National Gooey Butter Cake Day

National Gooey Butter Cake Day takes place each year on August 12. In 2026, this date falls on a Wednesday. This sticky, sweet treat is a beloved St. Louis tradition that has won fans across the country.

History of National Gooey Butter Cake Day

Gooey butter cake was created by accident in the 1930s when a St. Louis baker added too much butter to his coffee cake batter. According to legend, the baker was a German-American who sold the gooey result anyway, and customers loved it. The bakery where this happened was owned by John Hoffman. The original version uses a yeast-raised sweet dough on the bottom, topped with a rich, gooey mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs. Bakers in St. Louis popularized the treat, and over time it became a local delicacy often served as a coffee cake.

National Gooey Butter Cake Day was founded by Schnuck Markets in 2019 and quickly became a day to celebrate this classic American dessert. The holiday recognizes the happy accident that created a unique pastry and the bakers who kept the tradition alive. Today, gooey butter cake is available in bakeries throughout St. Louis, and its fame has spread thanks to chefs like Paula Deen who created their own versions.

Why is National Gooey Butter Cake Day important?

This day highlights a dessert that is both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Gooey butter cake is a decadently rich, moist cake with a sweet, buttery flavor. Unlike many cakes that require complicated steps, this one can be whipped up quickly with basic ingredients. The holiday encourages people to enjoy a treat that is a true piece of American baking history.

Celebrating National Gooey Butter Cake Day also supports local bakeries and the St. Louis food culture. It reminds us that mistakes in the kitchen can lead to delicious discoveries. The day is a chance to share a sweet treat with friends and family, whether you bake it yourself or order from a shop.

• Bake your own gooey butter cake from scratch using simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and eggs.
• Order a gooey butter cake from a local bakery or online from St. Louis sources like Park Avenue Coffee.
• Visit a gooey butter cake festival in your area to sample different versions.
• Throw a gooey butter cake decorating party with friends and family.
• Make a gooey butter cake trail mix by mixing dried fruits, nuts, and mini gooey butter cakes.

How to Celebrate National Gooey Butter Cake Day

One of the best ways to celebrate is to bake your own gooey butter cake. The recipe typically includes a yeast cake base and a gooey topping made with cream cheese, eggs, and confectioners' sugar. You can find many recipes online, and the cake is forgiving enough for beginners. After baking, dust it with powdered sugar and serve it with coffee for a classic St. Louis experience.

If baking isn't your thing, order a gooey butter cake from a bakery. Many St. Louis bakeries ship nationwide, and you can choose from flavors like traditional, chocolate, red velvet, and cinnamon. Share slices with coworkers or bring a whole cake to a party. The holiday is all about enjoying this sticky, chewy, and utterly delicious pastry.

National Gooey Butter Cake Day Dates