Name: Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 (18.25 ounces / 517 grams) yellow cake mix; 1 large egg; 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup or 113 grams) melted butter; 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) softened cream cheese; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup or 113 grams) melted butter; 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) box powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that channels pure Southern comfort, you’re in for a treat with the legendary Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. This rich, two-layered bar combines a buttery yellow cake crust with a lavish, cream cheese topping that bakes up irresistibly gooey in the center and golden around the edges. Whether you’re new to Southern sweets or just want an easy showstopper to share, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing slice of heaven every time.

Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about the Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Every element plays a starring role—contributing just the right amount of richness, fluff, and sweetness to this unforgettable dessert.

Yellow cake mix: The foundation of the crust provides classic buttery sweetness and a soft, tender base.
Eggs: Three eggs bring structure and richness to both the cake and gooey layers.
Butter (melted): Adds decadent flavor and ensures each bite is perfectly moist and dense.
Cream cheese (softened): The secret to the gooey, tangy topping—be sure it’s fully softened for a silky texture.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves beautifully into the cream cheese layer, providing a smooth, sweet finish.
Vanilla extract: Just a dash gives the topping warmth and depth, rounding out the flavors.

How to Make Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Build the Buttery Foundation

Kick things off by combining the yellow cake mix, one large egg, and half the melted butter (that’s 8 tablespoons). Mix until the mixture is crumbly but holds together when pressed—it should feel like a soft, cookie dough. Press this evenly into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan, pushing it into the corners for a sturdy base layer that will bake up golden and delicious.

Step 2: Whip the Cream Cheese Dream

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until light and smooth—this step matters for that signature silky texture. Blend in the remaining two eggs, vanilla extract, and the rest of the melted butter until no streaks remain. You want this layer to taste as luscious as it sounds!

Step 3: Fold in the Sweet Magic

Gradually add the powdered sugar to your cream cheese mixture, stirring to combine. It might seem like a lot at first, but trust the process—this transforms your topping into the rich, gooey layer that gives the Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe its name. Mix until everything is completely smooth and free of lumps.

Step 4: Spread and Smooth

Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over your prepared cake base, using a spatula to spread it evenly all the way to the edges. The topping will be thick and satiny—don’t worry if it seems generous, that’s the look we’re going for!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the pan into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a puffed, lightly golden top with slightly gooey movement in the center when you jiggle the pan. Resist the urge to overbake—the gooeyness is the star!

Step 6: Cool and Set

Once your Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is out of the oven, let it cool completely at room temperature. Patience is key here: the flavors meld and the texture settles into that signature ooey-gooey bite. Slicing is easier once it’s fully cooled, too.

How to Serve Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

This buttery bar is stunning on its own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar, a few fresh berries, or even a dollop of whipped cream takes it over the top. For a little extra Southern flair, try a sprinkle of toasted pecans.

Side Dishes

Since the Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is so flavorful and rich, you can keep sides simple: a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh cut fruit, or even a strong cup of coffee makes the perfect companion. It’s an ideal addition to brunch, a potluck, or backyard barbecue—anywhere you want sweet comfort food to shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into neat squares and stack them on a tiered dessert tray for a party-ready presentation. You can also serve the bars slightly warmed with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert, or layer small cubes with whipped cream in parfait glasses for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual squares to an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, the Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe stays fresh for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate and enjoy within five days for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dessert! Allow the bars to cool completely, then cut into individual servings. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you like your butter cake slightly warm, just pop a slice into the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings back the gooey, fudgy center and makes each bite taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor cake mix?

Absolutely! While the classic Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe calls for yellow cake mix, you can experiment with chocolate, spice, or even red velvet for a fun twist. The ooey gooey topping pairs deliciously with almost any base.

What’s the best way to tell when it’s done baking?

The edges should be golden and set, but the center will still have a slight jiggle—almost like cheesecake. This means the gooey layer is perfectly done! Don’t worry if it looks a little underbaked in the very center; it’ll firm up as it cools.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely—just swap out the standard yellow cake mix for your favorite gluten-free version. Double-check all ingredients for gluten content, especially the cake mix, and follow the same steps for a deliciously safe treat.

Do I need to refrigerate the cake?

It isn’t strictly necessary if you’ll eat it within a day or two, but for longer freshness (or in warm weather), storing your Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe in the refrigerator is a great idea. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Use two 13×9-inch pans or a large, deep baking sheet—just keep an eye on the baking time, as thicker layers may take a bit longer to set. This dessert is a surefire hit at parties, holidays, and family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Sweet, simple, and packed with nostalgic flavor, the Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is one of those must-try treats that feels like a warm hug from the South. Whether you bake it for a celebration or just because, you’re sure to end up with sticky fingers, big smiles, and requests for the recipe!

Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadence of Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake with its rich cream cheese topping over a buttery cake base. This easy recipe guarantees sweet bliss in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

1 (18.25 ounces / 517 grams) yellow cake mix
1 large egg
8 tablespoons (1/2 cup or 113 grams) melted butter

Cream Cheese Topping:

1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) softened cream cheese
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 tablespoons (1/2 cup or 113 grams) melted butter
1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) box powdered sugar

Instructions

Cake Base: Combine yellow cake mix, one large egg, and 8 tablespoons melted butter. Press mixture into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
Cream Cheese Topping: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, melted butter. Fold in powdered sugar. Spread over cake base.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes until gooey center and golden edges form. Cool before serving.