Easy Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Paula Deen Recipe!
Ooey gooey butter cake paula deen, a sweet indulgence, features a soft, buttery base and a rich, creamy top layer. Its irresistible and comforting.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Pan: Crucial for evenly baking the cake.
- Mixing Bowls (various sizes): Needed for combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Electric Mixer (handheld or stand): Simplifies creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring is essential for recipe success.
- Rubber Spatula: Useful for scraping bowls and spreading batter evenly.
- Oven: A reliable oven is necessary for proper baking.
- Wire Rack: Allows for proper cooling after baking, preventing a soggy bottom.
Ingredients
- 1 box (18.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Base: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking. This will ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened cream cheese, melted butter, 1 egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. The mixture will be thick. This forms the foundation of the cake, so ensuring a smooth and even batter is important.
- Step 3: Prepare the Base in Pan: Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan evenly. It might be easier to use your hands to press it into an even layer. Because the mixture is thick, even distribution is vital for uniform baking.
- Step 4: Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, beat the remaining 2 eggs and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This topping is the key element of flavor.
- Step 5: Pour Topping Over Base: Pour the powdered sugar mixture evenly over the cake base. Spread it gently to ensure it covers the entire surface. This distribution ensures the finished product has uniform flavor.
- Step 6: Dot with Butter: Dot the top of the cake with the 1/4 cup of butter pieces. This ensures the topping maintains its consistency.
- Step 7: Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly gooey. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out clean, but the center remains soft.
- Step 8: Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely before cutting into squares. Dust with additional powdered sugar, if desired. Cooling allows the cake to set, making it easier to cut and serve. Optional: For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the base. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Allow it to cool slightly before adding to the cake mix. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can also enhance the sweetness.
Notes
Variations
- Ingredient Swaps:
- Brown Butter: Replace melted butter with browned butter for a nuttier flavor.
- Extracts: Experiment with almond, lemon, or orange extract instead of vanilla.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter.
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for added texture.
- Fruit: Swirl a layer of fruit preserves (raspberry, strawberry) into the batter before baking.
- Regional Twists:
- Lemon Gooey Butter Cake: Incorporate lemon zest and juice into the batter and topping for a citrusy twist.
- Pumpkin Spice Gooey Butter Cake: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the batter for a fall-themed treat.
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free cake mix and all-purpose gluten-free flour blend.
- Reduced Sugar: Use a sugar substitute (like erythritol or stevia) in both the batter and topping, adjusting quantities as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dessert may be served warm or at room temperature. It is especially well-suited for brunch gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a satisfying end to a comforting meal. Enhance the presentation by dusting the cake with powdered sugar before serving. Pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream. For a coffee-centric pairing, consider a strong, dark roast or a creamy latte.
Storage Tips
To preserve freshness, the “ooey gooey butter cake paula deen” should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. When stored properly, it remains palatable for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigeration is recommended; however, this may slightly alter the texture. If refrigerating, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving to restore its desired consistency. Freezing is possible, but can significantly impact the texture of the cake. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question 1: Can I use a different size baking pan? The recipe is optimized for a 9×13 inch baking pan. Using a smaller pan may require a longer baking time, and a larger pan may result in a thinner cake.
- Question 2: Why is my cake not gooey? Ensure accurate measurements of ingredients and precise baking time. Overbaking will result in a less gooey texture. Also check oven temperature accuracy.
- Question 3: Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, the cake can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Question 4: My topping is lumpy. What did I do wrong? Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If lumps persist, try using an electric mixer to create a smoother consistency.