Paula Deen Butter Cake Recipe: Ooey Gooey Southern Classic

Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a true Southern treasure, beloved for its rich, buttery flavor and satisfyingly gooey texture. This article will walk you through the delightful history, classic recipe, popular variations, and practical tips to help you bake and serve this indulgent cake. We’ll also answer common questions, offer lighter alternatives, and guide you through proper storage techniques. So, get ready to dive deep into one of the most mouthwatering desserts out there!

Introduction and Background

Introduction to Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Few desserts capture Southern comfort quite like Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. Famous for its rich and gooey center, this cake has become a staple in kitchens across the country, thanks to Deen’s popular recipe. But why has it taken the dessert world by storm?

In a nutshell, it’s all about simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of common ingredients, you can whip up this buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels like it belongs in a bakery. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a sweet snack, this cake is sure to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth, much like this delicious recipe for Crab Meat Fettuccine Alfredo, which is another crowd-pleaser.

The History of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Ah, history—every dessert’s got a story, and the Paula Deen-Butter Cake is no different. Originating in St. Louis in the 1930s, this cake was the result of a happy accident when a baker mixed up the proportions of flour and butter. Instead of tossing the batch, the baker decided to sell it, and it became an instant hit! Talk about turning a mistake into gold.

Fast forward to today, and Paula Deen’s Butter Cake has received her special touch. Paula Deen-Butter Cake now showcases her Southern charm, making it a beloved treat. This classic dessert is enjoyed by people everywhere, with Paula Deen’s version being the go-to recipe for anyone craving a gooey, buttery indulgence.

This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a piece of history served on a plate, connecting the traditions of the past with the culinary passions of today. Want to learn more about the cake’s origins? You can read up on it in detail through this The History of Gooey Butter Cake.

The Recipe and Variations

Classic Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Paula’s recipe calls for a boxed cake mix as the base, making it quick and convenient, yet oh-so-delicious. If you’re a fan of seasonal treats, you might also love this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake, which adds a rich autumnal flavor to the mix.The magic, of course, is in that thick layer of cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar on top. Ready to bake? Let’s break it down!

Ingredients You Need

You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make this cake. In fact, you probably already have most of them in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

• One box of yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup of melted butter
• 3 eggs
• 8 oz of cream cheese (softened)
• 16 oz of powdered sugar
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract

These basic ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s like magic, except it’s butter and sugar!

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the crust: for your Paula Deen Butter Cake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one egg, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan.
3. Make the filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating. Then add the remaining two eggs and vanilla extract. Beat everything until creamy and smooth.
4. Pour the filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly.
5. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, but the center should still be a bit gooey. (That’s the magic!)
6. Cool completely before cutting. This helps the cake set, and it’s worth the wait.

Boom! You’ve got yourself a classic Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake—golden, gooey, and simply irresistible.

Popular Variations of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

While the classic recipe is already a showstopper, there are tons of variations you can experiment with. Here are some popular twists on the original:

1. Chocolate Ooey Gooey Butter Cake – Swap the yellow cake mix for a chocolate one and add some cocoa powder to the cream cheese filling. It’s a chocoholic’s dream!
2. Pumpkin Ooey Gooey Butter Cake – Perfect for fall! Add a can of pumpkin puree to the filling, along with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. This gives the cake a warm, seasonal flavor that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
3. Lemon Butter Cake – If you’re a fan of tangy desserts, try adding some fresh lemon juice and zest to the filling, or for another citrusy treat, check out these Easy Lemon Cake Cookies. The result is a sweet, zesty cake with a citrus twist.
4. Peanut Butter Butter Cake – For all the peanut butter lovers, mix in some creamy peanut butter with the cream cheese filling for an extra rich and nutty flavor, or explore a delicious peanut butter dessert like this Heavenly Hunks Peanut Butter Chocolate recipe.

Each of these variations follows the same easy steps as the classic, but the different flavors give the cake a whole new personality. It’s amazing how much versatility you can get from one simple base recipe.

Serving and Storing Tips

How to Serve Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Once you’ve baked your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, the next step is figuring out how to serve it. This dessert is delicious on its own, but there are ways to make it even more indulgent or add a touch of flair.

Most people enjoy this cake as a rich, stand-alone treat, but if you’re looking to elevate your dessert game, consider these serving suggestions:

1. Serve with whipped cream – A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the dense, gooey cake.
2. Top with fresh berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries pair perfectly with the rich sweetness of the cake and add a touch of tartness.
3. Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce – For extra decadence, drizzle some warm caramel or chocolate sauce over the top. It creates a beautiful presentation and adds even more flavor.
4. Ice cream on the side – If you want to go all out, serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream and warm cake combo is unbeatable!

However you decide to serve it, the key is to keep it simple so the rich flavors of the cake remain the star. A slice of Paula Deen’s butter cake is filling, so a small portion goes a long way, especially after a hearty meal.

Storage Tips for Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

The good news? Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is easy to store and can even taste better the next day once the flavors meld together. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

1. At Room Temperature – If you’re planning to eat the cake within 1-2 days, you can store it at room temperature. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.
2. Refrigerate for Longer Storage – If you want the cake to last a little longer (up to a week), you can refrigerate it. The cake’s gooey texture holds up well in the fridge, and some say it tastes even better chilled!
3. Freezing Instructions – Want to make your cake ahead of time? No problem! Ooey Gooey Butter Cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just thaw it at room temperature or give it a quick zap in the microwave.

By following these simple storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your butter cake for days (if it lasts that long!). Just remember to keep it well-sealed to preserve that irresistible texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Breakdown of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Let’s face it—Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake isn’t exactly a light dessert. It’s rich, buttery, and packed with sweetness, but that’s also what makes it so indulgent. If you’re curious about the nutritional facts, here’s a rough breakdown per serving (assuming you cut the cake into 12 pieces):

• Calories: 450-500
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Sugars: 40g
• Protein: 5g

Clearly, this dessert is a treat meant for special occasions rather than an everyday indulgence. The combination of cream cheese, butter, and sugar creates a cake that’s both decadent and calorie-dense. But hey, life’s about balance, right?

Healthier Alternatives for a Lighter Version

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy Ooey Gooey Butter Cake with a little less guilt, there are some tweaks you can make to lighten things up without sacrificing too much flavor. Here are a few ideas:

1. Use a low-fat cream cheese – This simple swap can cut down on the total fat content without altering the taste or texture too much. Just be sure to use a reputable brand, as some low-fat versions can be watery.
2. Replace some of the butter with applesauce – This is a popular baking trick to reduce fat. Try replacing half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. You’ll cut down on calories and saturated fat while keeping the cake moist.
3. Opt for a sugar substitute – If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol in place of some or all of the powdered sugar. You may need to adjust the amount, as these substitutes are often sweeter than regular sugar.
4. Use whole wheat flour – For the crust, consider using a mix of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour, or find a healthier cake mix alternative. This adds a bit more fiber and can make the cake feel a little less indulgent.
5. Reduce the serving size – Another simple way to enjoy this cake without going overboard is to cut smaller pieces. Instead of dividing the cake into 12 servings, try cutting it into 16 or even 20 smaller portions.

By making just a few of these adjustments, you can reduce the calorie count and fat content while still enjoying the sweet, gooey goodness of this classic dessert.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Frequently Asked Questions About Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

You’ve made the cake, devoured it, and now you might have a few lingering questions. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Below are some of the most common questions people have when baking or storing Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.

Can I use a homemade cake mix for the base instead of a boxed mix?

Absolutely! While Paula Deen’s recipe calls for a boxed yellow cake mix for convenience, you can easily swap in a homemade version. Simply mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt for a DIY cake mix. This gives the cake a more personal, homemade touch, though it might slightly alter the texture. Just make sure the mix equals about the same quantity as a boxed version—usually around 15.25 ounces.

How long does Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake last?

The cake will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you refrigerate it, you can stretch that to about 5-7 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option (more on that in a bit!).

Can I freeze Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?

Yes, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake freezes beautifully, and it’s a great way to make sure you always have a treat on hand. To freeze, wrap the cake (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw the cake at room temperature or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.

What makes Ooey Gooey Butter Cake so gooey?

The secret to the cake’s signature gooey texture lies in the layer of cream cheese, eggs, and powdered sugar. When baked, the top layer firms up just enough to hold its shape, while the center remains soft, buttery, and irresistibly gooey. The balance between the slightly firmer crust and the creamy, gooey center is what makes this dessert so unique!

Can I make a gluten-free version of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?

Certainly! If you or your guests are gluten-sensitive, you can easily make a gluten-free version of this cake. Use a gluten-free cake mix as your base and ensure that the other ingredients, like powdered sugar and cream cheese, are certified gluten-free. The texture might be a little different, but the gooey center will still shine through.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, making Ooey Gooey Butter Cake ahead of time is a great option, especially if you’re hosting an event or just want to get ahead on your dessert prep. You can store the cake at room temperature or in the fridge for a few days. Freezing it is another excellent option, as mentioned above.

Wrapping It All Up – Why Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Is a Southern Classic

The Appeal of Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

There’s a reason why Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake has earned a place in kitchens all across the country—its irresistible combination of buttery crust and soft, gooey center makes it the ultimate comfort dessert. It’s rich and decadent, but also simple to make, which is why it’s such a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners.

From its humble beginnings in St. Louis to becoming a modern-day classic, the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake has undergone some changes, but its essence remains the same: a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to forget. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, allowing you to create your own versions, whether you prefer chocolate, pumpkin, or peanut butter variations.

Making It Your Own

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a birthday, or just because you’re craving something sweet, Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake never disappoints. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, creating memories with each bite. Even better, it’s easy enough for novice bakers, yet indulgent enough to impress guests at a dinner party.

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. With its roots in Southern hospitality, this cake embodies comfort, tradition, and, above all, flavor. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, you’re guaranteed a dessert that delivers in every way.