🍰 Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake – Southern Sweetness at Its Best! 💛
Hey foodie friends! Ah, dessert—the favorite meal of the day, am I right? Today, I’m super thrilled to share with you an absolute Southern gem, Paula Deen’s iconic Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. If the name alone doesn’t have your stomach growling, trust me—one ever-so-buttery bite certainly will! This cake is pure magic; it’s buttery, soft, sweet, and oh-so-gooey in the center. It’s one of those desserts that just feels like a warm Southern hug with every single mouthful.
Growing up with Southern roots, comfort food was literally my life—from sweet tea to peach cobbler. But the first time I tasted Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake at a family potluck, my sweet-tooth-loving self became OBSESSED. Instantly crave-worthy, it wasn’t just cake; it was a culinary love letter, signed “Paula Deen.” 🤤
✨ A Sweet Southern Memory (…and why this cake steals hearts!) ✨
Before we dig in, let me share a quick little story with you! A few summers ago, I hosted a family reunion at my home. My cousins were flying in, my grandma had prepared her famous fried chicken, and I volunteered (overenthusiastically, as usual!) to handle desserts. After testing three different recipes, Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake landed on my dessert table and… OMG—it became the MVP. In fact, by day’s end, practically everyone asked me, recipe cards in hand, “How on earth do I make this ridiculously delicious cake?”
Lesson learned: always bake extra batches because this cake will vanish faster than ice cream on a sizzling Southern afternoon!
Now, my friends, it’s YOUR turn to create that unforgettable treat everyone will ask about. Ready to stir up some magic? Let’s dive in!
🛒 Ingredients – Everything You Need to Grab for Southern Dessert Magic:
Let’s break down this ooey, gooey, buttery perfection piece by delicious piece (and yes, it’s as simple as it sounds!):
For the Cake Layer:
– 1 (18.25-ounce) package yellow cake mix
– 1 large egg
– 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted (because butter makes everything better—thanks, Paula!)
For the Dreamy, Gooey Filling:
– 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (real vanilla is magical!)
– Another 8 tablespoons butter, melted (hello again, butter!)
– 1 pound (1 box, 16-ounce) powdered sugar
🎉 How to Bake the Magic: Step-by-Step Directions to Yumminess!
Alright, apron on? Let’s bake some happiness!
Step 1: Prep Your Oven
Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, lightly grease (some butter never hurt anyone!) a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cake Base
In a big mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one egg, and your melted butter. Stir (or beat lightly) until everything combines into a lovely doughy consistency. Gently press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
Step 3: Creamy Filling Time!
Now, grab another bowl and let’s get creamy! Beat your softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Toss in your eggs, decadent vanilla extract, and additional melted butter. (Already hungry? Same!) Mix until smooth and dreamy.
Step 4: Sweeten the Deal
Slowly add powdered sugar into your cream cheese mixture, about a cup at a time, beating continuously until it’s evenly mixed and velvety smooth. Resist eating this straight from the bowl! (Okay, maybe a tiny taste test…)
Step 5: Bring Everything Together
Gently pour your cream cheese filling over the cake crust, spreading it evenly with your spatula. Your kitchen should officially smell like buttery sweetness heaven!
Step 6: Bake to Ooey Gooey Perfection
Pop that sweet beauty into your preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes. Here’s the secret, friends—don’t overbake it! Getting that irresistible ooey-gooey center means the center should remain slightly jiggly. That gooey magic in the middle is exactly what you’re aiming for!
Step 7: Let it Cool, Slice, and Prepare for Praise
Allow your cake to cool to room temperature (as tough as it is!). Slice it into squares and serve. Brace yourself: the compliments and requests for the recipe are incoming!
✨ Serving Suggestions – Elevate Your Ooey Gooey Sweetness!✨
While Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is heavenly all on its own, here are a few friendly tips to kick your serving style up a notch:
– Top slices with fresh strawberries and powder lightly with powdered sugar for added chic, photo-worthy appeal.
– Serve next to a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.
– Pair with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Trust me, perfection achieved.
– Cut into small squares and present in cupcake liners for the most adorable dessert buffet at your next gathering!
👩🍳 Pro Tips from Your Friendly Chef (aka essential tricks of the trade!):
– Use real, good-quality vanilla extract instead of imitation—the flavor difference is worth it!
– Line your pan with parchment paper. It helps with clean, super-easy slices (plus cleanup is a breeze!).
– Check your oven at 40 minutes. Every oven bakes differently, so ensure it stays gooey in the center—better to slightly under bake than overbake!
– This cake tastes even better the next day (if you can wait!). Chill it in the fridge overnight and enjoy it cold or at room temp.
🥧 Nutritional Information (approx.):
Each slice (based on 12–15 servings): about 400 calories
Keep in mind—this is a treat-yourself dessert. Enjoy it, love every buttery moment, and balance it out with a healthy, happy lifestyle!
🌟 Ready to Bake Memories?
There you have it, friends—the secret to Southern dessert bliss! Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is the ultimate recipe to make precious moments sweeter. Give it a try, share pictures on socials, and tell me all about how much you loved it.
From my kitchen to yours, keep cooking with love and butter—lots of butter. 💖
Happy cooking, y’all! 🍰✨