Best Paula Deen Dessert Recipes Ranked
Paula Deen, the beloved Southern cook, has won hearts with her comforting desserts. From rich cakes to sweet pies, her recipes embody warmth and nostalgia. In this article, we rank the best of her dessert creations, showcasing their unique flavors and irresistible appeal.
Curiosities and Key Facts About Paula Deen’s Desserts
- Paula Deen started her cooking career by selling sandwiches from her home.
- Her first cookbook, The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook, was published in 1997 and became a bestseller.
- Her dessert recipes often highlight traditional Southern ingredients like pecans, peaches, and buttermilk.
- Paula has appeared on numerous cooking shows, showcasing her signature style of Southern cuisine.
- She has a popular line of kitchen products, including bakeware that complements her dessert recipes.
1. Paula Deen’s Gooey Butter Cake
This cake is a classic and one of Paula’s signature recipes. It’s known for its creamy, gooey texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Spread in a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs and powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set. Let cool before serving.
2. Southern Peach Cobbler
This dessert showcases the juicy sweetness of peaches with a buttery crust, making it a summertime favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced fresh peaches
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix peaches with 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and milk. Stir in melted butter.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish. Spoon the peach mixture on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
3. Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie
This pie combines the classic flavors of chocolate and pecans, creating a rich and decadent treat.
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and eggs.
- Stir in chocolate chips and pecans.
- Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes until set. Cool before slicing.
4. Red Velvet Cake
This iconic cake features a moist texture and vibrant color, topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Add oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Beat until smooth.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
5. Banana Pudding
This layered dessert is a Southern classic, featuring creamy pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups milk
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whipped cream
Instructions
- In a saucepan, mix sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually add milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- When thickened, remove from heat and stir in beaten eggs and vanilla.
- In a dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding. Repeat layers.
- Top with whipped cream. Chill before serving.
6. Hummingbird Cake
This cake is a delightful combination of bananas, pineapples, and pecans, topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- Add oil, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- Fold in pineapple, bananas, and pecans.
- Divide the batter among the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool before frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Paula Deen’s desserts special?
Paula Deen’s desserts are known for their rich flavors, Southern charm, and comforting ingredients. They often reflect traditional Southern cooking techniques and ingredients.
Can I substitute ingredients in her recipes?
Yes, you can substitute some ingredients, but it may alter the taste and texture. For example, you can use almond milk instead of regular milk or a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
How do I store leftovers from Paula Deen’s desserts?
Most of her desserts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cakes and pies can typically last 3-5 days, while cookies may last longer.
Are her dessert recipes suitable for beginners?
Yes, many of Paula Deen’s dessert recipes are straightforward and perfect for beginners. They often require simple techniques and readily available ingredients.
Where can I find more Paula Deen recipes?
You can find more of Paula Deen’s recipes on her official website, cookbooks, and various cooking shows she hosts.