Disney World’s Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert made with a soft yellow cake base and a gooey cream cheese topping loaded with chocolate chips and toffee bits. Served warm with ice cream and caramel drizzle, it’s a theme park favorite that brings a magical touch to any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Inspired by a beloved Disney dessert from Liberty Tree Tavern
Combines cookie, cake, and cheesecake textures in one bite
Gooey, rich, and sweet—perfect for celebrations or weekend baking
Simple ingredients using a boxed cake mix for ease
Filled with mini chocolate chips and Heath toffee bits
Can be baked in a 9×13 pan or individual cupcake tins
Perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce
Kid-friendly and party-approved
Make-ahead friendly and stores well
A fun way to bring Disney magic home

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bottom layer:

1 (15.25-ounce) yellow cake mix
1 large egg
½ cup butter, softened

Second layer (topping):

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ cup butter, softened
3½ cups powdered sugar
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1 cup chocolate covered toffee bits (such as Heath Bits)

Optional toppings:

Vanilla ice cream
Caramel sauce
Additional toffee or chocolate chips for garnish

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or muffin tin.
Make the base. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, egg, and softened butter. Stir until a soft dough forms. Press this evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Prepare the topping. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and butter; mix until well blended.
Add the sugar and mix-ins. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until fully combined, then fold in mini chocolate chips and toffee bits.
Spread topping. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base and spread evenly.
Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is slightly gooey. Do not overbake.
- For muffin tins: Roll the cake base into 24 balls and press one into each well. Spoon a generous amount of topping over each. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
Cool and serve. Allow to cool slightly. Loosen edges gently with a small knife before removing. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30–40 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for a crunch
Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk or mini chips
Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to balance the sweetness
Make it gluten-free using a gluten-free cake mix
Add a swirl of peanut butter to the topping for a twist
Bake in ramekins for individual servings with a restaurant-style presentation
Top with whipped cream and crushed toffee bits instead of ice cream

storage/reheating

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in individual portions, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Microwave individual servings for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes before serving. Best enjoyed warm.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, while yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with chocolate, butter pecan, or vanilla for different flavor profiles.

What brand of toffee bits should I use?

Heath Bits (available in baking aisles) are ideal. You can also chop chocolate-covered toffee bars if needed.

Can I make this without a mixer?

Yes, both the cake base and topping can be mixed by hand using a sturdy spoon or whisk.

Why do I need to grease and flour the pan so well?

This cake is sticky and gooey, so properly greasing and flouring helps it release cleanly, especially if using muffin tins.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?

Yes, though mini chips distribute more evenly in the topping.

What’s the texture supposed to be like when done?

The center should be just set but still soft and gooey—do not overbake or it will become dry.

Can I make it in advance?

Absolutely. It reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

Do I have to use cream cheese in the topping?

Yes, cream cheese is essential for the texture and tangy richness of the topping.

Can I skip the ice cream and caramel?

Yes, but they truly enhance the “ooey gooey” experience and are highly recommended.

How do I serve these at a party?

Bake in muffin tins for individual servings and top each with a small scoop of ice cream and drizzle just before serving.

Conclusion

Disney World’s Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake is a warm, decadent dessert that captures the magic of a theme park classic right in your own kitchen. With a rich cake base, sweet cream cheese topping, and bursts of chocolate and toffee throughout, this dessert is made for sharing—and indulging. Serve it warm with ice cream and caramel for the full experience. It’s simple to make, unforgettable to taste, and sure to become a family favorite.