This Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is Southern comfort at its most tempting! Imagine a buttery yellow cake crust layered underneath a rich, melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese concoction, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for the perfect touch of sweetness. Each bite is an extravaganza of contrasting textures: crispy edges, an impossibly gooey center, and a flavor that never fails to make you smile. Whether you’re whipping it up for a potluck, a celebratory family dinner, or just treating yourself to something special, this classic Paula Deen creation is pure, delicious nostalgia.

Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The real magic of the Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe comes from its simple, reliable ingredients that work together to create luscious layers of texture and flavor. Every item on this list has a purpose—whether it’s for moistness, structure, sweetness, or that irresistible creamy topping.

Yellow cake mix: This ready-made base guarantees a consistently fluffy and flavorful foundation for your cake every time.
Cream cheese: Room-temperature, softened cream cheese blends easily into the topping, making it luxuriously smooth and rich.
Powdered sugar: Not just for sweetness—this gives the cream cheese topping its signature velvety finish.
Eggs: These are essential for binding both the crust and topping, and help achieve that magical, gooey center.
Melted butter: Rich, creamy butter infuses both layers with deep flavor and beautiful moisture.
Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon brings warm, aromatic notes that tie all the flavors together.

How to Make Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Create the Cake Base

Start by combining the yellow cake mix, a single large egg, and half of your melted butter (8 tablespoons) in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together until you get a crumbly mixture that just holds together—don’t worry, it’s supposed to look thick! Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 13×9-inch baking dish, making sure the layer is smooth and reaches all the edges. This will be your cake’s sturdy, buttery foundation.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Topping

In a separate bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until it becomes creamy and smooth with no lumps left. Add in the remaining two eggs, vanilla extract, and the rest of your melted butter. Continue beating until everything is perfectly combined and you have a gorgeous, silky batter.

Step 3: Add the Powdered Sugar

Now, it’s time for that ooey gooey magic! Gradually add in your powdered sugar, working in small portions to keep things smooth and avoid lumps. Once fully incorporated, you’ll have a glossy, thick topping that’s ready to shine.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Gently pour and spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake base in the baking dish. Use a spatula to make sure the topping covers every bit of the bottom layer, and smooth it out so you’ll get those picture-perfect squares later.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your filled baking dish in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40 to 50 minutes—you’re looking for edges that are golden brown and a center that still jiggles slightly when you shake the pan. Don’t overbake; the gooeyness is the hallmark of this recipe!

Step 6: Cool and Set

Once finished baking, remove your Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. This step is crucial; it helps the layers set so they slice neatly yet still deliver that iconic ooey-gooey bite.

How to Serve Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Serve your cake with a generous dusting of powdered sugar right before slicing—it’s like adding a snowy blanket of sweetness that makes every square look magical. For extra flair, add fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines just as brightly on its own but pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a Southern touch, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe into bite-sized cubes and stack them on a tiered dessert tray for a party-ready presentation. Or, package individual slices in parchment and twine for a sweet homemade gift that’s sure to thrill any friend or neighbor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep the flavors and textures as fresh as possible, tightly wrap leftover cake in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for about a week.

Freezing

If you want to make your Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe as a bake-ahead treat, simply wrap cooled cake squares individually in plastic and place inside a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when those cravings hit!

Reheating

For an irresistibly warm, gooey experience, pop a slice into the microwave for ten seconds. You’ll revive that just-baked flavor and texture, especially if you’re serving it with a scoop of ice cream on the side.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While the yellow cake mix is classic, you can experiment with white, butter, or even spice cake mixes to give your Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe a personalized twist. Each one brings its own charm.

Why does my cake look underbaked in the center?

This dessert is meant to be perfectly gooey in the middle! That slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven means you’ve nailed the trademark texture. Just let it cool completely so it sets up nicely before slicing.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Feel free to sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or even mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer before baking. These add-ins can take your Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe to a whole new level.

Is it necessary to use full-fat cream cheese?

For the creamiest, richest topping, full-fat cream cheese is best. Reduced-fat versions will work in a pinch, but may not give you quite the same decadent texture that defines this dessert.

How do I prevent the topping from cracking?

Avoid overbaking and make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This helps the topping bake evenly and stay lush and gooey, just as it’s meant to be.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried the Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, now is definitely the time! Each slice delivers layers of comfort, nostalgia, and pure joy. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself—and everyone around you—to a sweet, irresistible classic that’s always in style.

Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the decadent delight of Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. This rich and creamy dessert features a buttery cake base topped with a luscious layer of cream cheese and powdered sugar goodness. A Southern classic that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings!

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

Instructions

Cake Base: Combine yellow cake mix, 1 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 extract, melted butter, and fold in powdered sugar. Spread mixture over cake base.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes until gooey center and golden edges form. Cool before serving.