Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich and Gooey: Decadent butter and cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth.
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Buttery Crust: A tender, soft base that contrasts perfectly with the gooey topping.
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Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples with easy preparation.
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Versatile Dessert: Great for holidays, potlucks, or casual treats.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Holds well and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
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1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
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1 large egg
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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4 cups powdered sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Make Crust: In a medium bowl, combine cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Mix until smooth. Press evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and melted butter, beating until creamy and well combined.
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Assemble Cake: Pour filling over the crust and spread evenly.
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Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until edges are golden and center is set but still slightly gooey.
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Cool: Allow cake to cool completely before slicing.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12-16
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Bake Time: 40-45 minutes
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Total Time: About 1 hour
Variations
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Chocolate Version: Use chocolate cake mix and add mini chocolate chips.
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Lemon Twist: Add lemon zest and juice to filling for citrus flavor.
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Berry Swirl: Swirl in raspberry or strawberry preserves before baking.
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Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
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Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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Reheating: Serve at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
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Freezing: Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, yellow or butter cake mixes work best.
How do I know when it’s done?
Edges should be golden and center set but slightly gooey.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it tastes great after chilling overnight.
Is this cake very sweet?
Yes, it’s a rich and sweet dessert.
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for best texture.
How thick should the filling layer be?
About the same thickness as the crust layer.
Can I add frosting?
It’s best served plain, but a dusting of powdered sugar is nice.
How do I cut clean slices?
Chill the cake and use a sharp knife, wiping between cuts.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cake mix.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s simple with few steps.
Conclusion
Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is the ultimate indulgent dessert combining a buttery cake base with a luscious, creamy filling. Its rich texture and sweet flavor make it a beloved Southern classic that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy any dessert craving.

Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 bananas)
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1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
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½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
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½ cup chopped macadamia nuts
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 bananas)
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1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
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½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
- ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts
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Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix in mashed bananas and crushed pineapple.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
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Add Coconut and Nuts: Fold in shredded coconut and macadamia nuts.
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Bake: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Drain pineapple well to prevent excess moisture.Toast macadamia nuts to enhance flavor (optional).For vegan option, substitute eggs with flax eggs and butter with dairy-free alternatives.Use gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free.Adjust sugar to taste, reducing for less sweetness.