Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a rich, buttery dessert that melts in your mouth. This Southern classic is known for its soft, gooey center and slightly crisp top, making it a favorite at gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners. The cake features a yellow cake mix base with a luscious cream cheese filling, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Originally from St. Louis, gooey butter cake has been a beloved treat for generations, but Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake gives it an extra indulgent twist. With just a few simple ingredients—butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cake mix—you can whip up this easy dessert in no time. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, every bite delivers a delightful combination of chewy, creamy, and buttery goodness.
Table of Contents
Key Benefits
Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a favorite for many reasons. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and has a rich, buttery flavor that makes it hard to resist. The following reasons establish the value of this cake for all bakers.
1. Quick and Easy Recipe
The preparation process of this cake requires minimal effort while demanding little time to complete. With just a few ingredients—yellow cake mix, butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar—you can have a homemade dessert ready to bake in minutes.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
This cake is great for family gatherings, holidays, potlucks, or a simple dessert at home. The cake is simple to carry because it eats well hot or cold which makes it perfect for every get-together.
3. Soft and Gooey Texture
The best part of Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is its texture. The bottom layer is chewy and buttery, while the top stays soft and gooey. The contrast makes every bite smooth and rich.
4. Easy to Customize
You can change the flavor by using different cake mixes like chocolate, lemon, or spice. You can also mix in toffee bits, white chocolate chips, or nuts to make it even more special.
5. Simple Ingredients, Big Taste
This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients, but the flavors come together in a way that tastes like a bakery-style dessert. The butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar give it a creamy, sweet taste that everyone loves.
Ingredients
The simple recipe to prepare Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake requires a few basic components. Each one plays a key role in creating the cake’s signature buttery, gooey texture.
For the Cake Base:
A single yellow cake mix will create your soft chewy base while one stick of melted butter with one large egg enables the mixture.
The melted butter sets 1 stick (½ cup) amount which creates both moisture as well as added richness.
One large egg serves to unite all mixing elements in the batter.
For the Gooey Topping:
The creamy tanginess from the 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese makes this dessert taste phenomenal when reduced into its softened state.
2 large eggs – Gives structure to the filling.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
Four cups of powdered sugar provide both sweetness as well as thickness to the topping layer.
The filling becomes more buttery thanks to one stick (half cup) of melted butter.
Optional Add-Ins:
Toffee bits act as ingredients for extra crunch in the deserts.
Additional sweetness emerges from white chocolate chips when added to the recipe.
The addition of lemon zest is necessary when using a lemon cake mix.
Excellent replacements for the base include finely cut pecans or walnuts which add delightful nutty depth to the mixture.
All the ingredients mix to form a moist, dense and flavorful dessert that matches most celebration occasions.
How to Make Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a surprisingly simple dessert to make, yet it’s always a hit with anyone who tries it.
Step 1:
Begin by setting your oven to 175 degrees Celsius and prepare your baking pan.
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it heated up while you prepare the pan.
Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with either butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure the cake comes out easily after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Base
In a large mixing bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg until they come together into a thick batter.
Press the batter evenly onto the baking dish while letting it reach all corners and the bottom surface.
Start by mixing cream cheese ingredients in a new bowl.
Step 3:
In another mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then continue mixing until fully combined.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and melted butter, mixing well until smooth and fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese filling over the cake batter, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The cake will be done when its edges become golden brown and its heart remains tender.
Step 5: Let Cool and Serve
Let the cake reach room temperature inside the pan before dividing it into squares.
You can top it off with a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving, if desired.
This dessert is delicious served warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Pro Tips and Variations
When making Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, a few pro tips can help elevate the flavor and texture of your dessert. The recipe offers additional versions which enable you to customize based on your preferences while making the dessert more luxurious.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cake
Your outcome of creamy filling will benefit from using ingredients at room temperature before combining them together. The blending process will become easy because temperature-adjusted components will stay lump-free.
The base’s mixture needs only to combine all ingredients before stopping the process. High-speed mixing destroys the cake batter structure thus causing dense texture in the final product.
Inspection for doneness starts at the 40-minute baking period since each oven operates differently. The top of the cake will develop a golden exterior with slight cracks while inside the middle should stay soft and wet. The mixture is ready if it appears too thin so continue baking for additional minutes.
The dessert needs complete cooling before service when left inside the baking pan. Complete cooling of the filling allows it to solidify properly and maintains its shape during slicing.
The result becomes more attractive by decorating the cooled cake with a delicate powdered sugar coating. The addition of powdered sugar creates both sweet notes and visual attraction to the finished dessert.
Delicious Variations
Lemon Gooey Butter Cake: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake base and a few teaspoons of lemon juice to the cream cheese filling for a fresh, citrusy twist on the classic recipe. The dessert works great during hot spring and summer seasons.
Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake: Swap the yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix for a rich, chocolaty version of the dessert. You can also stir in some mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake: If you’re looking to make this cake in the fall, try adding pumpkin puree to the cream cheese filling along with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. The added ingredients create a snuggly spiced taste in this dessert variation.
Peanut Butter Gooey Butter Cake: For peanut butter lovers, add some peanut butter to the cream cheese filling. The incorporation of nuts in this dessert creates a luxurious taste that harmonizes superbly with the buttery characteristics.
Berries and Cream: Add fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries on top of the cake after it’s baked and cooled. A light fruity component from the new topping enhances the luxury factor of this dessert.
Cinnamon Swirl Gooey Butter Cake: Add cinnamon to the cake mix and swirl it through the batter for a comforting, warm flavor. You will not resist the pleasure of eating cinnamon with this gooey filling combination.
With these tips and variations, you can customize your Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake to suit your taste or the season. Each version of the dessert includes different combinations which complement the classic gooey texture enjoyed by people.
Serving Suggestions
The Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a versatile dessert that can be served in many different ways to enhance its appeal. These serving ideas will create a stunning presentation for your Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake regardless of whether you want to use it for family occasions or dinner parties or even regular snacks.
Serve Warm with Whipped Cream
One of the best ways to enjoy this dessert is to serve it warm, straight from the oven. The gooey center paired with a dollop of fresh whipped cream creates the perfect balance of warmth and creaminess. You can also top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Top with Fresh Berries
For a touch of freshness, add a handful of fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, on top of each serving. The sharp berry taste overcomes the sugary base of the cake by providing a clearing texture. A quick berry compote will give you an option to create a drizzled topping.
You can chill the dessert until it reaches refreshing temperatures
While this cake is traditionally served warm, chilled gooey butter cake can be equally delightful. The cake should rest at room temperature first before you transfer it to the refrigerator for a few hours of cooling. When the filling sets it develops a unique texture which appeals to several people. Drawn from the fridge the moist cake works well as a hot summer day dessert.
Pair with Coffee or Tea
Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a perfect companion to a cup of coffee or tea. Rich cake texture pairs well with hot beverages to create an ideal snack that works well anytime between afternoon and late evening. A cup of hot chocolate also complements the buttery flavor of the cake perfectly.
The dessert spread should feature Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake as one of its components.
If you’re hosting a gathering or party, Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake can be part of a dessert table. Serve it alongside other popular treats like brownies, cookies, and cupcakes for a fun and varied dessert spread. The limited size of squares will let your guests try portions without any difficulty.
Garnish with Nuts or Chocolate Chips
For a more decadent touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the cake before serving. Alternatively, mini chocolate chips can be sprinkled on top for an extra chocolatey bite. The added nuts along with chocolate chips create delightful crusts which add depth to each piece of dessert.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or family gathering, this cake is a perfect fit for any occasion. Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate that this recipe allows preparation in advance since it produces outstanding results for everybody watching. The dessert works well for serving at casual brunches combined with picnic events where it delivers a special confection.
With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake in a way that suits your preferences or the occasion. Every serving of this cake whether served hot or cold or with additional toppings will become the most eye-catching option on the desserts display.
Conclusion
Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a dessert that combines simplicity with indulgence, creating a rich, buttery treat that’s perfect for any occasion. People love this dessert because preparing it is so straightforward yet its delicious texture makes it the perfect solution whenever they want a treat either for gatherings or family events or simply when they crave something sweet. Every serving of this golden-cake treat delivers a harmonious mix of tastes that will enchant palate of all individuals.
Whether you serve it warm with whipped cream, chilled for a refreshing twist, or topped with fresh berries and nuts for added flair, Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is sure to leave a lasting impression. Flexibility in presentation allows you to personalize this dish according to your taste preferences and its outcome becomes a hit among people no matter what serving method you choose. The cake contains all the deep-rooted history from traditional gooey butter desserts and Paula Deen’s distinct flavor enhancement. Your search ends here because you can easily prepare this delicious dessert after collecting your ingredients and following simplified instructions. You won’t regret it!
The health benefits of dark chocolate explained by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health are presented in this detailed article.
Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix – Forms the soft and chewy base.
- 1 stick ½ cup melted butter – Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the ingredients together.
For the Gooey Topping:
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened – Creates a creamy, tangy balance to the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs – Gives structure to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- 4 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the topping.
- 1 stick ½ cup melted butter – Adds more buttery goodness.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Toffee bits – For extra crunch.
- White chocolate chips – For a sweeter twist.
- Lemon zest – If using a lemon cake mix.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts – For a nutty flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cake Base
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg.
- Stir until the mixture forms a thick batter.
- Press the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping
- In another large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix well.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- The topping will be thick but will settle as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes.
- The edges should be golden brown, but the center should remain slightly gooey.
- Avoid overbaking, as the filling should stay soft.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Serve warm or chilled, with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Video
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Servings: 12-16 slices
- Calories (per serving): 350-400 calories (approx.)
FAQs
What is Paula Deen’s ooey gooey cake?
Paula Deen’s ooey gooey butter cake is a rich, buttery dessert made with a “yellow cake mix” base and a “cream cheese” filling. When baked the butter cake creates a soft and gooey interior that rests above a crispy crust to make a delightful and indulgent dessert. This cake is a variation of the classic “gooey butter cake” and is loved for its decadent texture and flavor.
What is the story behind the gooey butter cake?
The gooey butter cake originated in “St. Louis, Missouri”, in the 1930s. Accidently during the preparation of a cake batter a baker mistook one ingredient for another causing the creation of cake. The baker decided to bake the accidentally misproportioned dough which later turned into a popular regional dessert. The Southern classic known as gooey butter cake emerged from initial St. Louis creation in the 1930s until Paula Deen elevated the dessert with her luxurious filling and deep taste.
Why is gooey butter cake so good?
Gooey butter cake stands out because of its unique arrangements of textures and layers of taste. The “gooey” center, made of “cream cheese” and “powdered sugar”, creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience, while the “yellow cake mix” base provides a slight crispness. The addictive nature of gooey butter cake stems from its fabulous blend of sweetness and buttery flavors which draws people towards it in social events.
What’s in gooey butter cake?
The key ingredients in gooey butter cake include “yellow cake mix, melted butter, cream cheese, eggs”, and “powdered sugar”. The base of this dessert comes from cake mix and the filling creates its trademark gooey feel through cream cheese addition. “Vanilla extract” and “eggs” are also included to enhance the flavor and create the rich, moist consistency.
How do you know when a gooey butter cake is done?
To check if your gooey butter cake is done, look for a “golden-brown” top and a slightly firm outer edge. The finished center should maintain a soft and slightly gooey consistency to keep the traditional texture of this cake. A soft finger press into the center can determine readiness as the response should be elastic. Continue baking the cake until the wet jiggling feeling disappears.
What is the liquid they squirt on cakes?
The liquid you might be referring to is simple syrup, which is often used to moisten cakes and keep them soft. However, Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake doesn’t require any additional liquids to be squirted on top. The cake’s gooey center comes from the cream cheese and powdered sugar mixture, which gives it its moist texture without the need for extra syrups or liquids.
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