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National Gooey Butter Cake Day

Indulge your sweet tooth this National Gooey Butter Cake Day with delicious recipes and mouthwatering treats!

Wednesday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAugust 12

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYDesserts

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to get your sweet tooth ready for National Gooey Butter Cake Day on Aug. 12! This delicious holiday celebrates a St. Louis tradition that dates back to the 1930s. It is believed that this unique dessert was created by accident when a baker mixed up the proportions of sugar, butter and eggs in his cake recipe. The result? A gooey, rich and creamy treat that has since become an iconic part of American cuisine! So grab yourself a slice of this delectable cake and celebrate with friends and family!

TIMELINE

National Gooey Butter Cake Day Timeline

Gooey Butter Cake Inception

A St. Louis baker accidentally creates the Gooey Butter Cake by mixing the proportions of sugar, butter, and eggs in his recipe.

Locally Loved Treat

The Gooey Butter Cake becomes a beloved dessert to locals in the St. Louis region.

Spreading Sweetness

The cake gains national popularity through cookbooks and travelling St. Louis natives sharing the dish.

Culinary Celebrations

American chefs, such as Paula Deen, popularize their own versions of the Gooey Butter Cake, increasing its exposure.

Honoring the Gooey Goodness

National Gooey Butter Cake Day is established to celebrate this beloved classic American dessert.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Gooey Butter Cake Day

Bake your own gooey butter cake

With a few simple ingredients and instructions, you can make your own gooey butter cake from scratch. All you need is some softened butter, cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract.

ORDER

Order a gooey butter cake

Order a gooey butter cake from a local bakery or online. You can even get creative and order one made with different flavors or fillings.

VISIT

Visit a gooey butter cake festival

Attend a gooey butter cake festival in your area and sample some of the best recipes around. Not only will you get to eat delicious cakes, but you can also learn about the history of the dessert.

THROW

Throw a gooey butter cake party

Invite your friends over for a gooey butter cake decorating party. Provide them with all the ingredients they need to create their own cakes and enjoy the results of their hard work.

MAKE

Make a gooey butter cake trail mix

Mix together some dried fruits, nuts, and mini gooey butter cakes for a delicious and easy trail mix that will satisfy your sweet tooth. It's perfect for on the go snacking!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Gooey Butter Cake Day

It's perfect for any occasion

Whether it's for a special occasion or just because, Gooey Butter Cake is always a crowd pleaser. It's great for potlucks and picnics, birthday parties or just an afternoon snack. Plus, the combination of richness from the cake and sweetness from the icing makes this dessert irresistible!

It's incredibly delicious

Gooey Butter Cake is a decadently rich and moist cake with a sweet, buttery flavor. It's a classic Southern treat that never fails to satisfy even the most discriminating sweet tooth. The texture of the cake is heavenly - it literally melts in your mouth!

It's easy to make

Unlike many cakes which require long baking times and complicated instructions, Gooey Butter Cake can be whipped up in no time at all. All you need to do is combine your ingredients, bake them, and let them cool before drizzling with an icing made of cream cheese and butter.