The Best Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake: An Irresistibly Easy Recipe for Any Occasion

Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate dessert sensation: the **Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake**. This legendary recipe is a dream come true for anyone seeking a spectacularly rich, wonderfully sweet, and incredibly simple treat. Featuring a buttery, soft crust made from a convenient box cake mix and topped with the most luscious, creamy, and undeniably “ooey gooey” cream cheese filling, it’s a dessert that truly lives up to its name.

While often associated with Southern hospitality and holiday feasts like Thanksgiving, this delightful butter cake is remarkably easy to whip up year-round. Its straightforward preparation means you can enjoy this decadent dessert any time a craving strikes, or when you need a crowd-pleasing dish that looks and tastes far more complex than it is. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this timeless classic!

The allure of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is undeniable. Its unique texture, combining a dense cake base with a custardy, sweet topping, has made it a favorite for decades. In fact, this recipe has been a top contender on my list of oven-baked desserts for over 20 years, a testament to its enduring appeal and deliciousness.

I’ve been baking this particular Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake recipe long before it gained widespread fame through her popular cooking shows. It’s a cherished family staple, alongside other beloved treats like Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies and the seasonal delight of Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars. These bar-type desserts are fantastic for sharing and incredibly easy to serve, making them perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply a sweet ending to any meal. We often pair them with our equally popular Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe for an irresistible dessert spread.

Why We Love This Irresistible Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

This recipe consistently ranks high in popularity, and it’s not hard to see why. Its incredible ease of preparation, combined with readily available basic ingredients, makes it a go-to for busy bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike. The secret to its simple crust lies in using a standard box yellow cake mix, which provides a wonderfully tender and sturdy base without the hassle of measuring multiple dry ingredients. This shortcut ensures that even novice bakers can achieve a perfect homemade-tasting crust every time.

The filling, a luscious blend of cream cheese, butter, eggs, vanilla, and powdered sugar, comes together in mere minutes. This simple combination transforms into a rich, decadent, and incredibly smooth layer that bakes to an ideal “ooey gooey” consistency. The contrast between the slightly firm, cake-like crust and the soft, sweet, and custardy filling creates a truly unique and satisfying texture. Each bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more. This delightful dessert is not just delicious; it’s an absolute showstopper that consistently impresses, making these little sweet squares a highlight at any gathering.

Essential Ingredients for Your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Crafting this iconic dessert requires just a handful of simple ingredients, divided into two main components: the cake base and the signature cream cheese filling. Using high-quality ingredients, especially at room temperature for the dairy, will ensure the best texture and flavor in your finished cake.

For the Cake Base:

• Yellow Cake Mix: A standard 18.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix forms the foundation of our crust. While any brand you prefer will work beautifully, a classic yellow cake mix provides the perfect neutral base that complements the rich filling without overpowering it. This shortcut saves time and ensures consistent results for a delightfully tender bottom layer.
• Large Egg: One large egg, ideally at room temperature, helps bind the crust ingredients together, adding moisture and structure. Room temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly into mixtures, leading to a more uniform dough.
• Melted Butter: Half a cup of melted butter is crucial for creating that rich, tender, and slightly chewy crust. It adds incredible flavor and helps to create a dense, cookie-like texture that perfectly supports the gooey topping. Make sure it’s fully melted but not boiling hot.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• Cream Cheese: An 8-ounce package of full-fat cream cheese is the star of the show. It’s imperative that the cream cheese is at room temperature. This ensures it beats smoothly and completely without any lumps, creating the silkiest, most luscious filling.
• Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon of pure vanilla extract enhances all the sweet flavors in the filling. While imitation vanilla can be used, pure vanilla extract offers a more complex and authentic aroma and taste that truly elevates this dessert.
• Powdered Sugar: Four cups of powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) provide the sweetness and characteristic “gooey” texture. Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it to the cream cheese mixture is highly recommended. This step removes any small lumps, guaranteeing an impeccably smooth and velvety filling.

For a complete list of specific measurements and quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this page.

Substitutions and Additions for Customization and Flavor Variations

One of the joys of making Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is its incredible adaptability. This recipe serves as a perfect canvas for your creativity, allowing for countless flavor variations to suit any season or preference. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:

• Seasonal Pumpkin Gooey Cake: Transform this classic into a festive fall treat by adding pumpkin. Simply mix about 1 cup of pumpkin puree and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the cream cheese filling before spreading it over the cake batter. This creates a wonderfully aromatic and autumnal dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any cool-weather gathering.
• Add a Nutty Crunch: Introduce a delightful textural contrast with nuts. Stir a few tablespoons of finely chopped peanuts, pecan halves, or walnuts into the cake crust mixture, or sprinkle them on top of the cream cheese filling before baking. Toasting the nuts lightly beforehand can enhance their flavor significantly.
• Explore Different Cake Mix Flavors: Don’t limit yourself to yellow cake mix! This is an incredibly easy way to change the entire profile of the dessert. Try a spice cake mix for a warm, comforting twist, a lemon cake mix for a bright and zesty flavor, or a chocolate cake mix for a rich, double-chocolate indulgence. The possibilities are endless!
• Delicious Mix-ins for Topping: Elevate the filling with various sweet additions. Before baking, sprinkle the top of the cream cheese layer with butterscotch morsels, white chocolate chips, a generous cup of chocolate chips, Heath almond toffee bits, or Heath milk chocolate toffee bits. These additions melt beautifully and add pockets of extra flavor and texture.
• Zesty Citrus Flavor: For a refreshing kick, incorporate citrus into the cream cheese filling. A tablespoon or two of fresh lemon juice or grated lemon zest (or orange zest) will brighten the richness of the cream cheese, adding a lovely tang that cuts through the sweetness. This is particularly good with a lemon cake mix base.
• A Touch of Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the finished cake (after cooling) is a simple but impactful addition. The subtle salinity beautifully balances and enhances the sweetness of the cake, creating a sophisticated flavor contrast that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Feel free to experiment with these ideas or combine them to create your own signature Ooey Gooey Butter Cake!

Step By Step Instructions: How to Make Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Making this incredible butter cake is a straightforward process, broken down into simple, easy-to-follow steps. Precision in preparation will lead to the best results, ensuring that signature gooey texture and rich flavor.

• Step 1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your cake is ready to go in, promoting even baking. Lightly spray a standard 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan with a non-stick cooking spray, or grease it thoroughly with butter and flour, to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the finished squares.

Step 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one large egg, and the half cup of melted butter. Using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer) on medium speed, beat these ingredients together until they are just combined and form a thick, dough-like consistency. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher crust. The goal is a uniform, pliable dough.

Step 3. Once the crust mixture is ready, press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. You can use your hands, a rubber spatula, or the bottom of a glass to pat it down into a smooth, even layer across the entire base of the pan. This forms the foundation for your delectable gooey filling.

Step 4. Now, let’s prepare the luscious filling. In a separate large bowl, using your electric mixer, beat the 8-ounce package of room-temperature cream cheese until it is completely smooth and wonderfully creamy. This step is critical for a lump-free filling, so take your time to ensure it reaches the right consistency.

Step 5. With the cream cheese smooth, reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add in the two large eggs, the remaining half cup of melted butter, and the vanilla extract. Mix until these ingredients are just combined. Then, slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, adding it one cup at a time to prevent a sugary cloud from forming. Continue mixing until the entire filling is smooth, thick, and well combined, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 6. Carefully pour or spread the prepared cream cheese filling evenly over the cake crust layer in your baking dish. Use a spatula to gently spread it all the way to the edges, creating a uniform top layer. Ensure the filling is distributed smoothly for consistent baking.

Step 7. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 40 to 50 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are beautifully golden brown and the center still has a slight, delicate jiggle, indicating its signature “ooey gooey” texture. Be careful not to overbake, as this will dry out the filling and lose its desired consistency. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack. This cooling period is important for the filling to set properly.

Step 8. For a classic finish and an extra touch of sweetness, generously sprinkle powdered sugar over the cooled cake. This is an optional step, but it adds a beautiful presentation and a delightful dusting of sugary goodness to each slice.

Step 9. Once completely 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! They are delicious on their own or with a scoop of ice cream or fresh berries.

Storage Tips for Maintaining Freshness and Flavor

Proper storage is key to enjoying your Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for as long as possible while maintaining its signature texture and flavor. Due to the cream cheese in the filling, refrigeration is essential.

Any leftover squares should be stored in an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator within two hours of baking. When stored correctly, the cake will remain fresh and delicious for up to 1 week. If you plan to stack the squares, you might want to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. While the cake is best enjoyed at room temperature for maximum “gooeyness,” it’s perfectly safe and delicious straight from the fridge. Simply allow individual pieces to sit out for 15-30 minutes before serving to soften slightly and bring out the flavors.

Expert Tips for a Perfectly Gooey Butter Cake Every Time

Achieving the perfect Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is simple, but a few expert tips can elevate your baking experience and ensure a consistently delicious result. Follow these guidelines for success:

• Embrace Room Temperature Ingredients: This is a golden rule for many baking recipes, and it’s especially true here. Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and butter are all at room temperature before you begin mixing. Room temperature ingredients emulsify better, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a truly creamy, lump-free filling. Cold ingredients can result in a lumpy filling and a denser crust.
• Understand the Crust’s Unique Instructions: Remember, you are NOT preparing the yellow cake mix according to the directions on the box. The box mix serves as a shortcut for the crust, but we’re modifying it with a different ratio of eggs and butter to create a dense, cookie-like base that perfectly supports the rich filling. Follow *this* recipe’s instructions for the crust precisely.
• Beat the Cream Cheese Alone First: Before adding any other ingredients to the filling, beat the room-temperature cream cheese by itself until it’s incredibly smooth and creamy. This crucial step ensures there are absolutely no lumps in your final filling, leading to that signature velvety texture. Once it’s perfectly smooth, you can incorporate the other ingredients.
• Serve with Homemade Whipped Cream or Fresh Fruit: While utterly delicious on its own, a dollop of fresh Homemade Whipped Cream adds a light, airy contrast to the cake’s richness. Alternatively, fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can add a touch of tartness and a beautiful pop of color, making it an even more elegant dessert.
• Monitor Your Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary significantly between different appliances. It’s always a good idea to know your oven. If your cake seems to be browning too quickly or slowly, adjust the cooking time as needed. A reliable oven thermometer can be a valuable tool.
• Avoid Overbaking at All Costs: The name “Ooey Gooey” is your primary clue here! The center should remain slightly soft and jiggly, like a very soft custard, when you remove it from the oven. The edges will be set and golden brown. Overbaking is the biggest mistake you can make, as it will lead to a dry, crumbly filling instead of the desired moist, sticky texture. When in doubt, err on the side of slightly underbaked for maximum gooiness.
• Chill Before Cutting: For clean, neat squares, allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, then ideally chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours (or even overnight) before cutting. A chilled cake is much easier to slice without the filling sticking to your knife. Use a warm, clean knife for the best results, wiping it between cuts.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to baking a truly exceptional Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake that will become a beloved favorite in your home.

This Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is truly an unforgettable dessert that promises rich flavor, delightful texture, and surprising ease. It’s perfect for elevating any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. Don’t hesitate to try this fantastic recipe and experience its magic for yourself. Be sure to leave a comment and a star rating below to share your experience – we’d love to hear from you!