Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying, meet Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. This Southern classic combines a tender cake base with a luscious, creamy topping that’s sweet, sticky, and downright irresistible.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting treat, this easy recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, making it a go-to favorite for home cooks everywhere.

Why People Love This Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

There’s something magical about this cake that keeps people coming back. The combination of a soft, cake-like base and a sweet, sticky topping is pure comfort food. It’s not fancy or complicated, but it delivers big on flavor and texture.

Paula Deen’s version stands out because it’s easy to whip up with everyday ingredients. You don’t need to be a pro baker to get it right. Plus, that melt-in-your-mouth goodness makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This isn’t your average cake—it’s a two-layer treat that’s part cake, part gooey delight. The bottom layer is a simple yellow cake mix, giving it a sturdy yet tender base. The top layer, made with cream cheese, butter, and sugar, is what gives it that signature “ooey gooey” texture.

Paula Deen’s spin adds a touch of Southern charm. Her recipe keeps things straightforward while packing in tons of buttery richness. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these pantry staples. Most of them are probably already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious cake:

• For the Base:
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• For the Topping:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cups powdered sugar (about 16 oz)

You’ll also need a 9×13-inch baking dish and some nonstick cooking spray. That’s it—simple, right?

Kitchen Tools to Have Handy

You don’t need anything fancy to make this cake. A mixing bowl, an electric mixer (or a whisk if you’re doing it by hand), and a spatula will do the trick. The 9×13-inch pan is key for the perfect thickness.

Having measuring cups and spoons ready helps too. If you’ve got parchment paper, it can make cleanup even easier, but it’s optional.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

This recipe comes together in two easy parts: the base and the topping. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray your baking dish with nonstick spray. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one egg, and melted butter. Stir it until everything is well mixed and forms a thick dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch pan.

It’ll look like a soft, buttery crust. Use your fingers or a spatula to spread it out smoothly.

Step 2: Make the Gooey Topping

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, mixing until combined. Slowly blend in the powdered sugar until the mixture is thick and velvety.

This is where the magic happens. The topping should be pourable but not runny.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base in the pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula so it covers the whole surface. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy—it’ll bake up beautifully.

The two layers will meld together in the oven. That’s what creates the gooey texture everyone loves.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and the center will still be slightly jiggly. That jiggle is normal—it sets as it cools.

Don’t overbake, or you’ll lose some of that gooeyness. Keep an eye on it toward the end.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool completely in the pan before cutting into it. This can take about an hour, but it’s worth the wait. Once cooled, slice it into squares and serve.

The texture is best when it’s fully set. Dust with a little extra powdered sugar if you want a pretty finish.

Tips for the Best Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Here are some handy pointers to make sure your cake turns out amazing:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened cream cheese and eggs blend more smoothly into the topping.
2. Don’t Skip the Cooling: Cutting too soon can make it too gooey to hold together.
3. Mix Thoroughly: No lumps in the topping mean a silkier texture.
4. Add a Twist: Sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped pecans on top before baking for extra flavor.

These little tweaks can take your cake to the next level. Experiment and see what you like best.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of what’s in each serving, based on cutting the cake into 12 pieces. Keep in mind this is an indulgent treat!

This is an estimate and can vary slightly. It’s definitely a dessert to enjoy in moderation!

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own, but you can dress it up a bit. Here are some ideas:

• With a Scoop: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Fruit Pairing: Serve with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a tart contrast.
• Warm It Up: Microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked feel.
• Coffee Companion: Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.

It’s versatile enough to fit any mood. You’ll find it disappears fast no matter how you serve it.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers? No problem. Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cool temperature keeps that gooey texture intact.

To reheat, pop a piece in the microwave for 10-20 seconds. It’ll taste almost as good as fresh from the oven. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The beauty of Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake lies in its simplicity. The cake mix base cuts down on prep time, while the cream cheese topping adds richness without much effort. It’s forgiving too—even if you’re not exact with measurements, it still turns out delicious.

The balance of textures is spot-on. You get a firm base that holds up to the soft, gooey layer on top. It’s a recipe that’s hard to mess up and easy to love.

A Little History Behind the Dish

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake has roots in St. Louis, Missouri, dating back to the 1930s. Legend says a baker accidentally mixed up a recipe, creating this happy mistake. Paula Deen took that classic idea and gave it her Southern flair.

Her version keeps the spirit of the original while making it accessible for home cooks. It’s now a staple in many kitchens, thanks to its irresistible charm.

Summary

Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert. With its buttery base and creamy, sweet topping, it’s a treat that’s simple to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, this recipe delivers every time.

Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a slice of Southern goodness. It’s a dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your home too.

FAQ

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, try chocolate or spice cake mix for a fun twist. Just keep the topping the same for that classic gooey vibe.

How do I know when it’s done baking?
The top will be golden, and the center will jiggle slightly. It firms up as it cools, so don’t overbake.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely, bake it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. It tastes great chilled or reheated.

What if I don’t have a 9×13 pan?
An 11×7 pan works but may need a few extra minutes to bake. Adjust the time and watch closely.

Is this cake gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can swap in a gluten-free cake mix. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Usman Malik

Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert with a buttery cake base and a creamy, gooey topping. It’s simple to make using everyday ingredients like cake mix and cream cheese. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat, this Southern classic is a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to resist.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American-Italian

Servings 12

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Optional: Parchment paper for easier cleanup

Ingredients

  

For the Base:

• 1 box 15.25 oz yellow cake mix
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted

For the Topping:

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cups powdered sugar about 16 oz

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

• In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one egg, and melted butter. Stir it until everything is well mixed and forms a thick dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch pan.
• It’ll look like a soft, buttery crust. Use your fingers or a spatula to spread it out smoothly.

Step 2: Make the Gooey Topping

• In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, mixing until combined. Slowly blend in the powdered sugar until the mixture is thick and velvety.
• This is where the magic happens. The topping should be pourable but not runny.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

• Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base in the pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula so it covers the whole surface. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy—it’ll bake up beautifully.
• The two layers will meld together in the oven. That’s what creates the gooey texture everyone loves.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

• Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and the center will still be slightly jiggly. That jiggle is normal—it sets as it cools.
• Don’t overbake, or you’ll lose some of that gooeyness. Keep an eye on it toward the end.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

• Let the cake cool completely in the pan before cutting into it. This can take about an hour, but it’s worth the wait. Once cooled, slice it into squares and serve.
• The texture is best when it’s fully set. Dust with a little extra powdered sugar if you want a pretty finish.

Notes

This cake is best when cooled completely before cutting to hold its shape, so don’t rush the process. Use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smoother topping. Avoid overbaking to keep that signature gooey texture intact.

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