Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and adore rich, indulgent desserts, then the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is here to steal your heart. This luscious cake combines a fudgy chocolate crust with a irresistibly creamy, buttery filling studded with crunchy pecans, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that melt in your mouth. Every bite is a delightful contrast of gooey sweetness and nutty warmth, making this a show-stopping dessert perfect for family gatherings or as a special treat any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step toward making this delectable dessert shine. Each component has a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and that signature ooey gooey feel.
- Chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz): Serves as the rich, chocolatey foundation for the crust, providing deep flavor and great structure.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup total, melted): Adds creamy moisture and richness, split between the crust and the luscious filling.
- Large eggs (3 total): Bind ingredients perfectly, helping the crust set and the filling become smooth and dense.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Brings that signature creamy, tangy smoothness central to the ooey gooey texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
- Powdered sugar (3 3/4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the filling to the perfect consistency without grittiness.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Adds a toasty crunch and nutty contrast that complements the decadent chocolate layers beautifully.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and come out cleanly from the pan, setting the stage for that perfect crust and filling combo.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until a thick dough forms. This dough is the rich, chocolaty base that holds everything together. Press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a firm, fudgy crust.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling
Using a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. Then add the remaining two eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix until fully combined and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, stirring gently to maintain that silky texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold the chopped pecans into the filling. If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting the pecans lightly before adding. This step gives your dessert its signature crunch and a lovely, nutty depth that balances the sweet richness.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the creamy filling over the chocolate crust and spread evenly so every bite has the perfect ratio of chocolaty crust and gooey filling. Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains just a little jiggly. This ensures the cake stays delectably ooey and gooey.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Let the cake cool completely before cutting. Cooling allows the filling to set enough to slice beautifully into squares, showcasing that irresistible gooey texture.
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can add an elegant touch to your Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. Consider sprinkling extra chopped pecans on top for more texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with classic accompaniments like a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Fresh berries can also offer a bright, tart contrast that highlights the richness of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve small squares of the cake on skewers alongside marshmallows and fruit for a dessert platter. You could also crumble pieces over a bowl of vanilla ice cream to create an indulgent sundae that really wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe keeps best stored covered at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to extend its freshness, refrigerate it tightly covered for up to a week without losing that gooey texture.
Freezing
Feel free to freeze leftover squares by wrapping each piece individually in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. They freeze well for up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that soft, gooey feel, microwave individual squares for 10 to 15 seconds before serving. This quick reheating revives the creamy texture without drying out the crust.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Using a homemade chocolate cake batter can add a personal touch, though the mix does simplify the process while still delivering great flavor and texture.
What if I’m allergic to nuts? Can I omit the pecans?
You can definitely leave out the pecans to accommodate allergies. Consider adding mini chocolate chips or dried fruit for added texture instead.
How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?
Look for edges that are set and a center that still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking will result in losing that signature ooey gooey goodness.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients don’t contain gluten. This swap still lets you enjoy the rich flavors without compromise.
What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
Cut the cake into small squares and arrange on a pretty platter. Adding garnishes like chopped pecans, powdered sugar, or chocolate drizzle will make it look irresistible and inviting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its rich chocolate crust paired with that luscious buttery filling and crunchy pecans creates a dance of flavors that you and your loved ones will be talking about long after the last crumb disappears. Bake a batch, share it with friends, and savor each ooey, gooey moment!
Print
Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a rich, decadent dessert featuring a fudgy chocolate cake crust topped with a creamy, buttery filling studded with crunchy pecans. Baked to perfection with a gooey center, this American classic dessert is perfect for satisfying chocolate lovers and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Mix well until a thick dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the cake crust.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the two eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, mixing thoroughly until fully combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Add pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans into the filling mixture to incorporate even nutty texture throughout.
- Assemble: Pour the creamy pecan filling evenly over the prepared chocolate crust and spread smoothly using a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly for a perfect ooey gooey texture. Avoid overbaking to retain gooey goodness.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into 16 squares. This cooling step helps the filling set slightly for clean slices.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet before folding them into the filling.
- This dessert is very rich; serve in small squares to satisfy without overwhelming.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature up to 2 days, or refrigerate to maintain freshness for longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
