If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, look no further than the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. This decadent treat boasts a fudgy chocolate base, a luscious cream cheese layer, and a generous helping of toasty pecans, all in one gloriously gooey bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need something comforting, this cake brings together everything you love about chocolate, butter, and pecans in a single, irresistible square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one adds its own special touch, from the deep richness of cocoa to the nutty crunch of pecans, ensuring every bite is pure bliss.
- Chocolate cake mix: The base of the cake, giving it a moist, chocolatey foundation with minimal effort.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and tenderness to the crust, making it irresistibly buttery.
- Large eggs (divided): One egg binds the crust while the other creates a creamy, custard-like topping.
- Chopped pecans: These bring crunch and a nutty depth that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
- Cream cheese (softened): The secret to that gooey, tangy layer you’ll crave in every bite.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese layer while keeping it smooth.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor for a truly rich experience.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances the overall aroma of the cake.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe won’t stick and will come out with beautifully clean edges. A little prep work here makes for easy slicing and serving later.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate-Pecan Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine your chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and one of the eggs. Stir until the mixture is thick and fully blended, then fold in the chopped pecans. Press this rich, nutty mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan to create a solid, flavorful base.
Step 3: Whip Up the Gooey Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and fluffy. Add the remaining egg, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is creamy and well combined, creating that signature gooey topping.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture right over your crust, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top looks set but still jiggles slightly in the center. The center should stay a little gooey for the perfect texture.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Allow your cake to cool in the pan before slicing it into squares. This helps the layers set up just enough so you get those beautiful, distinct, gooey layers in every piece. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, dust the top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a handful of chocolate chips. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns every serving into a restaurant-worthy dessert. Fresh berries add a pop of color and a hint of tartness that balances all that rich, chocolatey goodness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe with something light and refreshing, like a crisp fruit salad or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. If you’re serving coffee or espresso, you’ll find the flavors play off each other beautifully, cutting through the sweetness with just the right amount of bitterness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into fun bite-sized bars for potlucks or parties, or stack squares in a tower for a stunning dessert centerpiece. Serve warm in a bowl with ice cream for a gooey, melty treat, or use cookie cutters to shape individual portions for a playful touch at birthdays or showers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, but if you want to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors only get better as they meld together.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this cake! Once cooled and cut, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you’re reheating several pieces, you can use a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes until warmed through. Just be careful not to overheat, as you want to keep the creamy center soft and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade chocolate cake mix instead of a boxed one?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade chocolate cake mix recipe, feel free to use it in place of the boxed version. Just make sure the dry ingredient amounts are similar to ensure the crust has the right texture.
What kind of pecans work best?
Chopped raw or lightly toasted pecans are both fantastic in this Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. Toasting brings out a deeper flavor, but raw pecans will give a softer crunch. Go with your personal preference or whatever you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular chocolate cake mix for a certified gluten-free chocolate cake mix. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this is an easy substitution for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I add other mix-ins to the crust?
Definitely! While the classic Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is delicious as is, you can experiment with adding mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The edges should be set and slightly pulling away from the pan, but the center will still look a bit gooey and jiggle when you gently shake the pan. That’s the signature texture! Avoid overbaking to keep the middle soft and creamy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to impress your friends and family with a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is easy, this Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is the one to try. Every bite is a celebration of chocolate, pecans, and pure comfort. Go on—treat yourself and share the joy!
Print
Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This decadent Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake combines a rich chocolate cake crust with a creamy, gooey cream cheese topping, studded with crunchy pecans for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ideal for chocolate lovers looking for a luscious dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Topping
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until the mixture is thick and well blended.
- Add pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans evenly into the crust mixture.
- Press crust into pan: Spread and press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a firm base layer.
- Prepare cream cheese topping: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining egg, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and fully combined.
- Assemble the cake: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust layer and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is set but still slightly gooey in the center.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing into squares. Serve slightly warm for the best ooey gooey texture.
Notes
- For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle chocolate chips over the crust before adding the cream cheese topping.
- Serve slightly warm topped with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added richness.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 43g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
