while Philadelphia Butter Cake features a firmer, yeast-based dough.
- Topping: St. Louis’s version has a gooey, sometimes cream cheese-infused topping, while Philadelphia’s topping is firmer but equally buttery and rich.
- Serving Style: Philadelphia Butter Cake is commonly served as bars, while St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake is usually sliced into larger, pie-like pieces.
Variations of Each Butter Cake
Both butter cakes have inspired a range of creative variations, allowing home bakers to experiment with different flavors and textures.
St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake Variations
- Cream Cheese Gooey Butter Cake: This popular variation includes cream cheese in the gooey topping, making it even richer.
- Flavored Butter Cakes: Modern takes on the classic include flavors like pumpkin, chocolate, and even fruit-infused versions.
Philadelphia Butter Cake Variations
- Cinnamon Topped Butter Cake: Some versions of Philadelphia Butter Cake feature a cinnamon-sugar topping for added flavor.
- Extra Butter Variants: As if the cake wasn’t buttery enough, some recipes double down on the butter in both the dough and the topping for extra richness.
How to Bake Each Cake at Home
Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, both cakes can be made at home with a bit of patience and attention to detail.
St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Tips
- Base Options: You can use either a yeast dough or a cake mix base for the traditional recipe. Both result in a delicious cake, but the yeast base offers a more authentic St. Louis experience.
- Don’t Overbake: The key to perfecting the gooey topping is to avoid overbaking. The cake should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
Philadelphia Butter Cake Recipe Tips
- Yeast Dough Preparation: Ensure your yeast dough rises fully before adding the butter topping to get the right texture.
- Balance is Key: Be mindful of balancing the rich, buttery topping with the firmer yeast base to avoid overwhelming the flavors.
FAQs
What makes St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake gooey?
- The gooey texture comes from the high butter and sugar content in the topping, which doesn’t fully set during baking.
Can I substitute cake mix for yeast in Philadelphia Butter Cake?
- No, the yeast dough is essential for the texture of Philadelphia Butter Cake. Using cake mix will change the structure and flavor.
Why is Philadelphia Butter Cake firmer than St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake?
- The firmness comes from the yeast-based dough in Philadelphia Butter Cake, giving it a more structured base compared to the soft base of St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake.
Which butter cake is easier to make for beginners?
- St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake is easier for beginners, especially if you use a cake mix base. The yeast dough in Philadelphia Butter Cake requires more attention.
Are there other regional butter cakes like these?
- Yes! Other regional butter cakes include variations like German Butter Cake and Dutch Butter Cake, which share some similarities with Philadelphia Butter Cake.
Conclusion
Both St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake and Philadelphia Butter Cake are rich, buttery treats that offer unique textures and flavors. While they share some similarities in ingredients, their preparation methods and final results are quite different. Whether you prefer the gooey, sweet layers of the St. Louis version or the firmer, yeast-based texture of Philadelphia Butter Cake, both are worth trying.