Easy Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of Paula Deen’s famous Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, this easy dessert recipe is for you! Two delightful layers combine to make one rich, decadent dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you call it Cream Cheese Squares or Chess Cake, one thing’s for sure—it’s absolutely irresistible.

Legend has it that Gooey Butter Cake originated in St. Louis, Missouri, where it was accidentally created in the 1930s by a German baker. The baker was attempting to make a regular butter cake but mistakenly reversed the proportions of butter and flour, leading to a dense, gooey result instead of the intended light, airy cake. Despite the mix-up, the cake quickly gained popularity, becoming a beloved dessert in the St. Louis area.

This cake’s gooey texture and rich flavor have made it a regional classic, often passed down through families and adapted with various flavorings over the years. It is also referred to by many names, including St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake, Chess Squares, or Texas Gold Bars in some regions, reflecting its wide appeal and different interpretations.

Paula Deen’s Connection

Paula Deen, the “Queen of Southern Cooking,” helped popularize Ooey Gooey Butter Cake on a national level by featuring her version of the dessert in her restaurants, cookbooks, and television shows. Her adaptation, often referred to as Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, includes a cake mix base and a rich cream cheese layer, making it even more decadent. Deen’s recipe adds a Southern twist to this traditional Midwestern dessert, which contributed to its wider recognition across the U.S.

Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen restaurants, which serve a variety of Southern comfort foods, have also included Ooey Gooey Butter Cake as a signature item, attracting many fans of the dessert who either enjoy it in her restaurant or recreate it at home. Her version is closely linked to the classic recipe from St. Louis but adds an extra layer of indulgence with the use of cream cheese and powdered sugar, which gives it a cheesecake-like texture on top of the dense cake base.

Thanks to Deen’s influence, this gooey cake has become a Southern dessert favorite despite its Midwestern roots. It’s now a staple for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: A store-bought yellow cake mix forms the bottom layer, while the top layer is made with powdered sugar and cream cheese.
• Easy to Make: With only a few steps, this easy recipe can be whipped up in no time using kitchen staples.
• Perfect for Cheesecake Lovers: The gooey cream cheese layer on top will remind you of your favorite cheesecake.
• Great for Any Occasion: This dessert is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, family dinners, or holiday gatherings.

How to Make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Base Layer: In a large bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Beat at medium speed until a dense cake base forms. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan.

1. Prepare the Gooey Top Layer: In the same bowl, mix the remaining 2 eggs, softened cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter.

1. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown. The center should still be slightly gooey.

1. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy!

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Tips for Perfect Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free cream cheese filling.
• Lining the Pan: Use parchment paper to line your baking dish, making it easier to lift out the whole cake after cooling.
• Texture Tip: The cake should be set around the edges but slightly gooey in the middle. Be careful not to overbake!

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Use aluminum foil or plastic wrap to cover it tightly and maintain its gooey texture.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
• Freezing: You can also freeze this dessert! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

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Substitutions and Variations

• Cake Mix Flavors: Switch up the flavor by using lemon cake mix, chocolate cake mix, or spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
• Add-ins: Sprinkle white chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of caramel on top of the cream cheese mixture for extra indulgence.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives to accommodate a dairy-sensitive crowd.

If you loved this St. Louis classic, don’t forget to save it to your recipe box for next time, or print out a copy for your collection! Be sure to rate this delicious dessert below and share it with your friends. Follow me for more great recipes like this one!

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