Paula Deen Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Effortless Paula Deen Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Ideas

Chocolate gooey butter cake transforms ordinary dessert expectations into a sumptuous, melt-in-your-mouth experience that defies traditional baking norms.

Soft, decadent layers promise an indulgent journey for serious sweet enthusiasts.

Creamy textures blend with intense chocolate notes, creating a sensational treat that feels both comforting and luxurious.

Rich and velvety, this dessert breaks conventional cake rules with its unique preparation method.

Unexpected ingredients combine to deliver a remarkable flavor profile that surprises and delights.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, making this confection a game-changing recipe for home bakers.

Each slice delivers pure, unapologetic deliciousness that will make you the star of any gathering: Get ready to wow everyone!

Essential Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides structure and chocolate flavor to the cake.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the cake base together, choose unsalted for better control of saltiness.
  • Egg: Provides structure and helps bind the cake base ingredients.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy texture for the filling, room temperature works best.
  • Eggs: Adds richness and helps set the filling, ensure they are fresh.
  • Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and provides deep color to the filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the filling, sifted for smoother texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds depth to the dessert.
Topping and Texture Ingredients:
  • Chopped Nuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor, optional but recommended for texture contrast.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

How to Make Paula Deen’s Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 13 x 9-inch baking pan and generously coat it with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Delicious Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 chocolate cake mix

Blend everything until smooth. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab your mixer and beat cream cheese until silky. Add:
  • 2 eggs
  • 3-cocoa powder

Mix until perfectly blended.

Step 4: Sweeten and Smooth the Filling

Lower your mixer speed and gradually incorporate:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract

Continue mixing until the mixture becomes luxuriously smooth.

Step 5: Add Nutty Crunch

Gently fold chopped nuts into the filling. Spread the entire mixture evenly over the base layer.

Step 6: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Pop the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center remains wonderfully soft and gooey.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the cake to cool slightly on a wire rack. Cut into generous squares. Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum chocolate bliss!

Tips to Perfect Paula Deen’s Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

  • Prevent Gooey Collapse: Cool cake on wire rack to help filling stabilize, ensuring cleaner slices and easier serving.
  • Blend Base Completely: Combine base ingredients thoroughly, creating a solid foundation that supports the rich, creamy filling.
  • Select Top-Quality Eggs: Incorporate fresh eggs to enhance texture, delivering a more luxurious and fluffy cake experience.
  • Warm Cream Cheese Correctly: Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing, guaranteeing a silky-smooth filling without annoying lumps.
  • Watch Baking Carefully: Monitor cake at 40-minute mark, aiming for firm edges and a slightly jiggly center to maintain that signature gooey consistency.

Storing Paula Deen’s Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

Store in an Airtight Container: Protect the cake’s heavenly texture by sealing it completely in a high-quality, tight-sealing container. This method prevents moisture loss and keeps the gooey center soft and delicious.

Refrigerate with Care: Carefully place the wrapped cake in the refrigerator for maximum freshness up to 5 days. Cover completely with plastic wrap to prevent any absorption of other food odors that could compromise its rich chocolate flavor.

Freeze for Long-Term Enjoyment: Slice the cake into individual portions before freezing for convenient future servings. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen slices will maintain their delectable texture for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this decadent treat whenever a chocolate craving strikes.

Creative Twists on Paula Deen’s Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

  • Nutty Chocolate Sensation: Swap traditional nuts with pecans or macadamia nuts for a richer, more complex flavor profile. Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their natural sweetness and add extra crunch.
  • Salted Caramel Chocolate Dream: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the top of the cake before serving. Sprinkle flaky sea salt to create a perfect balance between sweet and salty elements.
  • Espresso Chocolate Indulgence: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of strong espresso powder into the filling to develop a deep, robust coffee undertone. This variation adds complexity and elevates the chocolate's natural richness.
  • Berry Chocolate Fusion: Top the cooled cake with fresh raspberries or strawberry compote. The tartness of the berries will beautifully contrast with the rich, gooey chocolate base, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.

Final Words on Paula Deen’s Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

Chocolate gooey butter cake emerges as culinary magic, blending rich Southern charm with irresistible sweet indulgence.

Paula Deen’s signature recipe transforms humble ingredients into extraordinary dessert perfection.

Chocolate lovers find pure bliss in each silky, nutty square that melts delicately on taste buds.

Kitchen adventurers discover remarkable simplicity behind this decadent Southern classic.

Complex flavor profiles dance between creamy filling and crumbly chocolate base, creating sensational texture contrasts.

Passionate bakers will savor this delightful experience – so grab whisks, share magical moments, spread deliciousness, and let sweet connections begin!

What Makes Paula Deen’s Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake Stand Out

  • Melt-in-Your-Mouth Decadence: This chocolate gooey butter cake delivers an incredibly rich, smooth texture that practically dissolves on your tongue, creating a luxurious dessert experience that chocolate lovers will absolutely adore.
  • Effortless Baking Magic: Designed for both novice and experienced bakers, the recipe requires minimal technical skills with a simple two-layer method that guarantees a stunning result without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: Ready in just over an hour, this dessert transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or spontaneous sweet cravings that demand instant satisfaction.
  • Customizable Chocolate Comfort: The recipe allows easy modifications like adding different nuts, adjusting cocoa intensity, or serving warm or cool, making it a versatile dessert that adapts to personal preferences and mood.
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Paula Deen Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Paula Deen Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Paula Deen’s Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake melts chocolate magic into a luxurious Southern dessert. Rich cream cheese and chocolate fuse perfectly, creating an irresistible treat that promises pure indulgence with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 sticks butter, melted and divided, plus more for greasing pan
  • 1 package (18.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
  • 3 eggs, divided
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 box (16 ounces) powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (up to 4 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup nuts, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 175°C (350°F) and thoroughly coating a 13 x 9-inch (33 x 23 cm) baking pan with unsalted butter, ensuring complete surface coverage.
  2. Create the foundational layer by combining 115 grams (4 ounces) of melted unsalted butter, one whole egg, and chocolate cake mix in a spacious mixing bowl. Thoroughly blend the ingredients until uniformly mixed, then carefully press the resulting mixture into the greased pan, distributing it evenly across the surface.
  3. Craft the cream cheese filling by beating 225 grams (8 ounces) of cream cheese until achieving a silky, smooth consistency. Incorporate two eggs and 3–4 tablespoons of cocoa powder, mixing until the ingredients are completely integrated.
  4. Enhance the filling by reducing mixer speed and gradually introducing 450 grams (16 ounces) of powdered sugar. Slowly incorporate 115 grams (4 ounces) of melted unsalted butter and one teaspoon of vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the texture becomes perfectly smooth and uniform.
  5. Gently fold 115 grams (4 ounces) of chopped nuts into the mixture using a flexible spatula, then carefully spread the filling across the prepared base, ensuring an even distribution.
  6. Bake the dessert for 40–50 minutes, monitoring until the edges become fully set while maintaining a slightly soft, gooey center for optimal texture and richness.
  7. Allow the cake to cool partially on a wire rack, then slice into precise squares. Serve either warm or at room temperature to fully appreciate the decadent chocolate experience.

Notes

  • Skip Overmixing: Gentle stirring prevents tough, dense cake texture by keeping air bubbles intact during preparation.
  • Temperature Matters: Room-temperature ingredients blend smoothly and create more consistent cheesecake results.
  • Precision is Key: Accurate measuring ensures balanced flavors and perfect consistency in every delightful bite.
  • Crack Prevention: Water bath technique helps maintain even heat distribution and reduces surface cracking during baking.
  • Storage Secrets: Refrigerate covered for up to five days, allowing flavors to develop and texture to settle beautifully.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Sodium: 470mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 51g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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