Are you craving a dessert that's both incredibly easy to make and utterly irresistible? Then look no further! This Gooey Cake recipe, inspired by the Queen of Southern Comfort food herself, Paula Deen, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget complicated baking techniques; this recipe focuses on simple ingredients and a straightforward method, resulting in a moist, decadent cake with a perfectly gooey center. It's the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or simply satisfying a sudden sweet tooth. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade goodness!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Making the Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake; take your time! A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans, if using.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (it shouldn't be completely clean – that's the gooey magic!).
Cooling & Serving:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving. A warm gooey cake is heavenly, but it's also delicious at room temperature.
Tips for Gooey Cake Perfection:
- Don't overbake! A slightly underbaked center is key to that signature gooey texture.
- Softened butter is essential. This ensures proper creaming and a lighter cake.
- Room temperature ingredients help the batter come together smoothly.
- Fresh buttermilk adds a delightful tang. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Variations:
- Chocolate Gooey Cake: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Gooey Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the buttermilk.
- Coconut Gooey Cake: Substitute 1 cup of shredded coconut for the pecans.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 18-20g Saturated Fat: 10-12g Cholesterol: 60-70mg Sodium: 200-250mg Carbohydrates: 45-50g Sugar: 25-30g Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make cake, a true testament to Southern baking traditions! It's a quick dinner idea for a sweet ending or a perfect addition to any occasion. This recipe for delicious dishes will be a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. It's one of the best recipes for satisfying a sweet craving quickly.