One quiet afternoon, Sunny was scrolling through Pinterest, not even sure what she was craving. She didn’t want cookies. She didn’t want brownies. She wanted something soft, sweet, and unapologetically indulgent. That’s when Ooey Gooey Butter Cake appeared on her screen. The name alone felt bold. The photos showed a golden base with a creamy, almost custard-like top that looked impossibly rich.
Inspired by the iconic version shared on Paula Deen’s website, this Ooey Gooey Butter Cake recipe felt like the kind of dessert that doesn’t pretend to be light or subtle. It’s Southern comfort at its finest. Sunny liked that honesty. She isn’t an expert baker, but this recipe didn’t ask for perfection. It promised indulgence, simplicity, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone talks about.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake isn’t just dessert. It’s a feeling. It’s the kind of cake you cut into small squares because you know it’s rich, then go back for another piece anyway.
Table of Contents
What Makes Ooey Gooey Butter Cake So Famous
The Origins of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
A St. Louis Classic Turned Southern Staple
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake originally came from St. Louis, but it became wildly popular across the South thanks to recipes like Paula Deen’s. The concept is simple but genius: a dense cake base topped with a sweet, creamy layer that never fully sets.
This contrast is what defines the dessert. The bottom holds everything together, while the top stays soft, rich, and almost spoonable.
Why This Cake Stands the Test of Time
Trends come and go, but Ooey Gooey Butter Cake sticks around because it delivers exactly what it promises. It’s gooey. It’s buttery. It’s indulgent. There’s no guessing what you’ll get when you take a bite.
Texture and Flavor That Make It Irresistible
Why “Ooey Gooey” Is the Perfect Description
The Perfect Balance of Firm and Creamy
The base layer of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is sturdy but tender. It gives the cake structure so it can be sliced cleanly. The top layer, however, stays soft and creamy, almost like a cheesecake filling without the tang.
That contrast creates a dessert that feels luxurious without complicated techniques.
Rich Without Being Overwhelming
Despite its richness, this cake doesn’t feel sharp or overly sweet. The cream cheese softens the sugar. The butter adds depth instead of heaviness. Every ingredient plays a clear role, which keeps the cake balanced.
Ingredients and Measurements
Ingredient List for Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Simple Ingredients With Big Results
Cake Base:
- Yellow cake mix – 1 box
- Unsalted butter, melted – ½ cup
- Large egg – 1
Gooey Layer:
- Cream cheese, softened – 8 ounces
- Large eggs – 2
- Unsalted butter, melted – ½ cup
- Powdered sugar – 4 cups
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
These ingredients come together to create the signature texture that defines Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Step by Step
Preparing the Cake Base
Mixing and Pressing the Base
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, mix yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg until combined. The mixture will be thick. Press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base layer.
This layer acts as the foundation and should be pressed firmly so it bakes evenly.
Making the Gooey Cream Cheese Layer
Creating the Signature Topping
In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and mix well. Pour in melted butter and vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth and creamy.
Pour the gooey mixture evenly over the cake base. Do not stir or swirl. The layers should stay separate.
Bake the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for 40–45 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center should still jiggle slightly. That jiggle is what makes it gooey instead of dry.
Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Serving Tips for Best Results
Small Slices, Big Flavor
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is rich. Cut it into small squares. Serve it at room temperature so the texture stays soft and creamy.
A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a classic finish, but the cake doesn’t need frosting or extra toppings.
Perfect Occasions for This Cake
This cake works for holidays, potlucks, family gatherings, and casual weekends. It travels well and tastes even better the next day, which makes it ideal for make-ahead desserts.
Variations and Simple Twists
H2: Easy Ways to Customize Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Flavor Add-Ins
You can add lemon zest to the gooey layer for brightness or swirl pumpkin purée in the fall. Chocolate chips or toffee bits also work well if you want extra texture.
Different Cake Bases
While yellow cake mix is classic, butter cake or vanilla cake mix also works. Each version keeps the gooey topping as the star.
FAQs
Why is my Ooey Gooey Butter Cake too firm?
It may have baked too long. The center should jiggle slightly when removed from the oven.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. It tastes even better the next day.
Should it be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is optional. Store covered at room temperature for one day or refrigerate for longer storage.
Is this cake supposed to look underbaked?
Yes. The gooey layer sets as it cools but stays soft by design.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is the kind of dessert that doesn’t apologize for being rich. It leans into butter, sugar, and cream cheese and turns them into something unforgettable. That’s why it caught Sunny’s attention during a casual scroll and why it continues to earn a place at dessert tables everywhere.
This recipe proves that sometimes the best desserts aren’t fancy or complicated. They’re honest, indulgent, and comforting. One bite of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, and you understand exactly why it’s a classic.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Ingredients
- Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- Gooey Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, and egg until combined.
- Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add eggs and mix well.
- Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the gooey mixture evenly over the cake base.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
Do not overbake or the cake will lose its signature gooey texture.