If you love a rich, melt-in-your-mouth dessert… this one right here is dangerous 😮🔥 I took the classic Paula Deen ooey gooey butter cake and added my own twist; a layer of sweet potato filling baked right under that creamy, buttery cream cheese topping. Baby… it did NOT disappoint.
That sweet potato layer adds warmth, depth, and just enough spice to balance all that sweetness. Soft on the bottom, gooey in the center, and slightly crisp on the edges… exactly how it should be.
How I made it:
Bottom Layer:
* 1 box yellow cake mix
* 1 egg
* 1/2 cup melted butter
Mix and press into a greased baking dish.
Sweet Potato Layer:
* 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (smooth, no strings 👀)
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1 tsp cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp nutmeg
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and spread evenly over the cake layer.
Ooey Gooey Topping:
* 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
* 2 eggs
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup melted butter
* 3 1/2–4 cups powdered sugar
Beat until smooth and pour over sweet potato layer.
Bake:
350°F for 40–45 minutes.
Center should still be slightly gooey — don’t overbake!
Let it cool before slicing (if you can wait 😭).
Taste Notes:
Buttery, rich, slightly spiced, and perfectly gooey. That sweet potato layer? Yeah… that’s the star.
Pro Tip:
Roast your sweet potatoes instead of boiling for deeper flavor 😉
Would you try this twist? Or you sticking to the original? 👀
... Read moreIf you're looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a comforting treat, this Sweet Potato Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a must-try. The star of this dessert is definitely the sweet potato layer, which provides a moist, warmly spiced contrast to the rich, creamy topping.
From my experience, roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them really elevates the flavor profile. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars, adding a subtle depth that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg perfectly. I recommend wrapping the sweet potatoes in foil and roasting them at 400°F for about 45 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant.
The texture combination is a delight—starting with a sturdy yet tender yellow cake base, then a smooth sweet potato layer, and finally the ooey gooey cream cheese topping that melts in your mouth. To achieve that classic gooey center, I usually check the cake at the 40-minute mark; it should be set on the edges but still slightly jiggly in the middle. This prevents overbaking and keeps that signature moistness.
For sweeteners, I suggest using brown sugar in the sweet potato layer—it adds a hint of molasses flavor that works beautifully with autumn spices. When it comes to the topping, powdered sugar quantity can be adjusted depending on your desired sweetness, but stick close to the original measurement for balance.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can tweak the spices or even add a splash of bourbon or rum to the sweet potato mix for an adult twist. Another tip is to let the cake cool completely; although waiting can be hard, chilling overnight helps the flavors meld and makes slicing neater.
This cake not only makes a fantastic holiday dessert but also a wonderful year-round treat for sweet potato lovers. It brings together simple pantry ingredients with a unique flavor twist that’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Give it a try and enjoy the ultimate ooey gooey experience!
Definitely trying!!!! Thanks