Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

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Sure! Here’s a full and rich presentation of Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, including its history, ingredients, instructions, baking method, why people love it, and a warm conclusion to wrap it all up.

Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake: A Southern Classic

Introduction:

If you’ve ever had a slice of Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, you know it’s not just a dessert — it’s an experience. Rich, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth decadent, this Southern treasure combines the simplicity of a box cake mix with a luscious cream cheese topping. It’s the kind of dessert that gets passed around at potlucks, devoured at church suppers, and made with love in Southern kitchens.

A Slice of History:

The origins of gooey butter cake can be traced back to St. Louis, Missouri, in the 1930s when a baker mistakenly reversed the proportions of butter and flour in a traditional cake. The result? A gooey, chewy, irresistible accident that soon became a local favorite. Paula Deen’s version, however, adds her unmistakable Southern flair by turning it into a two-layer dessert — with a buttery cake crust and a creamy, sweet filling that defines indulgence.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (plain)
  • 1 large egg
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 (16 oz) box powdered sugar (about 3 ¾ cups, sifted)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (325°F if using a glass pan).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix, egg, and melted butter.
  3. Mix well until it forms a thick, sticky dough.
  4. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This is your rich, buttery crust.

Step 2: Make the Filling

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Add in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Slowly pour in the melted butter, continuing to beat until fully incorporated.
  4. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until completely smooth and thick.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

  1. Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust, spreading it evenly to the edges.
  2. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes — the center should be slightly jiggly, and the edges golden brown.
  3. Let cool completely before cutting. The middle will set as it cools, maintaining that ooey gooey texture.

Baking Method Tips:

  • Room temperature ingredients are essential — especially the cream cheese and eggs.
  • Do not overbake — it should be gooey! The top may look underdone, but it firms up as it cools.
  • For variations, try adding chocolate chips, crushed pecans, or using different cake mix flavors (like red velvet or spice).

Why People Love It:

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a favorite for many reasons:

  • Effortless elegance: It’s incredibly easy to make but looks and tastes like something from a bakery.
  • Comfort food at its finest: It’s rich, sweet, and nostalgic — the kind of dessert that brings families together.
  • Endless variations: Whether plain or tricked out with toppings, this cake can be customized to any sweet tooth.

Conclusion:

Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is more than just a dessert — it’s a symbol of Southern hospitality, comfort, and sweet indulgence. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this is one of those recipes that always delivers. Bring it to your next gathering, share it with friends, or simply treat yourself — it’s guaranteed to become a favorite.

Would you like a printable version or a variation like a pumpkin or red velvet twist?

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