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Are you ready to treat yourself to a heavenly dessert that combines the tangy zest of lemon with the rich decadence of buttery cake? Look no further than this irresistible recipe for Gooey Lemon Butter Cake! With its moist and gooey texture and vibrant citrus flavor, this dessert is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Gooey and Delicious Lemon Butter Cake

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Ingredients

For the cake

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp lemon zest
2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best)
1 1/4 cup flour, all purpose
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

For the cream

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 egg, room temperature
3-3.5 cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 inch spring foam pan and set aside.
Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl whisk the sugar and melted butter until combined. Add in egg, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest and whisk again. Add in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Spread the Cake Batter: Spread the cake batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth it out.
Prepare the Gooey Lemon Layer: In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and egg until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and beat until creamy and well combined.
Layer the Gooey Mixture: Pour the gooey lemon mixture over the cake batter layer in the baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The cake will still be slightly gooey in the center, which is what you want.
Cool and Serve: Allow the Gooey Lemon Butter Cake to cool in the baking dish for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. Garnish with additional lemon zest or powdered sugar if desired.

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Notes

For an extra burst of citrus flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon extract to the cake batter.
Serve slices of Gooey Lemon Butter Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake can also be frozen for longer storage.