Paula Deen’s Gooey Butter Delight

Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is an exceptionally easy-to-make dessert, featuring the most delightful cream cheese filling that perfectly complements a simple, buttery crust. This beloved recipe starts with a convenient box cake mix, making it remarkably effortless to prepare. Despite its simplicity, this butter cake is special enough to grace your holiday tables, particularly Thanksgiving, yet straightforward enough to whip up any time of the year for a comforting treat.

The allure of an Ooey Gooey Butter Cake lies in its incredibly rich, dense, and moist texture, crowned with a sweet, tangy, and impossibly creamy topping. For many, this dessert has held a cherished spot on their list of favorite oven-baked desserts for decades. It’s a classic that transcends trends, delivering pure indulgence with every bite. The combination of a cake-like base and a custard-like topping creates a truly unique and irresistible experience.

I’ve been perfecting this Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake recipe long before it achieved its widespread fame, and it has become a staple in my household. The entire family is equally fond of other variations and similar treats, including delicious Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies and the festive Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars. These recipes all share that signature, irresistible ‘gooey’ quality that makes them so beloved.

This particular dessert is also a fantastic “bar-type” treat, making serving incredibly easy and perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or casual family desserts. Just cut into squares, and you’re ready to share the deliciousness. We often enjoy making other bar desserts like our Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe, but the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake holds a special place for its unparalleled flavor and ease.

Why This Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Is a Must-Try

There are countless reasons why this Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake stands out as a true crowd-plepleaser and a personal favorite. Its charm lies in its deceptive simplicity and absolutely decadent results. First and foremost, the recipe utilizes basic, readily available ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. This makes it a convenient choice for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.

The crust, a foundational element of this dessert, is incredibly simple to prepare thanks to the smart use of a yellow cake mix. This shortcut eliminates the need for measuring multiple dry ingredients, sifting, and ensuring the perfect flour-to-fat ratio. It comes together quickly with minimal fuss, forming a buttery, tender base that’s robust enough to support the rich topping. The crust provides a lovely contrast to the creamy filling, offering a slightly firmer texture that holds the squares together beautifully.

The star of the show, the luscious cream cheese filling, is equally straightforward to create, coming together in mere minutes. With just a few key ingredients and a quick mix, you achieve a smooth, pourable mixture that bakes into a custardy, sweet, and tangy layer. This harmonious blend of textures and flavors ensures that every bite is perfectly balanced, making it a dessert that truly satisfies. The entire cake bakes up with a wonderfully moist and tender crumb, while the filling remains rich and undeniably decadent. The finished product is so delicious and impressive that it always garners compliments, making these “sweeties” a surefire hit at any gathering.

Essential Ingredients for Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Creating the perfect Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake requires a handful of simple ingredients, divided between the crust and the decadent filling. The beauty of this recipe is how these basic components combine to create something truly extraordinary. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each ingredient plays a crucial role.

For the Buttery Cake Crust:

• Yellow Cake Mix (18.25 ounces): This is the secret to the effortless crust. While any brand of basic yellow cake mix will work, choosing a quality mix can subtly enhance the flavor. It forms the base, providing a light, cake-like foundation that is far simpler than making a traditional scratch crust.
• Large Egg (1): The egg acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the crust ingredients together and adding richness. Using a large egg at room temperature will ensure it incorporates smoothly into the mix without causing the butter to seize.
• Melted Butter (1/2 cup): Butter is key to the “gooey” aspect of the crust. When melted, it binds with the cake mix and egg to create a rich, pressable dough that bakes into a tender, flavorful base. Real butter is highly recommended for the best flavor profile.

For the Irresistible Creamy Filling:

• Cream Cheese (8 ounces, 1 package): The heart of the “gooey” filling. Using full-fat cream cheese is crucial for achieving that characteristic richness and creamy texture. Ensure it’s at room temperature; this is vital for smooth mixing, preventing lumps, and creating a uniformly velvety filling.
• Large Eggs (2): These eggs contribute to the custard-like consistency of the filling, adding structure and binding power. Like the egg for the crust, room temperature eggs will blend more easily into the cream cheese mixture.
• Melted Butter (1/2 cup): Additional melted butter in the filling contributes significantly to its luxurious mouthfeel and moistness, helping it achieve that signature “ooey gooey” quality.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A staple in most desserts, pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor of the cream cheese filling, adding a warm, aromatic depth that balances the sweetness. Avoid imitation vanilla for the best taste.
• Powdered Sugar (4 cups): Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this ingredient provides the sweetness and helps create the silky-smooth texture of the filling. Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it is highly recommended to remove any lumps and ensure a perfectly smooth, unctuous topping.

You’ll find the complete, detailed list of ingredients with precise measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page, ensuring you have everything you need for this fantastic Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.

Creative Substitutions and Additions for Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

While the classic Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is perfect as is, it also serves as an incredible canvas for culinary creativity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these simple substitutions and additions to customize your cake and discover new favorite flavor combinations. From seasonal twists to added textures, the possibilities are endless!

• Pumpkin Gooey Cake: For a delightful autumnal twist, incorporate a can of pumpkin pie filling into your cream cheese mixture before spreading it over the batter. This adds a wonderful seasonal flavor and even more moisture, making it an ideal Thanksgiving dessert. You can also add a touch of pumpkin spice for an extra aromatic kick.
• Crunchy Nuts: Elevate the texture by folding in a few tablespoons of your favorite chopped nuts. Toasted pecans, walnuts, or even peanuts can add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey filling. Sprinkle them on top of the filling before baking or gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture.
• Alternative Cake Mix Flavors: The boxed yellow cake mix is incredibly versatile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other flavors to create a whole new dessert profile.
  • Spice Cake Mix: Perfect for fall, offering warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • Lemon Cake Mix: Creates a bright, zesty cake that’s particularly refreshing in warmer months. You can further enhance this by adding fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
  • Chocolate Cake Mix: Transforms this into a rich, fudgy chocolate delight, especially if you also add some chocolate chips to the filling.
  • Red Velvet Cake Mix: For a festive and colorful version, pair it with a cream cheese filling that’s slightly tinted with red food coloring.

  These variations are an easy way to switch up the classic yellow cake mix.

• Decadent Mix-ins: Add another layer of flavor and texture to the top of the filling with various sweet additions. These melt into the cake, creating pockets of deliciousness.
  • Butterscotch Morsels: For a rich, caramelized sweetness.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Adds a creamy, sweet contrast.
  • Chocolate Chips: Whether milk, semi-sweet, or dark, chocolate chips are always a welcome addition.
  • Heath Almond Toffee Bits or Heath Milk Chocolate Toffee Bits: These offer a delightful crunch and a buttery, toffee flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling.
• Bright Citrus Flavor: For a tangier and brighter profile, introduce fresh citrus to the cream cheese filling. A tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or a teaspoon of lemon, lime, or orange zest can cut through the sweetness and add a refreshing kick. This works exceptionally well if you’re using a lemon or even a white cake mix for the base.
• A Pinch of Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the cake after it’s baked and slightly cooled can enhance all the sweet flavors, adding a gourmet touch and balancing the richness. The salt crystals provide a delightful textural contrast as well.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your signature Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. The beauty of this Paula Deen recipe is its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or the season.

Step-By-Step Baking Instructions for Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Making this legendary Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a breeze when you follow these clear, step-by-step instructions. Get ready to create a dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

• Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly spray a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan with a non-stick cooking spray. Ensuring the pan is properly greased will prevent the cake from sticking and make serving easier.

Step 2: Create the Cake Crust Mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one large room-temperature egg, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Using an electric mixer (either a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment) on low speed, beat these ingredients together until they are just combined and form a thick, dough-like consistency. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Press Crust into the Baking Dish. Transfer the cake crust mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Using your fingertips or the back of a spoon, gently press the mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan to form a uniform layer. Make sure it reaches all corners and is relatively flat.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base. In a separate large mixing bowl, unwrap the 8-ounce package of room-temperature cream cheese. Beat the cream cheese alone with an electric mixer until it is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This step is crucial for a velvety filling.

Step 5: Mix in Wet and Dry Filling Ingredients. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the two large room-temperature eggs, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until these wet ingredients are fully combined. Then, gradually add the 4 cups of powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing slowly after each addition until all the sugar is incorporated and the filling is smooth and free of lumps. You may want to sift the powdered sugar beforehand for the smoothest result.

Step 6: Layer the Filling Over the Crust. Carefully pour the prepared cream cheese filling batter over the pressed cake crust in the baking dish. Gently spread the filling evenly across the entire surface of the crust using a spatula, ensuring it forms a consistent layer. This will create the signature gooey top layer.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 to 50 minutes. The cake is ready when the edges and outside begin to turn a light golden brown, but the center still appears slightly soft and “gooey” when gently jiggled. This gooey center is key to its name and texture. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool fully is essential for the filling to set properly.

Step 8: Garnish (Optional). Once the cake has cooled completely to room temperature, you can dust it generously with an extra layer of powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. This adds a beautiful finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness, though it is entirely optional.

Step 9: Slice, Serve, and Savor! Once cooled and, if desired, dusted with powdered sugar, use a sharp knife to cut the cake into even squares. Serve these delightful treats and prepare for rave reviews! The cooling time is crucial for the cake to firm up sufficiently for clean cuts and for the gooey center to reach its ideal consistency.

Storage Best Practices for Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

To keep your Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake tasting fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Since it contains a cream cheese filling, refrigeration is key to maintaining its quality and safety.

Any leftovers of this delightful butter cake should be stored in an airtight container. This prevents the cake from drying out and absorbing any ambient odors from the refrigerator. Place the container in the refrigerator promptly after cooling to room temperature. When stored correctly, your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake will remain fresh and enjoyable for up to one week. While it’s delicious chilled, many prefer to let it sit out at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving to soften the filling slightly and enhance its gooey texture.

Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Achieving the perfect Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is simple, but a few expert tips can elevate your baking experience and ensure a truly phenomenal result every time. Keep these pointers in mind for a consistently delicious dessert.

• Embrace Room Temperature Ingredients: This is arguably the most crucial tip for the creamy filling. Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and butter are all at room temperature before you begin mixing. Cold ingredients will not emulsify properly, leading to a lumpy filling and an inconsistent texture. Plan ahead and take them out of the refrigerator at least an hour before baking.
• Adhere to the Crust Recipe: Remember, you are NOT preparing the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. The box mix serves as a convenient base, but the Paula Deen recipe specifically calls for combining it with only one egg and melted butter for a dense, cookie-like crust. Follow the recipe card’s instructions precisely for the crust to ensure the right consistency.
• Beat Cream Cheese Until Velvety Smooth: Before adding any other ingredients to the filling, beat the room-temperature cream cheese by itself until it is completely smooth and fluffy. This step prevents lumps and ensures a silky, luxurious texture for your gooey topping. A stand mixer or a powerful hand mixer will make this task easy.
• Consider a Stand Mixer for Ease: While a hand mixer certainly gets the job done, a stand mixer can make the process even easier, especially when beating the cream cheese and incorporating the powdered sugar. Its consistent power ensures thorough mixing and a smoother batter.
• Serve with a Dollop of Whipped Cream: While delicious on its own, a dollop of fresh Homemade Whipped Cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is an optional but highly recommended accompaniment. The lightness of the whipped cream provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the butter cake, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
• Monitor Oven Temperatures: All ovens vary slightly in temperature, so keep a close eye on your cake during the baking process. The recommended baking time is a guideline; your cake might be done a few minutes earlier or later. Look for visual cues rather than relying solely on the clock.
• Resist Overbaking: The key to an “ooey gooey” butter cake is ensuring the center remains soft and slightly jiggly when removed from the oven. Overbaking will result in a dry, cake-like texture, losing the signature gooey quality that makes this dessert so special. The edges should be golden, but the center should still be tender.
• Allow for Ample Cooling Time: Patience is a virtue, especially with this cake! It needs to cool completely at room temperature, and ideally chill in the refrigerator for a bit, before slicing. This allows the creamy filling to set properly, ensuring clean cuts and the perfect gooey consistency. Cutting too early will result in a messy, unset cake.

This Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is truly a timeless dessert that effortlessly combines convenience with rich, indulgent flavor. It’s a fantastic recipe to have in your repertoire, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat. We hope you love making and enjoying this cake as much as we do!

Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Card