Happy Birthday to the queen of Southern comfort food, Paula Deen!
Born on January 19, 1947, in Albany, Georgia, she's celebrating her 79th birthday today (January 19, 2026)! From starting The Bag Lady catering business with just $200 in the 1980s to building an empire of restaurants, cookbooks, and TV shows, her rags-to-riches story is truly inspiring. She's best known for her warm personality, thick Southern drawl, and love of buttery, indulgent dishes like fried chicken, gooey butter cake, and mac 'n' cheese.
She's been sharing her journey with health and weight loss in recent years, looking amazing and staying active with her family and fans. Paula's still cooking up a storm, running her restaurants (like Paula Deen's Family Kitchen), posting delicious recipes, and wishing everyone a blessed year!
And of course, no Paula post is complete without some mouthwatering Southern eats she’s famous for:
And some of her iconic dishes that make you wanna say "Y'all come eat!":
pauladeensfamilykitchen.com
Wishing you a wonderful birthday filled with love, family, and maybe an extra pat of butter, Paula! Keep shining, y'all! What's your favorite Paula Deen recipe?
Share Paula's gooey butter cake recipe
Happy Birthday vibes continue with Paula Deen's iconic Ooey Gooey Butter Cake (also known as her original Gooey Butter Cake)! This rich, indulgent Southern classic is one of her most beloved recipes—super easy to make with a cake mix base and that signature creamy, gooey cream cheese topping. It's buttery, sweet, and impossible to resist!
Ingredients
For the base/crust:
1 (18¼ oz) package yellow cake mix
1 large egg
8 tablespoons (1 stick / ½ cup) butter, melted
For the gooey filling:
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 tablespoons (1 stick / ½ cup) butter, melted
1 (16 oz) box powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking pan (or spray with nonstick cooking spray).
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 egg, and 8 tablespoons melted butter. Mix well with an electric mixer until it forms a dough-like consistency. Pat the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan (it will be thick!).
In the same bowl (or a clean one), beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, vanilla, and 8 tablespoons melted butter. Beat until combined.
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the filling is smooth and creamy (it will be thick but pourable).
Pour the gooey filling over the cake base and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 40-50 minutes (the center should still look a bit jiggly and gooey—don't overbake!). The top will turn golden brown.
Let it cool completely in the pan (it firms up as it cools). Dust the top with extra powdered sugar if you like.
Cut into squares and serve. It's best at room temperature or slightly warm!
Servings: About 12-16 squares
Prep time: 10-15 minutes
Cook time: 40-50 minutes
Y'all, this cake is pure comfort in every bite—Paula would say add extra butter if your heart desires!
Have you ever tried making it? What's your favorite way to enjoy it?