Looking to add a little green magic to your holiday dessert table? This Grinch-themed gooey butter cake is just the thing! Inspired by everyone’s favorite holiday grouch (who secretly has a big heart), this cake is bright green, buttery, and oh-so-delicious.
With a soft, gooey texture and a burst of festive cheer, it’s perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or a cozy movie night watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Topped with icing and a red candy heart, it’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Not only is this cake irresistibly tasty, but it’s also super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party or baking with the kids, this whimsical dessert is sure to steal the show—and maybe even grow a few hearts three sizes bigger!
Let’s get baking and make your holiday extra sweet!
Grinch Themed Gooey Butter Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box of white cake mix
- Green food coloring
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3 eggs divided
- 1 8oz package of cream cheese softened
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4-1/2 tsp peppermint extract depending on how much you like peppermint flavor!
- Peppermint bark or crushed candy canes
- White chocolate melted- for drizzling, if desired
- Holiday tree sprinkles and heart sprinkles, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 × 13 baking dish with baking spray and line it with parchment paper. It’ll be MUCH easier to pull out.
- Mix the cake mix, melted butter, 1 egg, and a few drops of food coloring to form a dough. I find that it’s easiest to mix with your hands to fully incorporate the color. Press the dough into the bottom of the pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, 2 eggs, powdered sugar, extracts, and a few more drops of green food coloring until smooth. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake.
- Sprinkle the peppermint bark on top and add a few of the sprinkles and hearts if you’re using them.
- They’ll bake into the cake, so you’ll also need extra to add on after they have cooled.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is set but still gooey in the center.
- Let it cool completely. I like to stick mine in the fridge for an hour so they have sort of a fudgy texture.
- Drizzle with white chocolate and add any more sprinkles or hearts. Serve right away!