Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a rich, decadent dessert with a buttery crust and a creamy, gooey filling. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a sweet treat that’s sure to please everyone. Using a cake mix as a base, this recipe is quick, simple, and irresistibly delicious.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Decadent and indulgent: Creamy filling with a buttery crust.
- Quick and easy: Uses a cake mix for a no-fuss preparation.
- Customizable: Add flavors or toppings to suit your taste.
- Perfect for gatherings: A crowd-pleaser at any party or potluck.
- Comforting dessert: A classic treat that feels homemade.

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What is Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a layered dessert with a cake-like crust made from cake mix and a creamy, gooey filling made with cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. It’s rich, sweet, and incredibly satisfying.
Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Mix Recipe Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Mix Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the melted butter until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble and bake
- Pour the filling over the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 5: Cool and serve
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Slice into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled.

What to Serve with Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Top with whipped cream: Adds a light contrast to the rich filling.
- Serve with fresh fruit: Strawberries or raspberries pair beautifully.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce: Enhances the buttery sweetness.
- Pair with coffee or tea: Balances the richness of the cake.
- Add ice cream: Vanilla ice cream complements the flavors perfectly.
Expert Tips for Mastering Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Ensures smooth mixing and even baking.
- Don’t overbake: The center should remain slightly jiggly for the gooey texture.
- Customize flavors: Add lemon zest, cocoa powder, or almond extract for variations.
- Use parchment paper: Makes it easier to remove the cake from the pan.
- Chill for clean slices: Refrigerate the cake before slicing for neater pieces.
Variations of Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Chocolate version: Use a chocolate cake mix and add cocoa powder to the filling.
- Lemon twist: Replace vanilla extract with lemon extract and add zest to the filling.
- Pumpkin spice: Mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into the filling.
- Nutty topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before baking.
- Salted caramel: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving.
How to Store Leftovers Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for longer storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze for later: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
- Serve chilled or at room temperature: No reheating is required.
- Warm in the oven: Heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes if desired.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can experiment with chocolate, spice, or lemon cake mix for unique variations.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set but slightly jiggly.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until serving.
How do I prevent the filling from cracking?
Avoid overbaking and ensure the oven temperature is accurate.
Final Words
Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a classic dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its buttery crust and creamy filling, it’s perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy the irresistible goodness of this Southern favorite!
PrintPaula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Mix Recipe
Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a layered dessert with a cake-like crust made from cake mix and a creamy, gooey filling made with cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. It’s rich, sweet, and incredibly satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 45mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Crust:
-
- 1 box yellow cake mix
-
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
-
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
-
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
-
- 2 large eggs
-
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
- 4 cups powdered sugar
-
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and prepare
-
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the crust
-
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
-
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the filling
-
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
-
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
-
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
-
- Stir in the melted butter until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble and bake
-
- Pour the filling over the crust, spreading it evenly.
-
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 5: Cool and serve
-
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Slice into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled.