If you have a sweet tooth and crave a dessert that wraps indulgence, richness, and a pleasingly gooey texture all in one, then the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This dessert marvel combines a deeply chocolatey crust, a creamy, luscious filling studded with crunchy pecans, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps you coming back for more. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a celebration, or just a treat-yourself moment, this cake promises to dazzle your taste buds and warm your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this delightful cake is easier than you might think. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating its signature ooey gooey texture and rich flavor, striking a perfect balance between chocolate intensity and nutty crunch.
- Chocolate cake mix: The base of our crust that brings deep chocolate flavor and structure.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the crust and filling together.
- Large eggs: Essential for both binding the crust and enriching the creamy filling.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling lending smoothness and tangy creaminess.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate notes in the filling.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic undertone that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and creates the luscious, gooey texture within the filling.
- Pecans, chopped: Introduce a delightful crunch and nutty contrast that enlivens every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfectly even bake later on. Next, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. This step primes your kitchen for a smooth baking experience and will make removing the cake so much easier.
Step 2: Create the Chocolate Crust
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with the melted unsalted butter and one large egg. Stir this mixture well until it forms a uniform, moist dough. Once ready, press it evenly into the bottom of your greased baking dish. This chocolatey crust acts as the sturdy and flavorful foundation for the decadent filling that follows.
Step 3: Whip Up the Gooey Filling
Using a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth—this ensures a silky texture in your filling. Next, blend in the two eggs along with the unsweetened cocoa powder and vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated. Slowly add the melted butter, stirring gently to avoid lumps. Finally, incorporate the confectioners’ sugar one cup at a time, mixing after each addition to achieve a creamy and luscious filling. Don’t forget to fold in the chopped pecans for that signature nutty surprise!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake Your Cake
Pour your gorgeous filling over the chocolate crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re aiming for set edges with a slightly gooey center—this contrast is what makes the cake truly irresistible. Be careful not to overbake, or you’ll lose the delightful ooey gooeyness that defines this recipe.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Once baked, pull your masterpiece from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. This cooling period lets the filling firm up just enough to make cutting easier while preserving its signature custardy texture. When fully cooled, slice into squares and get ready for pure bliss.
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of additional confectioners’ sugar offers an elegant finish without overpowering the flavors. Alternatively, a drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce adds another layer of decadence that guests will swoon over. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness with creamy coolness.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines best on its own but can also be complemented by a fresh berry salad for a burst of brightness and acidity. If you want to elevate it further, pair it with a robust cup of coffee or a silky glass of dessert wine to balance the cake’s chocolatey sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this cake in individual ramekins or mini mason jars topped with chopped pecans and a sprig of mint. You could also layer pieces with whipped cream and fresh berries to turn it into a stunning layered trifle. The possibilities to impress friends and family with the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe are endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoyment, wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing you to savor that ooey gooey goodness whenever the craving strikes again.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully. Cut it into squares, place parchment between layers to prevent sticking, and seal it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the perfect texture.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy this cake warm, simply microwave an individual square for 15 to 20 seconds or warm it gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. The filling will soften delightfully, delivering that ooey gooey magic all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts make excellent substitutes that provide their own unique crunch and flavor. Just be sure to chop them finely to blend well with the creamy filling.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, you can easily adapt this recipe. Just check that all your other ingredients, like your cake mix and cocoa powder, are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Why is my cake not gooey in the center?
A sure-fire ooey gooey center depends on careful timing in the oven. If it’s fully set throughout, you’ve likely overbaked it. Keep a close eye around the 40-minute mark – the middle should still jiggle slightly when the timer goes off.
Can I prepare this cake in advance for a party?
Definitely. This cake actually tastes better after resting a few hours or even overnight as the flavors meld beautifully. Just cover tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
What is the best way to serve this cake?
The Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is fantastic served at room temperature to preserve its gooey texture, but some enjoy it chilled or with a scoop of ice cream. Feel free to experiment until you find your perfect serving style!
Final Thoughts
This cake is truly a celebration of all things chocolate and buttery goodness wrapped up in one irresistibly gooey package. The Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a comforting hug on a plate and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to dive in, make this sweet treat, and share the joy with everyone around you!
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
Description
This decadent Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake combines a rich chocolate cake crust with a luscious, creamy filling studded with crunchy pecans. Baked to perfection, it offers a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture that chocolate lovers will adore. Perfect for gatherings or a special dessert treat, this easy-to-make cake delivers intense chocolate flavor and a delightful nutty crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box (15.25 oz) Chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 1 Large egg
Filling
- 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
- 2 Large eggs
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups Confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup Pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and one large egg. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a firm crust.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the two large eggs, unsweetened cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully blended. Gradually pour in the melted butter while stirring, then slowly add the confectioners’ sugar one cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully mixed into the filling. Finally, fold in the chopped pecans evenly throughout the filling.
- Assemble: Pour the creamy filling mixture over the prepared chocolate cake crust, spreading it out evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Bake until the edges look set but the center remains slightly gooey to maintain the signature ooey gooey texture.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish to help the filling set properly.
- Serve: Once cooled, cut the cake into 12 equal squares. Serve these rich, gooey bars at room temperature or chilled for a delicious dessert experience.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not overbake to maintain the gooey consistency in the center.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Pecans can be substituted with walnuts or omitted for nut-free preferences.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For an extra touch, dust with additional confectioners’ sugar before serving.
