Bobby’s Lighter Gooey Butter Cake

By Bobby Deen

665 Fewer Calories
90g Less Carbohydrates

Gooey Butter Cake

665 Fewer Calories
90g Less Carbohydrates
71g Less Sugar

Ingredients:
1 (18 1/4-ounce) package yellow cake mix
1/2 cup reduced-fat buttermilk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon canola oil

Filling
1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel)
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup plain low-fat (2%) Greek-style yogurt
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon melted butter
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

Place the cake mix in a large bowl. Whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and oil in a small bowl until blended. Add the buttermilk mixture to the cake mix, stirring just until blended. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the sugar, yogurt, egg, vanilla, and butter. Spread over the cake mixture. Bake 40 – 50 minutes. You want the center to be a little gooey, so do not over bake.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 16 servings

Per Serving: 279 Cal; 4 g Protein; 9 g Tot Fat; 4 g Sat Fat; 2 g Mono Fat; 47 g Carb; 0 g Fiber; 28 g Sugar; 106 mg Calcium; 0 mg Iron; 406 mg Sodium; 12 mg Cholesterol

Original Recipe courtesy Paula Deen
Lightened Up recipe courtesy Bobby Deen and the Paula Deen test kitchen

Bobby Deen is the younger son of celebrity chef Paula Deen. Like older brother Jamie, the Savannah resident has helped shape the Deen media empire with a series of highly successful commercial collaborations, ranging from three best selling cookbooks to the series Road Tasted on the Food Network and the award winning Lady and Sons Restaurant in Savannah. On a personal side, he was also named one of People Magazine’s Most Eligible Bachelors in 2007.

Read More From Deen Bros.

Read More From Deen Bros Take it Lighter.

Read More From Bobby Lightens It Up.

Reader Comments:

Love your Mama' show and food, the butter cake was really good. I just always cut back on the sugar and butter in most of recipes, the monster cookies are my family's favorite and I cut the sugar in half, as well as the butter. Best of luck to you and your family.

By Susi on January 31, 2012

We have loved your mom's shows,her zest for life since the first time we heard her talkin' on the Food Network. She has been such an inspiration to her family and audience that I have almost felt like I have been there, too. Sorry to hear about her diabetes, I have been fighting with it for the past 12 years myself. It would certainly be a great tribute to her for her 2 boys to put a cookbook/lifestyle book together that could somehow inspire us common Southern Gals to get up and start our lives anew also. I am sure my hubby would have been happy even to savor the more (orless)caloric intake himself if he was still here.He had promised to take me anywhere to meet you all if it were possible, bout he passed away a year ago,5 days before my birthday,and it has been so confusing & etc, that I cannot get my head to gether and take that vacation that I desperately need! Wishing yall all the best, Viola Blazek, Somerville,Texas.

By Viola M Blazek on January 24, 2012

Love you and your Mom, brother also, I get the food network but can't get the cooking show. Will that ever change?

By Ann on January 13, 2012

My kids & I love Paula and adore her sons. We have watched your show since the very first and I myself remember you from "Door Knock Dinners" I think our all time fav is the Cheeseburger Meatloaf. Please Please Please make a lighter version Bobby. My kids and me are cutting back and eating more fish, luckily we LOVE LOVE LOVE any fish & seafood so it's no sacrifice but there is just NOTHING better than YO MOMMA'S COOKIN & that includes her Cheeseburger Meatloaf. My dream show would be to see Paula & Ina Garten together. Yes they have they're own styles but they both make wonderful yummy simple dishes that anyone can make with minimal fuss. P.S. When I saw Katie for the 1st time on Paulas show being introduced as Bobbys GF I said to my kids "if she is on the Christmas show expect a ring in that girls future" Don't let us down Bobby!!! She's a great girl and funny to boot!!

By Lynn Kangas on January 13, 2012

Hi can I use sweet n Low instead of sugar will it mess up a cake recipe 4 to 6 packs is a cup of sugar I use 6 for Ice tea

By Kristan Hathaway on December 12, 2011

I have made the recipe over, but the main makeover was getting rid of the white flour/white sugar cake mix and making my own cake mix with white whole wheat flour & golden flaxseed meal to increase the fiber, and WheyLow for the sugar in the cake & filling (1/4 the carbs and calories of sugar & no artificial ingredients). I also use less sugar in the filling (my family always wants the pineapple or pumpkin, which are sweeter to start with), about 2 cups.

By DavetteB on December 08, 2011

The cake has 47 carbs "0 fiber" Bj Fox.

By Shannon on December 06, 2011

Does this need to be refrigerated? There's yogurt and cream cheese so I'm concerned about leaving it out

By Brenn on November 23, 2011

Went to the lady and sons the lst of november and enjoyed it more than words can say.The food was out of this world and our waiter was so special.Got a cookbook for a special little girl to me and some Hoecake mix just can't wait to make some of this good food. Hope to return someday. Also went to Uncle Bubba's just good food runs in your family. Very good all around.

By janis dickinson on November 13, 2011

We all love MRS.Paula Deen Home cooking and my nana ms. Barbara too and we have every thing that is with paula deen cooking like the pots and we also try to cook some suff that we seen on the show but we really all love you ms. paula deen so much.

By Latasha an Issac Brown on October 19, 2011

How can this recipe have 0 Carbs? There are carbs in the cake mix ,buttermilk, and confectioners sugar. I think this recipe sounds great, I think you need to carb count it again.

By Bj Fox on October 16, 2011

Keep up the good cooking and you need to come to Michigan

By Jakleen Ochalek on October 11, 2011

Have just made the pumpkin gooey cake and everyone loved it...I nearly didn't make it because of the amount of sugar and butter...but glad to have tasted it....have you adapted the pumpking gooey cake to a lighter version? Would love to make it. Thank you.

By Bonnie on October 05, 2011

Hi Kay, Here is the recipe you're looking for: http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_view/bbq_chicken_in_cornbread_cups

By Jonathan Able on September 28, 2011

Made 2 recipes over the weekend to rave family reviews."WOW this is good!" Potatoe Casserole it is nothing like I have made before and my daughter-in-law potatoe lover really liked it! Bobby's Lighter Gooey Butter Cake Quick and easy to make with tremendous results and I can truthfully say I don't know anyone who wouldn't like this!

By Sandy Evans on September 27, 2011

like the lighter version, yummy idea. Connie B.

By Anonymous on September 25, 2011

Yesterday Sept 12, 2011 I watched Paula Deen & her son Jamie make mini corn muffins stuffed with chicken with BBQ sauce. Do you have the recipie for that. Thanks, Kay

By Kay maycumber on September 13, 2011

Hi Phyllis, Here is the original recipe: http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_view/gooey_butter_cake/

By Jonathan Able on August 26, 2011

Made it and it was bomb. Even used FatFree Yogurt. Wondering how it would come out wit a different cake....maybe Red Velvet???? I may try...let u know....

By lizzyboneez on August 15, 2011

Paula, I am a big fan of yours and love watching your show. I have tried your different products at the Walmart and my favorite is your original gooey butter cake, but I can't find the recipe for that one. I can find the others, the chocolate and etc., but not that one. Could you please send me the recipe for that one??? Love Ya, Phyllis Monk Charlotte, NC

By Phyllis Monk on August 13, 2011

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I am sure this is a lot less calories BUT this version is for a 9x9 dish and serves 16. Paula’s is in a 13x9 and serves 6-8 hmmmm

By KK on November 10, 2010

Yes I think you should do a cookbook with these lighter recipes….Yum! And I too like Julia from Florida City,FL, want to know how to make Pumpkin and the other variations of this recipe!
Love all the Deens!!!!!

By Linda - Florida on November 02, 2010

Hello, I love Paula Deen recipes but I am trying to lose weight and I thank you Paula for allowing your son Bobby to Lighten up your recipes! I also have a question for Bobby on your caramel and red velvet cake the picture shows 3 layers or more and according to your recipe it looks like your only mentioning using on cake pan so how do you get 3 or 4 layers out of one cake? thank you so very Much for your kindness ! Sincerely Jill Smith

By Jill Smith on September 16, 2010

Greek yogurt can be replaced with sour cream—it is very similar in taste and texture. Fage is my favorite brand of Greek yogurt.

By karen on June 25, 2010

these recipes are amazing!!!! Paula’s food, which is absolutely incredibly good.. with a few dozen less calories.. how perfect!!!
Any chance Bobby will publish a cookbook????

By Ilene Weiser on May 29, 2010

I have bought Greek yogurt at Wal Mart.

By Rebecca on May 26, 2010

To Mary A.G. (re: greek yogurt) I just asked my coworkers the same thing, and was told it’s Activia! LOVE just about anything Paula and Sons make - and have been to the restaurant as well. Best iced tea I’ve ever had!

By Margaret on May 26, 2010

Bobby, thank you so much for lighter recipes. My whole family is trying to drop some weight and I had a gastric sleeve surgery and cannot eat some of the wonderful recipes your mama came up with (very sad). I would love to host your family to my lighter Mexican food (no lard ever). If you are ever in the southwest contact me and your family and my family will eat together, I hope! Give mama a kiss from this mama.

By Patty Welsh on May 25, 2010

I have tried almost every flavor cake mix for this and eac time it was a hit, now that I have your version of it, I will definitely have to try it. No offense Paula, I still love you

By Kris Fredlaw on May 25, 2010

my family and I simply adore paula’s recipes! Actually all of the dean family recipes. can’t wait to try this light gooey butter cake… so tell me…is ther a light version to her cheesy mac??

By Debbie Davis on May 25, 2010

Uh-oh, move over, Mom! I love my gooey butter cake, but I will try your recipe, Bobby. And I think you should get started on your lightened-up cookbook and magazine!! Thank you. A great combination of your mom’s great recipes and health.

By Carol O'Brocki on May 25, 2010

Where in the world do you find Greek Yogurt? Is there anything can be substituted if we can’t find Greek yogurt??
Thank you.

By Mary A. G. on May 10, 2010

This whole idea is a dream come true! I am printing out recipes right now and cannot wait to try them! Bobby, you rock!

By Eileen on April 29, 2010

Hi I love that you are lightening up your Mama’s wonderful recipes.. Just wondering if you can use a sugar substitute in this recipe.. Love the gooey butter cake but am pre diabetic and trying to really watch carbs.
Also how do you make it with Pumpkin and other flavors?
Thank you so much,
Julie

By Julia Graff on March 20, 2010

Thank you so much for the “Lighten Up” recipes!! I also appreciate the nutrional information. It makes following my Weight Watchers a lot easier with some great food. The recipes also help me figure out how to lighten my own recipes. Thanks so much!

By Rebecca on March 04, 2010

Thank so much Bobby for your “Lightening Up” I am a Diabetic and am so thankful for your version of your mama’s fabulous family receipes. Your mama is an inspiration to all. You and your whole family are the best, keep your versions coming. Thank you!

By Barbara on February 27, 2010

Finally some of my favorite recipes with calorie counts! Thanks! Greatly appreciated! You made my weekend!

By Glynis Maruk on February 25, 2010

Made this cake last night and it was fabulous. We ate it when it was still slightly warm. My hubby could have eaten the whole dish. Thank you for a wonderful lighter version of Paula’s cake.

By Jean Ealm on February 04, 2010

I am all for lightening up recipes…but messing with the gooey butter cake??? Blasphemy…lol…just kidding!

By Denise on February 04, 2010

Thanks for great ideas. At almost 70 yrs.old I can’t always eat Paula’s food-BUT oh how I love it, her and your whole family. You are all such blessings.

By Margaret Wisler on January 30, 2010

Pauladeen.com

Bobby’s Lighter Gooey Butter Cake