Name: Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar (about 1 lb); Optional toppings: whipped cream, chocolate chips, or a dusting of cocoa powder

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Ready for a chocolate overload? The Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is an irresistible treat that will instantly win over anyone who craves a molten, melty dessert with a hint of cheesecake richness. You get a two-layer marvel: the fudgy base is like your favorite brownies, while the creamy topping bakes into a luscious, slightly wobbly cloud of chocolate. Whether you’re baking for a party or just want to spoil yourself, this easy and decadent cake delivers pure joy in every forkful.

Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is how a handful of pantry staples come together to create something out-of-this-world. Each ingredient is chosen to create that signature rich chocolate flavor and signature gooey bite, so be sure to gather the best you can find!

Chocolate cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The base of the cake—using a mix streamlines the process and guarantees consistent chocolate intensity.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Brings moisture, richness, and helps the crust stay tender while baking.
Large egg (1): Helps bind the cake mix base together and adds subtle lift.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The heart of the gooey topping—delivers creaminess and that signature tang.
Large eggs (2): Turns the cream cheese mixture into a luxurious, custard-like layer that sets yet stays gooey.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Gives the topping a boost of deep chocolate flavor and gorgeous dark color.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the chocolatey notes and rounds out the sweetness.
Powdered sugar (3 3/4 cups, about 1 lb): Sweetens and thickens the gooey topping while keeping it silky smooth.
Optional toppings—whipped cream, chocolate chips, dusting of cocoa powder: Adds a pretty finish and extra indulgence before serving.

How to Make Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This step ensures your Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake comes out easily and doesn’t stick, making serving and cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Base

In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and one egg. Stir until you have a thick, sticky dough. This forms the bottom layer of your cake, so press it firmly and evenly into your prepared baking dish. Take a moment to make sure it’s level—this helps every bite taste as good as the last!

Step 3: Mix the Gooey Chocolate Topping

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy. Add the remaining two eggs, unsweetened cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until all the ingredients are well blended. Then, gradually beat in the powdered sugar (it can get messy!) until your mixture is silky and airy. This glorious topping is the secret to the cake’s signature gooey, melt-in-the-middle texture.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour the chocolatey cream cheese topping over your cake base. Using a spatula, gently spread it to the edges for an even layer. Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly—don’t overbake! That soft middle is what makes Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake truly magical.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once finished baking, let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes. The gooey center will firm up just slightly, making it easier to slice but just as luscious. Serve warm for ultimate gooiness, or let it come to room temperature for a thicker bite. This is where you can get creative with toppings!

How to Serve Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake

Garnishes

The right garnish can turn a square of Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake into an irresistible showstopper! A generous dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkling of chocolate chips, or a whisper of cocoa powder dusted on top all work beautifully. For a touch of flair, try a few fresh berries for color and zing, or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for extra drama.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake with something cool or lightly tart makes each decadent bite sing. Vanilla bean ice cream is the time-honored classic for melting into every forkful, but a scoop of raspberry sorbet or a handful of fresh mint leaves cuts through the richness with a refreshing twist. If you’re serving after dinner, a hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk balances everything beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to really impress, try cutting the Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake into bite-sized squares and presenting them on a platter for a party or potluck. Serve them in cupcake liners for a playful, grab-and-go touch. Or, create a layered mini-trifle in glasses: alternate cubes of cake with whipped cream and berries for a stunning dessert parfait everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have a little extra? Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. The cake stays delicious and gooey for up to four days in the refrigerator. Be sure to let it come to room temperature or gently rewarm before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake freezes surprisingly well! Cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness, place a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or pop the dish in a low oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you want it warm and soft, but not overheated or dried out.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While classic chocolate is traditional for Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake, experimenting with flavors like red velvet or even German chocolate is a delicious twist. Just keep the proportions the same and enjoy the new flavor combination.

Why does the center of my cake look underbaked?

It’s supposed to—that’s the gooey magic! The center should wobble slightly when you take it out of the oven. If you bake it until fully set, the signature gooey texture won’t shine through. Trust the process, and let it finish setting as it cools.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You sure can! Swap in your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Everything else in the recipe works perfectly, so everyone can get in on the Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake fun.

How can I make this cake extra rich?

For even more decadence, sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped chocolate on top before baking. Swirling in a spoonful of Nutella or peanut butter to the cream cheese layer is also dreamy.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in two separate 9×13-inch pans for the same delicious results. Perfect for potlucks or big family gatherings—everyone always wants seconds.

Final Thoughts

Bake a pan of Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake and I promise you’ll win dessert hearts everywhere. It’s simple, indulgent, and so much fun to dress up or enjoy as-is. Don’t wait—grab those ingredients and treat yourself to a gooey, chocolatey masterpiece tonight!

Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the irresistible decadence of Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake, a rich and moist dessert that combines the best of chocolate cake and cheesecake in one delightful treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Cake Base:

1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar (about 1 lb)

Optional toppings: whipped cream, chocolate chips, or a dusting of cocoa powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Cake Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg in a bowl. Press the mixture into the baking dish.
Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Mix well. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth. Pour over the chocolate cake base.
Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Cool for 20 minutes before slicing. Serve with optional toppings.