Are you ready to experience a slice of pure Southern comfort? Then get ready to bake up Paula Deen's legendary Ooey Gooey Butter Cake! This isn't your average cake; it's a decadent, buttery, and incredibly easy dessert that's guaranteed to become a family favorite. Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or simply a weeknight treat, this recipe delivers on taste and simplicity. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes a 9x13 inch cake.
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cake Layer:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
Prepare the Crumble Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures easy removal later.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- 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. Don't overmix!
Prepare the Cake Layer:
- In a separate bowl, combine the cake mix, milk, eggs, and oil. Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes. This incorporates air for a lighter cake.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Combine and Bake:
- Pour the crumble topping evenly over the cake batter. Don't worry about making it perfectly smooth; a rustic look is charming!
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out with moist crumbs (it might have a few wet crumbs attached, that's okay!).
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This allows the cake to set and makes slicing much easier.
Tips for Ooey Gooey Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – room temperature is ideal for proper creaming.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allowing the cake to cool completely prevents it from crumbling when you cut it.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Chocolate Ooey Gooey: Use a chocolate cake mix for the bottom layer and add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the crumble topping.
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the crumble topping for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Fat: 20-25g Saturated Fat: 12-15g Sugar: 40-50g
This delicious recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes, healthy meals (in moderation!), and quick dinner ideas. Perfect for homemade cooking, it guarantees a delicious dish that's sure to impress. Enjoy this taste of Southern comfort!