Are you ready for a taste of pure Southern comfort? Then get ready to dive headfirst into Paula Deen's legendary Ooey Gooey Butter Cake! This isn't your average cake; it's a rich, buttery, and intensely delicious dessert that's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced home cooks seeking a truly satisfying homemade treat. This recipe offers a delicious twist on classic butter cake, transforming it into a gooey masterpiece that's perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight desserts to elegant gatherings. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Get started with the cake batter:
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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.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly for this step. Be patient; the more air you incorporate, the lighter your cake will be.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Prepare the luscious topping:
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In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and pecans (if using).
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Spread the butter topping evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
Bake and enjoy!
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the cake comes out with moist crumbs. Don't overbake; you want that ooey gooey texture!
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Let the cake cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This allows the cake to set properly and makes it easier to cut into neat squares.
Tips for Success:
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming. This ensures a lighter and fluffier cake.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling time is crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting. This prevents it from crumbling and ensures clean slices.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Chocolate Ooey Gooey Butter Cake: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the cake batter for a rich chocolate twist.
- Lemon Ooey Gooey Butter Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the cake batter and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the topping.
- Different nuts: Try using walnuts, almonds, or a mix of nuts in the topping instead of pecans.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g
This easy recipe delivers a delicious and unforgettable dessert experience. The perfect blend of sweet and buttery flavors makes Paula Deen's Ooey Gooey Butter Cake a true Southern classic, ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth. Enjoy!