Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Introduction

Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a beloved Southern dessert that brings comfort and indulgence to the table. This rich and buttery treat features a soft cake base topped with a sweet, gooey filling, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply satisfying a craving, this cake promises a delightful experience with every bite.

Ingredients

For the cake base:

– 250g yellow cake mix
– 113g unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg

For the filling:

– 225g cream cheese, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 5ml vanilla extract
– 450g powdered sugar
– 113g unsalted butter, melted

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 12 servings

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease a 23×33 cm baking dish.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and egg until well blended. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.

3. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.

4. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until fully combined. Pour in melted butter and mix until smooth.

5. Spread the filling evenly over the cake base.

6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown but the center is still slightly gooey.

7. Allow to cool before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). This ensures that your cake will bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Cake Base

In a mixing bowl, combine 250g yellow cake mix, 113g melted unsalted butter, and 1 large egg. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended.
Once combined, press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a separate mixing bowl, beat 225g softened cream cheese until it is smooth.
Then, add 2 large eggs and 5ml vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add 450g powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, continuing to beat until everything is fully combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Melted Butter

Pour in 113g melted unsalted butter and mix until the filling is smooth and well combined.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake base in the baking dish. Make sure it is evenly distributed.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The top should be golden brown, but the center should remain slightly gooey.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish. After cooling, slice into squares and serve.

Notes

Cooling Time

Ensure the cake is fully cooled before serving to allow the filling to set properly.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Customizations

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

The Ooey Gooey Butter Cake can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Refrigeration

For longer storage, place the cake in the refrigerator, where it can last for about 5-7 days. Ensure it is covered to prevent it from absorbing other odors.

Freezing

This cake can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Cut into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.

Pairings

Consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. Fresh fruits such as strawberries or raspberries can also complement the rich flavors beautifully.

Occasions

This dessert is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations, bringing a taste of Southern comfort to any occasion.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size

One serving of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake (approximately 1/12 of the cake) contains the following nutritional values:

Calories

Approximately 350 calories per serving.

Fat

Total fat: 18g (Saturated fat: 11g)

Carbohydrates

Total carbohydrates: 45g (Sugars: 30g)

Protein

Protein: 4g

Sodium

Sodium: 230mg

Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cake Mix

You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a homemade cake mix or use a gluten-free cake mix for gluten-free options.

Butter

For a lighter version, you can use unsalted margarine instead of butter.

Cream Cheese

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, consider using Neufchâtel cheese instead of regular cream cheese.

Eggs

For egg-free options, substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water, mixed and let sit until gelatinous).

Vanilla Extract

In place of vanilla extract, you can use almond extract or a different flavoring of your choice to give a unique taste to the cake.

Cook techniques

Mixing the Cake Base

Ensure that the cake mix, melted butter, and egg are thoroughly combined to create a cohesive base. This helps provide a solid foundation for the ooey gooey filling.

Preparing the Filling

When beating the cream cheese, make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps. Gradually adding the powdered sugar gives a smoother texture, ensuring a creamy filling.

Baking to Perfection

Monitor the baking process closely. The cake is done when the top is golden brown, but the center remains slightly gooey. This gives the classic texture of the dessert.

Cooling for Better Slicing

Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it into squares. This ensures that the filling sets properly and makes it easier to serve.

FAQ

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavored cake mixes, but yellow cake mix is traditional and complements the filling best.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative if you want a different flavor profile or if you’re managing dietary restrictions.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover ooey gooey butter cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will last for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

What should I serve with the cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness.

Conclusion

This rich and buttery ooey gooey butter cake is a delightful Southern classic that brings joy to any dessert table. The combination of a soft cake base with a luscious filling creates an irresistibly sweet experience that is both easy to make and enjoyable to share. Whether for a special occasion or a simple gathering, this dessert is sure to impress and satisfy.

Chocolate Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Add cocoa powder to the cake mix and chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent chocolate twist.

Pumpkin Spice Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into the filling for a seasonal flavor burst, perfect for fall.

Lemon Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Mix in fresh lemon juice and zest to the filling for a zesty, refreshing dessert that brightens up any occasion.

Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Blend creamy peanut butter into the filling for a rich, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet cake base.

Berry Swirl Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Fold in fresh or frozen berries into the filling for a fruity twist and a lovely color contrast.

Coconut Cream Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Add shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical flavor that adds texture and sweetness.

Nutty Caramel Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Drizzle caramel sauce over the filling before baking, and top with chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.