Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

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Transport yourself to the heart of the South with a slice of Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. This iconic dessert is a staple of Southern cuisine, featuring layers of buttery cake and creamy cheesecake-like filling. With its rich flavor and irresistible texture, this cake is sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this beloved Southern delicacy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 ½ packages full-fat cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 4 cups confectioners sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Cake Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a deep 9-inch round cake pan with baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until a smooth batter forms. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan, creating the base layer.
  3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In another large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, milk, 2 eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually stir in the confectioners sugar, 1 cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated. Add the cornstarch and mix until smooth.
  4. Layer and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base in the pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden brown.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. The cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 10

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Warm or Chilled: Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven for a comforting treat, or refrigerate it for a few hours for a cool and refreshing dessert option.
  2. Slice with Care: When slicing the cake, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts to ensure clean and neat slices. This will help maintain the cake’s beautiful layers and presentation.
  3. Garnish Creatively: Elevate the presentation of your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake by garnishing each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Fresh berries or mint leaves can also add a pop of color and freshness.
  4. Serve with Coffee or Tea: Pair slices of the cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon indulgence. The rich flavors of the cake complement the warm, comforting beverages perfectly.
  5. Portion Control: While it may be tempting to indulge in large slices of this decadent cake, it’s rich and filling, so consider serving smaller portions to allow guests to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed by sweetness.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigerate for Freshness: Store any leftover Ooey Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out. The cake can be stored for up to 5 days without compromising its flavor and texture.
  2. Cover Well: To prevent the cake from absorbing any unwanted odors or flavors from the refrigerator, tightly wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the container. Alternatively, store individual slices in separate airtight containers for easy grab-and-go snacks.
  3. Freeze for Future Enjoyment: If you have more cake than you can consume within a few days, consider freezing individual slices for future enjoyment. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without sacrificing its taste or texture.
  4. Thaw Properly: When ready to enjoy frozen cake slices, transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Allowing the cake to thaw slowly in the refrigerator helps preserve its moisture and prevents it from becoming soggy.
  5. Refresh Before Serving: If the cake has lost some of its moisture during storage, you can refresh it by briefly microwaving individual slices for a few seconds before serving. This will help soften the cake and restore its delicious gooey texture.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake remains fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!

Variations:

  1. Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Swap the yellow cake mix for a chocolate cake mix to create a decadent chocolate version of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
  2. Nutty Delight: Stir chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the cream cheese filling for added crunch and nutty flavor. Toast the nuts beforehand for an extra depth of flavor.
  3. Fruity Fusion: Add a layer of fruit preserves, such as strawberry or raspberry, between the cake and cream cheese layers for a burst of fruity sweetness. Garnish with fresh berries on top for a colorful presentation.
  4. Spiced Sensation: Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into the cake batter for a cozy, spiced twist on the classic recipe. Dust with powdered sugar and cinnamon before serving for an extra touch of warmth.
  5. Citrus Zest: Infuse the cake batter with citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to add a bright and refreshing flavor profile. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of citrus zest on top for a delightful citrusy treat.
  6. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled cake for a rich and indulgent finish. Sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast that enhances the flavors of the cake.
  7. Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese filling for a seasonal twist on the classic dessert. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top for an extra touch of fall flavor.
  8. Coconut Bliss: Mix shredded coconut into the cream cheese filling for a tropical twist on Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. Toast the coconut beforehand for added texture and flavor.
  9. Almond Joy Inspired: Incorporate almond extract into the cake batter and sprinkle chopped almonds and mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer for a dessert reminiscent of the classic candy bar.
  10. Red Velvet Indulgence: Use a red velvet cake mix for the base layer and add a layer of cream cheese frosting between the cake and cream cheese layers for a luxurious twist on the classic recipe. Garnish with red velvet cake crumbs for a stunning presentation.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese for this recipe? While you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and richness of the final cake. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best results.
  2. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
  3. Can I freeze Ooey Gooey Butter Cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 1 month. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  4. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cake mix flavors, such as lemon, chocolate, or red velvet, to create unique variations of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.
  5. What can I substitute for the yellow cake mix? If you prefer homemade cake mix, you can use your favorite yellow cake recipe instead. Just ensure that the batter is thick enough to form a base layer in the pan.
  6. Can I add fresh fruit to the cake batter? While you can add fresh fruit to the cake batter, keep in mind that it may release moisture during baking and affect the texture of the cake. Consider using fruit preserves or pie filling instead.

Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a timeless dessert that captures the essence of Southern hospitality in every bite. With its luscious layers of cake and creamy filling, this indulgent treat is perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to special celebrations. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Southern cuisine or discovering this dessert for the first time, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. So gather your ingredients and prepare to savor the sweet, buttery goodness of Paula Deen’s signature dessert creation!